While the Baltimore-Washington corridor often steals the spotlight for Maryland real estate investment, savvy investors are increasingly looking north and east to the compelling potential of Harford and Cecil Counties. These neighboring regions offer a unique blend of strategic location, economic drivers, and local charm that make them excellent—and often overlooked—markets for both short-term rentals (STRs) and mid-term rentals (MTRs). 

Harford County: A Strategic Hub for Rentals

Harford County's primary appeal lies in its strong economic anchors and strategic geography.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Potential

The STR market thrives on tourism, events, and short-stay business needs.

• Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG): As one of the largest employers in the state, APG drives consistent demand from military personnel, contractors, and visiting consultants. While much of this translates to MTR demand, there is a need for short-term stays during initial visits or temporary assignments.

• Sporting and Events Tourism: Venues like the Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen (home of the Aberdeen IronBirds) draw visitors for baseball tournaments and regional events, creating weekend demand.

• Lacrosse Tournaments: Harford County hosts several lacrosse tournaments, including the Summer Sizzle at Cedar Lane Regional Park and Copperplex in July 2026, and the Autumn Classic at Cedar Lane Regional Park and Maryland Polo Club in November 2026. Other regional tournaments that use venues like Cedar Lane are the Boys Apex Summer Launch in May 2026 and the National Fall Lax Fest at locations including Edgewood in October 2025. Maryland is a major hub for national collegiate lacrosse recruiting due to its high number of college programs, its prominence in youth and club lacrosse, and the presence of national recruiting showcases and events held in the state. The state hosts elite showcases, where athletes compete in front of college coaches from top Division I, II, and III programs.

• Leisure Travelers: Proximity to the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, historic sites like Havre de Grace, and equestrian events (e.g., Fair Hill Training Center in neighboring Cecil) offer leisure appeal, particularly for those looking for a quieter stay outside of Baltimore.

Mid-Term Rental (MTR) Potential (30+ Days)

MTRs, typically rented for 1 to 12 months, represent Harford County's strongest growth area. These properties cater to the professional class seeking furnished, flexible housing.

• APG Contractors and Military: This is the core driver. MTRs are ideal for long-term government contractors, new military transfers awaiting permanent housing, or teams working on temporary projects. The demand is steady and less seasonal than typical vacation rentals.

• Corporate Housing: Harford County hosts numerous industrial parks and corporate headquarters. MTRs provide flexible housing for traveling executives, relocated employees, or training attendees.

• Healthcare Professionals: Proximity to University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital and other medical facilities creates demand for traveling nurses and locum tenens physicians.

Cecil County: Coastal Charm Meets Logistics Powerhouse

Cecil County sits at the nexus of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, providing a different, but equally strong, investment profile.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Potential

Cecil County leans heavily into leisure tourism, offering a more traditional STR market.

• The Upper Chesapeake Bay: Towns like North East, Chesapeake City, and Port Deposit are popular destinations for boaters, fishing enthusiasts, and weekend escapes. Waterfront properties, or those with easy access to marinas, command premium STR rates during the peak summer season.

• Delaware and Pennsylvania Access: The county serves as a gateway for travelers moving between the mid-Atlantic states, providing convenient overnight stops near major Interstate corridors (I-95).

• Fair Hill Events: The Fair Hill Training Center and State Park host significant equestrian and regional events, generating concentrated bursts of high-demand bookings.

Mid-Term Rental (MTR) Potential (30+ Days)

Cecil County's MTR strength comes from its growing logistics and education sectors.

• Logistics and Distribution: Located along the I-95 corridor, Cecil County is a major hub for distribution centers (e.g., Amazon, Lidl). MTRs appeal to project managers, temporary logistics staff, and executives overseeing new site launches.

• Higher Education: Proximity to institutions like Cecil College drives demand for flexible housing for visiting faculty, researchers, and students on specific programs.

• Construction and Infrastructure: Ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects often bring in out-of-town crews needing month-to-month furnished accommodation.

Key Investment Considerations

The Bottom Line

Both Harford and Cecil Counties offer compelling paths for rental property investors. Harford provides the consistent, high-yield opportunity of the APG MTR market, while Cecil offers the premium rates of seasonal STR demand alongside emerging logistics-driven MTRs. By targeting these specific demand generators, investors can capitalize on the region’s growing economy and strategic positioning, securing high-occupancy rates and superior returns compared to saturated metro areas.

If you are interested in seeing the STR/MTR potential of your current property in this region or investing in a new property in the area, we can help. Here at PMI Old Line, we specialize in STR/MTR property management and are expanding into Harford and Cecil Counties. Reach out on our website: pmioldline.com to set up a free consultation.