Reisterstown

Our Moment

Reisterstown is a gateway where history and opportunity converge.

Its Main Street is lined with historic buildings, locally owned shops and working-class establishments that reflect generations of families who built their lives here. It is the only designated Main Street in the County, earning that recognition from state and national programs. 

The Reisterstown Improvement Association has worked tirelessly to preserve this character—hosting events, beautifying streetscapes and keeping Main Street alive as a place where neighbors gather. With its centralized location, Reisterstown is perfectly positioned to become a destination for families, young professionals and workers from nearby job clusters. 

Our Mission

Now the opportunity is to do more than preserve. Main Street and its surrounding neighborhoods such as Chartley can be the heart of a community and a magnet for new investment. To get there, Baltimore County must act with urgency and vision, building on the foundation already laid by community organizations.

By leaning into its historic charm, enhancing walkability and investing in public spaces, Main Street can evolve into a vibrant corridor that connects heritage with modern vitality. In Chartley, there are opportunities to create limited mixed-use hubs that tie the neighborhoods to Main Street and the community. 

A small area plan would enhance the work on the existing efforts at facade improvement and supporting small business while honoring Reisterstown’s identity. The plan would also add safe sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and a tree canopy to its vital core.

All together, these efforts would make Reisterstown a destination similar to Owings Mills, enhancing the opportunities for small business and reinvigorating the surrounding communities so that Reisterstown is a place where young families can live, work and grow.  

With vision and planning, Reisterstown can amplify what already makes it special transforming into a vibrant, walkable and charming destination that brings together much of Baltimore County and the City, strengthens community identity and secures its future as a place where heritage and opportunity meet.