Living in Urbana offers the additional, and maybe unexpected, benefit of convenience. Though the community boasts a small-town atmosphere, big city amenities are not far away. Urbana is less than one hour’s drive to the northwest from Washington, D.C., a city that features a huge range of cultural, historical, educational and entertainment opportunities. As well, Baltimore, MD, is roughly the same distance from Urbana on its eastern side. For those who like to stay local, the Villages of Urbana also has a charming Town Center that incorporates retail stores, dining establishments, a public library and more.

Urbana’s natural amenities include Sugarloaf Mountain and Monocacy River. Sugarloaf is actually privately owned and managed, but open to the public to enjoy free of charge. The site is unusual in that it is a lone mountain rising above a large stretch of flat farmland. Features include many hiking trails and excellent opportunities for viewing deer and other wildlife. Sugarloaf’s elevation is about 1,300 feet or roughly 800 feet above the surrounding area.

Visitors can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Monocacy River as well. Of particular interest is the Monocacy River Water Trail, a self-guided kayak or canoe tour of the river between the Monocacy Battlefield and the Monocacy Aqueduct. The “trail” features access points along the river and signage noting bridges and other significant points.

Urbana enjoys a rich history which adds significance to some of the community’s most predominant features. Monocacy National Battlefield, for example, is located near the Villages of Urbana toward the northwestern side of the region. The site, now managed by the National Park Service, is remembered as the location of the “Battle That Saved Washington,” during the American Civil War. The battle occurred in 1864 and was technically a victory for the Confederate side. As it happened though, the time spent in battle gave the Union forces time to reinforce the nation’s capital, thus preventing a march on Washington. Today, the site features exhibits, monuments, trails and roads. A variety of educational programs are also held throughout the year.