Family And Environment Preservation Are Paramount In Sylvan View

When the word “view” is in the name of your community, chances are that there is some stunning scenery to be seen. Residents in Sylvan View claim they have the best view of the Magothy River, and the stunning community beach just might seal the deal.

The community is located on a tiny peninsula surrounded by Gray’s Creek, Sillery Bay and Tar Cove in the Magothy River. In the 1970s, neighbors purchased the large property from a private owner and turned the area into community property. There is a playground onsite, too, as well as a community marina and boat launch ramp.

What makes the community area unique is that it’s connected to the Gray’s Creek Bog. The bog is part of a 95,702-square-foot restoration project of once-degraded wetlands.

Many neighbors have golf carts to tool around the community. On clear evenings, the community beach is a spot for Magothy-gazing and socialization.

There are monthly socials at the beach in the summer. In December, Santa arrives to pick up the children’s wish lists and enjoy hot cocoa and treats. The Easter Bunny arrives in the spring, and Halloween isn’t complete without a bonfire and costume contest.

One of the most popular yearly events is Family Day, held in the fall, when residents enjoy live music, food and games.

Greg and Jean Garner
Residents for Four-Plus Years

Greg and Jean Garner’s families had already put down Pasadena roots by the time the two met. Together, they bought a house in 2000.

“A good friend and neighbor, Dave Cook, told us that the house we bought might be going up for sale. We knocked on the door of the previous owners and asked, and the rest is history. The house we live in is behind the house Greg grew up in,” said Jean. “We both love Pasadena and wanted to stay local and close to our families. Greg loved spending most of his childhood in Sylvan View and he knew that this is where he wanted to raise our family.”

The Garners appreciate that they are not the only ones who are multi-generation Pasadena families. “There are many kids that grew up in the community that have decided to return to raise their families,” she said. “There are at least five or six families that I can think of where both the parents and a child own a home in the neighborhood.”

Both Greg and Jean attended Bodkin Elementary School, as did their two children. The younger Garners now attend Chesapeake Bay Middle School and Chesapeake High School.

“Geographically, I think Pasadena is special because we are located between Baltimore and Annapolis,” said Jean. “We are also relatively close to Washington, D.C. We are on a peninsula in our particular area of Pasadena, which provides many opportunities for water access.”

Steven and Nori Ferguson
Lifelong Residents

Steven and Nori Ferguson grew up in Sylvan View, and in 2016, they bought their home, just two houses away from Steven’s family home of 40 years.

“It is a very close, family-orientated community,” said Nori, “and that’s hard to find that these days. I love Pasadena. I grew up here as well, though not in this same community. It’s grown quite a bit, but there are so many entrepreneurs and everyone seems to have their own business!

“Everyone is friendly,” added Nori. “Everywhere you go, you see someone you know or went to high school with. It seems like most of us stuck around or eventually gravitated back here.”

Nori said she, her husband, and their next-door neighbors went to high school together, and now their children are friends. Additionally, her best friend of 25 years lives in the community.

Bill and Paula Loane
Residents for Three Years

Bill Loane grew up in Green Haven, and Paula Loane grew up in Rock Hill Beach. They moved to Sylvan View in 2015.

“I had family in Sylvan View and a great-aunt who had lived in Hunter’s Harbor, and I’ve always loved the neighborhood,” said Paula. “We were looking for a family-oriented community to raise our children, with a great park and water access. We found our ‘American Dream’ and settled in May of 2015.”

The quiet streets, mature trees, different styles of homes, the water views and the breeze off the water are what drew the Loanes to Sylvan View.

“We have truly enjoyed sharing our backyard with the wildlife that frequent Sylvan View. We have a family of deer that stop by on occasion, countless cardinals who drop in every morning, a white squirrel (who our daughter is fascinated with) and a huge eagle that has taken up residence in our neighbor’s tree,” said Paula.

“The neighborly atmosphere and sense of community are things that we weren’t used to until we moved here,” she added. “Everyone looks out for one another and their children, and makes every effort to keep our community safe. That sense of unity is refreshing in this day and age.”

Matthew and Alicia Dumsha
Residents for Two Years

Alicia Dumsha and her husband, Matthew, grew up in Riviera Beach and have lived in Severna Park and Florida, though nothing ever truly felt like home.

“We wanted to come back to Pasadena. We wanted to look at neighborhoods with great schools, a great location, and we needed a turnkey home,” added Alicia. “We were still unsure, but once we drove past the community beach and marina, it stole our hearts and we put a bid in that night!

“[Sylvan View is] prime real estate for waterfront community,” she added. “We have a beautiful view of Dobbins Island and we are at the mouth of the Magothy, so if you are a boat owner in this community, you may have a wet slip in our community marina. And, the community beach is breathtaking.”

Two of the Dumsha children attend Bodkin Elementary School. “It is amazing and I can’t say any kinder words about this school,” said Alicia. “Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Hartman have been absolutely the best teachers I have ever dealt with.”

Alicia calls Pasadena a “small big town.”

“I work in Pasadena, I grocery shop here, go to my doctors here, our veterinarian is here, and I can even buy my kids sports gear here,” she said. “When your kids play on recreation sports leagues, 90 percent of the time, you know someone’s parent on your child’s team or can walk in somewhere and know someone. I love Pasadena and couldn’t think of a better place to raise my children.”

When mentioning her neighbors, Alicia said, “I don’t even know where to start. I have the most amazing group of neighbors that have befriend me since moving here. The welcoming we received was over the top! I mean, I got a welcome package with homemade fudge and beach toys for the kids! Who does that anymore? Not a lot of communities.”