Pristine Condo Community Is Pasadena’s Best-Kept Secret

Photo by Judy Tacyn

Posted Thursday, January 24, 2019 9:17 am

By Judy Tacyn

Stoney Beach is a tiny community of condominiums located off Fort Smallwood Road. It’s a peninsula nestled within the Patapsco River, Nabbs Creek, Stoney Creek, Cox Creek and Back Cove. Water views are plentiful in this neighborhood of small courts and cul-de-sacs. The condos are spacious at approximately 2,000 square feet.

Residents can see Baltimore across the river and watch the cruise and cargo ships come into Baltimore Harbor. With very little traffic, life in Stoney Beach is quiet and tranquil.

The tight-knit community enjoys cookouts, meet-and-greets, Halloween and other holiday parties for the children, beach cleanups and community days, community yard sales, and dumpster days twice a year for yard cleanup.

There are tennis courts, a dog-walk area, a boardwalk, a pool, camper and boat storage, and a small boat ramp.

Public schools in the area are Solley Elementary, George Fox Middle and Northeast High schools. The development started to spring up in 1990.

Faith Ringler-Stevinson - Resident for 27 Years

Once upon a time, Baltimore residents considered Pasadena the “country.” Faith Ringler-Stevinson’s family was one of those families. Her parents bought a rancher in Pasadena in 1953, and Ringler-Stevinson has never seen the need to live anywhere else. After she married, she wanted to stay in Pasadena.

“Stoney Beach was a new upcoming community with a pool and tennis courts for the girls, and they were able to stay in their same school,” said Ringler-Stevinson, a Northeast Senior High School graduate. “We liked Stoney Beach because it is close to water with easy access to D.C. and [Interstate] 695.”

As one of the original homeowners in 1991, Ringler-Stevinson has seen the area develop over the years, but she insists it still feels like the country. “Stoney Beach is not congested at all,” she added.

As for recommending the neighborhood, Ringler-Stevinson gives the community a resounding two thumbs up.

“We are very happy here. Everyone is neighborly and helpful in times of need,” added Ringler-Stevinson. “There is always someone helping a friend or a family in need. We do that no matter what. It’s the American way. Whether it’s watering your plants or walking or feeding your dog, our neighbors are always there.”

Ringler-Stevinson’s children are now married with children of their own, but she has no intentions of moving. She and her husband occasionally attend homeowners meetings, where residents discuss what improvements could be made to the neighborhood.

Jane Whitmire - Resident for 17 Years

Jane Whitmire’s father was raised in Stoney Beach, so she knew the area well. When it was time for her family to move, she had Stoney Beach on the top of her list of neighborhoods to visit.

“The community is unique in several ways,” said Whitmire. “It’s a private community that provides police officers as security for our residents. Outdoors, you can crab and fish right outside your doors. It is a pet-friendly community and has plenty of walking paths to walk your dogs.”

Whitmire noted that the community has an HOA that works hard to keep the community up-to-date and clean, providing great curb appeal to visitors.

“Another great feature is the fact that we have gas stations, fast food restaurants and stores less than two miles away,” added Whitmire. “The location alone is appealing to most people. It is located in Anne Arundel County but is an easy commute to Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Annapolis, and the D.C. areas. Shopping is close by and malls are within 15 to 30 minutes away.”

Whitmire also highly recommends Stoney Beach for anyone looking in Pasadena.

“Stoney Beach been a nice place to raise my family,” she added. “The neighbors have been respectful, helpful and just good friends. In my court, we watch over each other. For me, I like jogging. So the area is safe to run and provides trails, boardwalk and the private community road to run on.

“My neighbors are like my own family. We have always gotten along with our neighbors and I trust them. We know they are there when we need them,” she continued. “Most of the time, our neighbors work together with snow removal, shoveling their cars out, and coming to your aid if you have car issues or a flat tire. And most of all, we provide moral support at times when a loved one is sick or recovering from a surgery.”