Shore Homes And Coveted Waterfront

High Point Hits All The High Notes

Tucked behind High Point Elementary School and a neighborhood park is the friendly and tight-knit community of High Point. The 604 homes in the High Point community occupy a tiny peninsula northeast of Joy Harbor along Stoney Creek.

Once a dairy and produce farm owned by Josiah Armiger, the property was sold to Charles Christian and Frederick Peddicord in 1925. The property was subdivided into small lots so middle-class Baltimoreans would purchase property and build summer shore homes. Baltimore residents would travel - often by bay steamer - from the city to the tranquil waters of Stoney Creek, the Magothy River and the Chesapeake Bay. In the High Point area, the steamer ran from the Inner Harbor to Joy Harbor. In 1939, the High Point Improvement Association (HPIA) was chartered.

In addition to High Point Elementary School, kids attend George Fox Middle School and Northeast High School. Neighbors are just steps away from High Point Park. As a water-privileged community, High Point has a private beach and boat ramp.

The HPIA holds bimonthly community meetings, semiannual community yard sales and an annual block party. As residents of a relatively small community, HPIA members are always looking for ways to foster community spirit.

Steve York
Resident Since 1994

High Point Improvement Association President Steve York first moved to Pasadena from New Mexico in 1994. He chose Pasadena, specifically High Point, because he appreciated the quietness of the community and the affordability of waterfront or water-access properties.

“I think what really makes High Point unique is how we can all come together to solve common issues,” York said. “For example, we raised more than $25,000 in just under two years so we could repair our failing boat ramp without asking the county for money. We were recognized by our elected officials for that, which felt good.”

York’s children attended High Point Elementary School. “Both of my children attended, and we all loved it,” he said. “[Principal Timothy] Merritt is a truly special person, and creates such a great atmosphere for the kids. I cannot recommend High Point strongly enough.”

The family also loves Pasadena. “Pasadena has a smallish feel to it. You start to recognize the same faces when you’re out grocery shopping and it’s comforting,” York said. “The network of communities gives it a homey feel, too. Neighbors take care of each other, from what I’ve seen.”

As the HPIA president, York naturally recommends the community as a great place to live. “High Point is undergoing a bit of a renaissance right now, and we’re always looking for new energetic people to join our group and make High Point the neighborhood they’ve always wanted,” York added. “The feeling of home is about your community, not just your house.”

High Point residents also take care of one another by coming together to help when someone is in need.

“Families have cooked dinners for each other when someone was unable to due to illness or injury. Those who are able clear the driveways of snow for those who are less able, expecting nothing in return,” he said.

The Yorks are passing down their community commitment to their children.

“My wife was a Girl Scout leader for more than 10 years, bringing many girls from childhood to respectful, valuable contributors to society,” York noted. “My youngest daughter received her Girl Scout Gold Award through a project that resulted in installing an [Americans with Disabilities Act]-compliant picnic table and two benches (made from all recycled materials) at the High Point community beach.”

Chris Hessler
Resident since 2017

After renting for several years, Chris Hessler purchased her High Point home because it was conveniently located between her family and her work, and she wanted a nice, clean, quiet neighborhood to reside in. High Point filled all of her requirements.

“It’s a nice location with lots of amenities nearby,” said Hessler, “[with] easy access to D.C., Baltimore and other places. We also have a great area for people to take walks or bike ride. It is also very convenient to put a boat, kayak or paddleboard in the water at the High Point pier and enjoy the area from the water.”

Like York, Hessler appreciates her neighbors. “High Point is a very family-oriented, safe place to make a permanent home,” she added. “The residents are friendly and are willing to watch out for each other when need be.”

Jim and Jackie Creamer
Lifelong connection to High Point

Longtime residents will remember a neighborhood within the neighborhood affectionately known as “Creamer’s Corner.” The moniker dates back decades as Jim Creamer’s uncle, John Creamer, was one of the original purchasers when the land was parceled in the 1920s.

John Creamer owned a grocery store called Creamer’s Grocery Store. John Creamer was an investor who died when he was young, leaving his estate to Jim’s grandfather, George Creamer. George Creamer passed the property to Jim’s father, also George Creamer.

Jim and Jackie Creamer purchased a waterfront parcel in 1960, adjacent to his parents’ property. Jim had spent his childhood summers at the family’s shore home. From 1960 to 2004, Jim Creamer’s property was simply a lot. His family was living in Linthicum but came to their High Point lot, pitched tents next door to his parent’s home, and continued to spend summers in High Point.

Finally in 2004, with property taxes continuing to rise, Jim and Jackie decided to build a new home on their lot and live in High Point full time.

“I’ve always loved the waterfront,” Jim said. “I love fishing and crabbing, and I have lots of good memories growing up on the shores of High Point.”