Bordering the peaceful Back River that streams into the celebrated Chesapeake Bay, Essex is not widely known as a beach destination, but many locals argue the shore is its best-kept secret.

Secluded in Hawk Cove Bay, Rocky Point Beach offers beautiful waterfront views and a delightful respite from everyday life. Not to mention plenty of beaches just outside the city, including Miami Park Beach (yep, that's in the Free State!), Baltimore Beach, and Tolchester Beach.

For an extra dose of adventure, if you and the fam can't make it all the way to the fastest road in Germany, try your hands at some adrenaline-pumping go-karting at Essex's Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Channel your inner James Bond as you race your kids (or new neighbor!) at speeds up to 50 miles per hour.

Speaking of swift speeds, choosing an ADT monitored home security system for your new place will get you some of the fastest response times in the business. Those fast speeds combined with 24/7 monitoring of security equipment—such as door and window sensors, motions detectors, and smoke alarms—means you can expect that professionals are watching over your property even when you can't.

And of course Baltimore is just a hop, skip, and jump away, so whether you trek there each day for work, enjoy some fresh seafood on the weekends, or want a big city adventure every once in a while, Essex is your new perfect home base. Welcome.