Essex harmonizes single-family homes with townhouses and condominiums. The lifestyle is relaxed, with local recreation councils and schools providing a variety of programs. Baltimore County’s waterfront positively affects the east-side economy, where marinas are expanding, restaurants are springing up, and many homeowners are renovating their properties. Even the county parks are adding new trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. Essex is convenient to Highway 40 and Interstate 95. It has a total area of 11.9 square miles and a population over 40,000. The town is mainly level with gently rolling areas and changes to marshland near the Chesapeake Bay. Job opportunities in nearby Hunt Valley and in downtown Baltimore have attracted an influx of new residents.