McCoole, MD

McCoole is a quiet, small community tucked into the mountain valley of western Maryland's Allegany County. Home to fewer than 400 residents, it sits along the North Branch of the Potomac River, right on the West Virginia border. Everyday life here is closely tied to the larger town of Keyser just across the bridge. Living in McCoole gives you a peaceful Maryland address while keeping you within a few minutes of grocery stores, local dining, and campus life at Potomac State College.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

Historically, the area grew around the regional railroad boom, serving as a vital crossing point for timber and coal moving through the Alleghenies. Today, convenient highway connections along U.S. 220 and Route 135 make it easy to commute toward Cumberland or head out into the Potomac Highlands for weekend hiking and fishing. For newcomers, McCoole offers a calm, affordable place to settle down with easy access to amenities on both sides of the river.