Antigua Condos

Verified Building Facts

• Building Name: Antigua
• Address: 8500 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Location Type: Mid-Town Ocean City
• Year Built: 1976
• Building Type: High-rise
• Number of Units: 104
• Elevator Access: Yes
• Short Term Rentals: Yes

These facts are provided for informational purposes and should be independently verified during the purchase process.

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About Antigua

Antigua is a 14-story high-rise condominium building constructed in 1976, located at 8500 Coastal Highway in Ocean City, MD. The building contains 104 units, predominantly two-bedroom layouts, and provides limited amenities including an outdoor pool, sauna, and a large sundeck. On-site management is available to oversee operations and support residents, while the building's elevator access facilitates movement throughout its multiple floors.

Situated in Mid-Town Ocean City, just south of North OC's "High-Rise Row," Antigua primarily serves buyers such as second-home purchasers and vacation-rental investors. The building allows short-term rentals, and its oceanfront location offers orientation along Coastal Highway with proximity to local landmarks like the Art League of Ocean City. Overall, Antigua functions as a condominium complex that accommodates both ownership and rental usage within a high-rise residential setting.

Amenities at Antigua

Antigua offers a focused set of essential on-site amenities for its oceanfront location in Mid-Town Ocean City.

Amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Sauna
• Large sundeck
• On-site management

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Floor Plans and Unit Types

Antigua offers a more streamlined selection of floor plans focused on a specific unit style.

Common unit types include:

• 2-Bedroom

Interior layouts, square footage, and finishes vary by unit, floor level, and ownership.

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Grant’s Local Insight on Antigua

Antigua is one of the most recognizable buildings in Ocean City, and it’s also one of the most polarizing. The octagon-style design stands out immediately, and once you understand how the building was conceived, the rest of the story starts to make sense.

I’ll be honest, Antigua had a rough start. The original construction saw multiple general contractors begin the project and not finish it, which is part of the building’s early history. That said, the final product introduced some genuinely unique features that you don’t see elsewhere in town.

One of the most interesting is the geothermal-style HVAC concept, with drain fields located beneath the parking lot. It was an ambitious idea, and while it comes with efficiencies, it also contributes to the building’s overall personality. The hollow core design creates a steady flow of air through the center of the building. In the summer, many owners appreciate the natural breeze. In the cooler months, that same feature can be less welcome. It’s a true tradeoff, not a flaw, but it’s something buyers should understand.

The design also affects views. A limited number of units capture excellent ocean views, while others look back toward Coastal Highway. As a result, pricing reflects these realities, and that’s where opportunity often shows up. Compared to other high-rise buildings, Antigua can offer a more approachable entry point for buyers who want ocean proximity and something architecturally different, as long as they’re comfortable with the pros and cons.

Antigua isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. For the right buyer, it can be a smart and interesting choice.

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Who Antigua Is Best Suited For

Antigua is typically best suited for:

• Second-home buyers
• Vacation-rental investors
• Buyers prioritizing oceanfront or water views
• Buyers seeking entry-level oceanfront ownership
• Owners planning short-term rentals

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Common Buyer Mistakes at Antigua

Some of the most common mistakes buyers make when evaluating Antigua include:

• Assuming all units have the same view
• Assuming parking is assigned to every unit
• Assuming rental income is consistent across all units
• Assuming it functions like a full-service resort

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Rental and Investment Potential

Antigua allows short-term rentals and provides opportunities for owners to participate in the vacation rental market, with rental demand generally considered strong. Rentals are permitted throughout the building, though unit characteristics such as the presence or absence of balconies may influence attractiveness to renters.

The building’s oceanfront location, high name recognition, and essential amenities support its use for short-term rentals, particularly for families seeking oceanfront experiences. Buyers should perform their own due diligence regarding rental potential and unit-specific considerations before making ownership decisions.

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HOA Fees and Ownership Details

Homeowner association fees at Antigua vary based on unit size and location. HOA fees generally contribute to building maintenance, amenity upkeep, insurance, management, and common area utilities.

Parking policies, pet rules, and rental guidelines should be reviewed during the contract process, as association policies may evolve over time.

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Antigua Real Estate Market Trends

Antigua experiences high market activity, reflecting strong buyer interest influenced by its oceanfront location, high-rise structure, and recognized name in Mid-Town Ocean City. The building generally attracts buyers seeking second homes or vacation rental opportunities, with its essential amenities and straightforward unit types contributing to its overall appeal.

Within the building, factors such as ocean or bay views, floor level, and unit layout tend to drive variation in pricing and buyer preference. Prospective owners typically evaluate units based on these characteristics along with the building’s limited amenity offerings and rental potential, while considering the broader context of its location and structure.

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Antigua vs Nearby Oceanfront Condos

Antigua usually lands in the same conversation as Atlantis because of its distinctive architecture. Both are love-it-or-not buildings depending on stack and orientation. High Point South enters when buyers are comparing price point and simplicity in that stretch of oceanfront. 9400 shows up when someone says they just want something straightforward. Antigua tends to attract buyers who see opportunity in uniqueness. It’s not the safest choice in the lineup, but for the right person, it makes sense.

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Buying or Selling a Antigua Property

Last reviewed by Grant Fritschle

Grant Fritschle is a second-generation Ocean City, Maryland real estate professional with nearly three decades of experience specializing in oceanfront, waterfront, and investment properties throughout Ocean City, MD and Fenwick Island, DE. He is known for his deep local knowledge, data informed guidance, and long term client relationships built on transparency and trust.

Last reviewed: February 2026

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