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Annapolis
Overview
Annapolis, the Capital of Maryland, is located along the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay. Nicknamed "America's Sailing Capital," Annapolis offers future homebuyers a unique coastal feel and big city luxuries, but a small-town feel.
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Real Estate
Annapolis has a population of 38,000 residents, who reside in over 16,000 homes and apartments. Single-family homes are very common along with apartment complexes and row houses. Those that do purchase a home in Annapolis enjoy some of the highest appreciation rates in all of America. Over the past ten years, the average Annapolis home has appreciated an incredible 81%. The majority of these homes were constructed between the 1970s and the 1990s, and in the 1940s. Annapolis's homes are located in urban and suburban settings. However, the words "urban" and "suburban" don't do Annapolis's beautiful neighborhoods justice. The many neighborhoods can be described as a combination of suburban and coastal. Many homes have views of the Chesapeake Bay or the Severn River, are located a few minutes walk or drive from the coast, or are actually located on the water. No matter how you describe it, Annapolis truly is a unique city.
Education
The Anne Arundel County Public School system serves the residents of Annapolis. Students attend one of two high schools: Annapolis High School or Broadneck High School. Annapolis High School is one of only three schools in Arundel County that offers the International Baccalaureate program. Offered to juniors and seniors, the program is designed to prepare students for life at higher academic levels and offers rigorous critical thinking exercises and exploration of international issues. Both Annapolis and Broadneck and envied throughout the county for the wide range of advanced placement courses offered to students. Broadneck also offers students the opportunity to get a jump-start on college by taking courses at the nearby Anne Arundel Community College. Annapolis is of course also home to institutions of higher learning such as St. John's College, and most famously, the United States Navel Academy.
Shop and Dine
Annapolis has a large number of retailers and restaurants. The downtown area is an excellent place to go for an afternoon of shopping followed by a nice dinner. There are also a number of shopping centers, such as the Westfield Mall, which currently offers 234 stores and 45 eateries. The Queenstown Outlets are an excellent option for the sophisticated, yet frugal shopper. Located just outside of Annapolis this upscale shopping mecca offers 60 upscale retailers at bargain prices, such as COACH, Polo, Banana Republic, St. John, and Brooks Brothers. Following the holiday season, and at other select times during the year, expect to find these stores and many more with discounts of more than 50%.
Annapolis is full of excellent dining opportunities, but its the seafood that's really worth talking about. Being located right on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is flush with Maryland's famous blue crabs. Stop by local favorites like Mike's Restaurant and Crab House, Cantler's Riverside Inn, Skipper's Pier to sample the local delicacy. If you just can't get your fill at these fine eateries, fear not; each year Annapolis is home to the Rotary Crab Feast, which is the largest event of its type in America. Annapolis also offers a number of other restaurants that stay closer to land, such as Jalapenos, Lebanese Tavern, Piccola Roma, Harry Browne's and Les Foilies Brasserie.
Arts and Culture
Annapolis offers a multitude of rich cultural experiences. There are a number of museums, and historical sites to explore. The Annapolis Maritime Museum, Chesapeake Children's Museum, and the U.S. Naval Academy Museum are either free or cost a nominal fee, and offer educational programs and rotating exhibits. The Hammond-Harwood House, and the Paca House and Garden are two historical buildings that offer tours and a peak into the past. William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, owned the former and the mansion and garden have been restored to their colonial-era grandeur. Living in Maryland's capital, residents are also afforded the opportunity to visit the seat of Maryland government by taking a free tour of the State House.
Stepping back into the present, Annapolis offers vibrant and entertaining cultural opportunities throughout the year. Annapolis hosts three theater groups: the Colonial Players, the King Williams Players, and the Naval Academy Masqueraders. All are known for their performances throughout the year, arguably the most popular of which is the production of A Christmas Carol, which has been performed every winter for the past 30 years.
Of course, due to its location on the water, Annapolis is the site of numerous boating events. Each year the city hosts the Annapolis Sailboat Show and the Powerboat Show. Both are some of the largest events of their kind, and showcase the newest advents in boating and sailing technology. Also, from April to September, every Wednesday night, spectators are treated to a series of sailboat races featuring over 100 sailboats coasting along the Chesapeake Bay.
Recreation
Annapolis offers residents over 200 acres of parkland spread across more than 30 parks. These parks feature community areas, playgrounds, biking trails and hiking trails. The Annapolis Department of Recreation and Parks has also partnered with Annapolis Community Boating to offer community boating programs at Back Creek Nature Park. Truxtun Park offers a boat ramp throughout the year, for launching your personal watercraft. Truxtun Park is also the location of the Municipal Swim Center, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Annapolis Waterworks Park is another local favorite, which offers hiking trails and places to picnic and fish.
Transportation
Annapolis is easily accessible by the John Hanson Highway (Route 301). Interestingly, Annapolis is the only city east of the Mississippi that is not served by a railroad or metro. However, those looking to use public transportation need not worry. The Annapolis Department of Transportation along with the Maryland Transit Administration operates several bus routes through Annapolis.
