Annapolis, Maryland is a lively, contemporary city where centuries-old architecture meets 21st-century living. With its convenient location, charming urban feel and nautical heritage, it’s no wonder Annapolis was named one of the 20 best places to live on the coast by Coastal Living.

But is Annapolis, Maryland a good place to live for you? From exploring the boutiques and restaurants in the downtown historic district to enjoying the beach at Sandy Point State Park, here’s a breakdown of all the things to do in this Chesapeake town, and what makes Annapolis, Maryland, a good place to live.

Things to Do in Annapolis, Maryland

With so many opportunities for sightseeing and exploring, Annapolis is a wonderful place to live and an even better place to spend your free time. The city is rich with history. Many buildings date back to the 18th century and the early years of American independence. Strolling the cobblestone streets and observing the historic architecture is a great way to spend a warm weekend day. There are even guided tours if you want to learn more about the unique history of this gorgeous town. 

Annapolis is full of activities for anyone who loves to spend time outside. It is particularly great if you enjoy boating, as there are several boat launches and docks throughout town. There are plenty of parks in the Annapolis area with hiking and biking trails available, and if you prefer to relax in the sun, there are a number of beautiful beaches worth exploring. 

You can also enjoy a plethora of events hosted in downtown Annapolis throughout the year, which makes it easy to meet other Annapolis locals if you’re new to the area. There’s truly something for everyone, whether it’s boat races, live music, historic celebrations or family-friendly holiday events. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Annapolis, Maryland:

  • Annapolis Historic District: One of the first districts ever to be considered a National Historic Landmark District, the Historic District is brimming with historical sites, including St. Anne’s Church and the Maryland State House.
  • William Paca House & Garden: Built in the 1760s by William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a former governor of Maryland, the William Paca House is a can’t-miss landmark in the Historic District. The Georgian mansion sits on a two-acre colonial garden that offers a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • City Dock: Packed with locally-owned fashion boutiques, quaint shops, art galleries, pubs and historic inns, City Dock is the place to shop, eat and enjoy the waterfront. City Dock also hosts some of the city’s biggest events, including the Spring Sailboat Show in April, fireworks on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, and the Military Bowl Parade in December.
  • Quiet Waters Park: Located on the South River, this lush 340-acre park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with a view. You can bike, run, kayak, paddleboard or hike along the river, or take your furry friend to the dog park.
  • U.S. Naval Academy Museum: The United States Naval Academy is based in Annapolis, and Navy culture is very prominent in the area. This museum was established in 1845 and commemorates long-standing U.S. Navy and Marines traditions. With a room full of model ships, personal artifacts, medals and uniforms, the U.S. Naval Academy Museum is an awesome place to learn about the history of U.S. naval operations.

Living in Annapolis, Maryland

With recent positive job growth, an unemployment rate below the national average, and a population that has grown by 3.5% since 2010, Annapolis is a good place to live with plenty of potential. Take a look at what else makes Annapolis unique and convenient. 

Best Restaurants in Annapolis, Maryland

If you love seafood, Annapolis, Maryland is a good place to live. With countless restaurants overlooking the water, you can enjoy local Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs as well as a wide selection of delicious, fresh-caught local seafood. O’Leary’s in the Eastport district is close to the southern shore of the Severn River and is famous for its variety of seafood options. Across from the Maryland State House, Harry Browne’s is just as famous for its crab cakes as its people watching.

And no visit to the Historic District would be complete without a stop at Reynold’s Tavern, which dates back to 1747 and features classic seafood dishes like fish and chips, shrimp and grits, and mussels.

Schools in Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis schools rank among the best for K-8, according to US News & World Report, with 12 elementary schools and two middle schools ranked among the best in Maryland.

The prestigious St. John’s College is also located in Annapolis, Maryland. This liberal arts college is in the top two percent of all colleges in the nation for alumni earning PhDs in the humanities.

Transportation in Annapolis

Located equidistant from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland (27 miles to the west or north), Annapolis is an attractive commuter destination for either city. The town’s approximately 39,000 residents commute via three major highways, U.S. Routes 50/301, Maryland Route 2 and Interstate 97 which connect with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, immediately northeast of the city.

There are three nearby airports that provide easy access to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County: Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Annapolis Transit provides public transportation services and ADA complementary paratransit services to the City of Annapolis and surrounding areas in Anne Arundel County. In the central business district, visitors can use the Annapolis Circulator trolley or the Annapolis eCruiser to get around. Finally, the city maintains slips at the City Dock along with a number of mooring balls, all available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are also many regional public transit options available. Regional buses run from downtown Annapolis to New Carrolton, where riders can connect to MARC commuter rail trains or Washington Metro trains. There are also regional buses that connect to Baltimore’s light rail system. 

Cost of Living in Annapolis, Maryland

Given its great location and amenities, the cost of living in Annapolis, Maryland is higher than many other towns in the area, but it’s in line with most major Maryland cities. Annapolis’ cost of living is 30% above the national average; D.C., on the other hand, is 56 percent above the national average, while Baltimore’s is 11% above the average.

The median annual income of households in Annapolis, Maryland is $85,636. This is significantly higher than the U.S. median annual income of $65,712. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Annapolis is $1,784 per month, and the median cost for a home is $417,000. Other costs, such as utilities, groceries, and healthcare are fairly comparable to the rest of the country.

Where to Live in Annapolis, Maryland

Take a look at some of Southern Management’s apartments in Annapolis, Maryland, and the surrounding Anne Arundel County.

  • Admiral Farragut: Situated on 35 acres of lush landscaping just outside downtown Annapolis, the pet-friendly Admiral Farragut apartment community has a swimming pool, plenty of parking, laundry facilities and on-site management. All of the floor plans include luxurious features and top-of-the-line amenities.
  • Aquahart Manor: The garden-style apartments at Aquahart Manor are located just minutes from Baltimore and Annapolis. This property has a community swimming pool, outdoor picnic area and access to the MARC train and interstate for easy commuting.
  • North Forest: Surrounded by dense woods and green parks, the community of North Forest offers a peaceful natural setting right outside your doors. Plus, residents can enjoy amenities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness center and playground.
  • Carlyle Apartment Homes: With convenient access to Annapolis, D.C., and Baltimore, Carlyle Apartment Homes offers a small-town feel with all the benefits of being close to big cities. With convenient open parking and easy access to the interstate, these apartments for rent are a perfect choice for anyone looking for a great value.
  • Palisades and Residences at Arundel Preserve: We offer two apartment communities in the Arundel Preserve area of Hanover, Maryland. The Palisades at Arundel Preserve is the definition of ultra-luxury living, with a 24-hour fitness center, pool, covered parking and a community room with a pool table. The Residences at Arundel Preserve is perfect for commuters heading to Annapolis, D.C. and Baltimore, as it provides a car charging station, parking garage and is a short drive from BWI airport.

Living in Annapolis, Maryland Is Easy With Southern Management

From delicious seafood to stunning architecture, there are plenty of reasons that Annapolis, Maryland, is a good place to live. We hope that you’ll find the home of your dreams with Southern Management.

If you need help finding the perfect apartment in Annapolis, Maryland, we would love to help you navigate your options. We invite you to take a virtual tour of any of our Anne Arundel County apartment communities, or contact us for move-in and relocation specials or more information. Our team will happily discuss availability, pricing, amenities and more!