Anne Arundel County Information in Maryland

As a coastal county, Anne Arundel is naturally known for its boating, fishing, crabbing, water skiing, sailing, and swimming. With more than 534 miles of coastline, over 70 county parks, multiple nature preserves, and two state parks there is no doubt that Anne Arundel is a nature lover’s paradise.

Its proximity to Washington, DC, and Baltimore make Anne Arundel County a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Anne Arundel County is also home to the state capital of Maryland, Annapolis.

Anne Arundel County Real Estate

Anne Arundel County is known for its high quality of life, and for good reason. Its location on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, stable economy, great schools, and strong communities make it the perfect place to call home.

Outside of historic Annapolis, the state capital, the county features many family-friendly communities with highly-rated schools, like Crofton, Severna Park, Arnold, Glen Burnie, and more. It is one of the strongest counties in Maryland for job opportunities and growth. Many residents commute to Annapolis, or even Baltimore and Washington DC (both approximately 30 mi/40 mins away).

Whether you are looking for luxury waterfront property, or an affordable and spacious condo, Anne Arundel County has a variety of options. Exclusive luxury homes can be found on waterfront lots with private docks and swimming areas, or sprawling estates inland. Homes are generally Colonial and Victorian in style, or newer builds keep the area’s colonial history in mind.

There are also many quiet neighborhoods near public beaches and docks. Many single-family homes in the county feature mid-century architecture, renovated with modern touches while maintaining their historic charm. Newer homes will feature the latest in design trends, with open floor plans, energy efficient appliances, and spacious lots.

Those needing less space can find affordable, spacious condos and townhomes. Annapolis also features a handful of row-homes, which are common in the Baltimore area.

Anne Arundel County History

The county is named for Lady Anne Arundell (1615-1649), the wife of Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (1605-1675), the founder and first Lord Proprietor of the Province of Maryland colony.

The area was originally part of St. Mary’s County, the first erected county in the southern portion of the Province of Maryland, settled in 1634. In 1650, the county separated from St. Mary’s, and became its own jurisdiction, the third of 23 Maryland counties.

In 1695, the provincial capital of Maryland was moved from St. Mary’s City to Providence, which was renamed “Annapolis”, in honor of Princess Anne, heir to the English throne. The Maryland State House, built 1772-1779, is the nation's oldest State Capitol in legislative use.

The county features a colorful battle history. In March 1655, the first-ever naval colonial battle in America was fought in Anne Arundel County. Puritan forces supporting the Commonwealth of England battled forces loyal to the Lord Proprietor Calvert on the Severn River. During the American Revolutionary War, citizens of the county supported the Continental Army by providing troops for 3 regiments. During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution, one of the six original frigates of the recently established United States Navy, sailed from Annapolis prior to its victorious engagement with the HMS Guerriere of the British Royal Navy. St. John`s College, one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the US, was established in Annapolis in 1794. While its curriculum has varied over its history, at one point serving as a military school, it has developed into a highly-rated liberal arts college.

In 1845, the US Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, the second oldest of five US service academies. It continues to educate officers for commissioning into the US Navy and US Marines to this day.

In present day, Anne Arundel County continues to celebrate its storied past, with many National Historic Landmark homes and structures, historical sites and museums.

Anne Arundel County Highlights & Attractions

With its location along Chesapeake Bay, and centrally located between Baltimore and Washington DC, Anne Arundel County residents enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions year-round.

Anne Arundel County is known for its beautiful 534 miles of coastline, and abundant opportunities for sailing and power boating along the bay and Severn River. Annapolis calls itself “America’s Sailing Capital”, with sailing schools, private charters, and public cruises. The city dock also hosts sailing and powerboat shows in the fall. Kayakers and canoers also paddle the waterways that flow into the bay. Beaches in parks operated by Anne Arundel County, such as Mayo Beach, require a permit for use, and some municipalities and developers restrict the use of their beaches to residents only. Sandy Point State Park offers several long, sandy beaches, patrolled by lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labour Day. It is a favorite spot for anglers, crabbers and bird-watchers.

Anne Arundel County has a wonderful variety of parks and trails to explore. Downs Park features a fishing pier, playground, sports courts and outdoor pavilions, with amazing views of Chesapeake Bay. The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail is a 13-mile paved multi-use trail that winds through parks, neighborhoods and wooded areas. The Piney Orchard Nature Preserve is a 45-acre protected wetland forest offering hiking and biking trails to visitors.

Historic Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is the most notable destination in the county. Founded in the 17th century, the city is home to a wealth of historical sites and beautiful colonial buildings. It is the home of the US Naval Academy (founded 1845), St John’s College (1784) and the Maryland State House, the nation’s oldest state capitol in legislative use (built 1772-1779). Visitors can stroll the infamous Ego Alley Waterway, watch Wednesday night sailboat races, shop unique downtown boutiques or the Annapolis Mall, and indulge at local eateries and seafood restaurants.

Family-friendly historical and educational opportunities are plentiful in Anne Arundel County. There are numerous museums in Annapolis, like the Maritime Museum, and Fort George Meade base features an Army Museum, as well as the NSA’s Cryptologic Museum. The area also features many cultural activities, like live music at Rams Head On Stage, or the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.

In the winter months, residents can enjoy just as many great outdoor activities. There are several outdoor skating rinks in Annapolis and other communities. Lakeland just outside of Baltimore offers cross-country skiing and sledding. The holidays offer many events, including the Lights on the Bay festival, the Anne Arundel Farmers Market Holiday Festival, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Annapolis City Dock.

Anne Arundel County is ideally located between both Baltimore and Washington DC, meaning residents are also within approximately 40 mins of amenities in either major city. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is within a 30 min (24 mi) drive as well.

• Anne Arundel County at a Glance
• Easy access to BWI Airport
• 5th largest school system in Maryland
• One of Maryland’s top counties in terms of job growth and opportunity