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Annapolis, MD

Frequently asked questions

Annapolis, MD 

Annapolis is the capital city of the U.S. state of Maryland and the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Anne Arundel County. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, 25 miles (40 km) south of Baltimore and about 30 miles (50 km) east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis forms part of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. The 2020 census recorded its population as 40,812, an increase of 6.3% since 2010.

This city served as the seat of the Confederation Congress, formerly the Second Continental Congress, and temporary national capital of the United States in 1783–1784. At that time, General George Washington came before the body convened in the new Maryland State House and resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Army. A month later, the Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the American Revolutionary War, with Great Britain recognizing the independence of the United States. The city and state capitol was also the site of the 1786 Annapolis Convention, which issued a call to the states to send delegates for the Constitutional Convention to be held the following year in Philadelphia. Over 220 years later, the Annapolis Peace Conference took place in 2007. Annapolis is the home of St. John's College, founded 1696. The United States Naval Academy, established 1845, is adjacent to the city limits. 

Located 25 miles (40 km) south of Baltimore and 30 miles (48 km) east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis is the closest state capital to the national capital. In land area Annapolis (proper) is also the smallest of the United States capital cities.

The city is a part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and is relatively flat, with the highest point being only 50 feet (15 m) above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.10 square miles (20.98 km²), of which 7.18 square miles (18.60 km²) is land and 0.92 square miles (2.38 km²) is water.

A settlement in the Province of Maryland named "Providence" was founded on the north shore of the Severn River on the middle Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in 1649 by Puritan exiles from the Province/Dominion of Virginia led by the third Proprietary Governor of Maryland, William Stone (1603–1660). The settlers later moved to a better-protected harbor on the Severn's southern shore. The settlement on the south shore, known from 1683 as "Town at Proctor's", then "Town at the Severn", became in 1694 "Anne Arundel's Towne" (after Lady Ann Arundell (1616–1649), the late wife of the late Cecilius Calvert, second Lord Baltimore, 1605–1675).

Annapolis places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center provides quality health care for their patients. Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center offers personalized fitness training to help you meet your fitness goals. For a serene yoga experience, Blue Lotus Yoga Studio and True Moon Yoga provide classes suitable for all levels. Annapolis Athletic Club is a popular fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment and personal training sessions. Bay Hills Golf Club offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise on their beautiful golf course. For holistic wellness, The Still Point Spa provides services such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and skincare. 

Top sites in Annapolis are Quiet Waters Park, William Paca House & Garden, and Banneker-Douglass Museum.

Population: 40,552 (2023). ZIP codes: 21403, 21401-21405, 21409, 21411-21412. Area codes: 410, 443, 667. Elevation: 43 ft (13 m). Area: 8.11 sq mi (21.01 km²).

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Annapolis, MD?

Annapolis, Maryland's cost of living is 35% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Annapolis's housing expenses are 142% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 5% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% higher than the national average.

How did Annapolis, MD get its name?

The capital of Maryland was originally called "Providence" when settled by the Puritans. It was later called "Anne Arundel's Towne" after the wife of Lord Baltimore, who owned the proprietary colony. It wasn't until a Royal Governor, Sir Francis Nicholson, moved the capital here from St. Mary's City that the small seaport received its present name. Sir Francis chose to honor Princess Anne, heir to the throne. In 1708, as Queen, she chartered her colonial namesake as a city.

What is the crime rate in Annapolis, MD?

The crime rate in Annapolis is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 25 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Annapolis is 1 in 40. Based on FBI crime data, Annapolis is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Maryland, Annapolis has a crime rate that is higher than 83% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

City of Annapolis

Wikipedia

Payscale

Neighborhood Scout

Quiet Waters Park

William Paca House & Garden

Banneker-Douglass Museum

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center

Luxury Health Club & Fitness Center

Blue Lotus Yoga Studio

True Moon Yoga

Annapolis Athletic Club

Bay Hills Golf Club

The Still Point Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.