WELCOME HOME

Welcome to the Metropolitan Baltimore region, a progressive urban area that stands at the crossroads of the North and the South to offer the best of all worlds. Baltimore has long been known for its blend of genteel sensibility with a blue-collar dedication to hard work. Newcomers will find a colorful and diverse cultural mix reflected in the pleasing spectrum of settings and lifestyles — all of which are enhanced by Baltimore’s world-class amenities and services.

Enjoying an ideal location midway along the Atlantic Coast, Maryland’s leading port of trade and industry is closely aligned geographically with our nation’s capital city. In fact, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget even merged the Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and
the Washington, D.C., MSA. The two form the Washington/Baltimore Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA), a vast and densely populated region stretching from Northern Virginia through most of Maryland to the Pennsylvania border.

With a population nearing 7.5 million, the Washington/Baltimore CMSA represents one of the nation’s largest markets. It also ranks among the highest in the nation for median household income in major metro areas. A large percentage of Maryland’s highly qualified, well-educated workforce is employed by government agencies or in high-tech service industries. These sectors, along with revitalized manufacturing and international trade, are critical drivers for the state’s economy. Major transportation resources serving the area include the Port of Baltimore, three major airports, and an efficient network of high-speed highways.

Services

At the forefront of medical technology, the healthcare system in Maryland ensures quality, cost-effective treatment and easy access to state-of-the-art services and facilities. General and acute-care hospitals combine with medical centers and centers of excellence throughout the region. Most communities also provide resources that meet routine and emergency needs just around the corner from home. Some of the medical and research institutions in this area are ranked among the world’s finest and enjoy an international reputation. Among the Metropolitan Baltimore facilities that are consistently recognized and acclaimed are The Johns Hopkins Hospital and University Shock Trauma Unit, Baltimore Regional Burn Center, the Hand Rehabilitation Unit at Union Memorial Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.

Maryland takes great pride in its public and private schools, boasting school districts that rank among the nation’s highest in college-board test results and per-pupil expenditures. Programs for talented and gifted students complement those for the challenged to ensure that every individual has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential. In most Maryland schools, the low average pupil-teacher ratio of 1 teacher for every 17 students ensures personalized attention. Continuing education programs and affordable higher education is readily available in a network of community colleges and vocational or career centers. Some of Metropolitan Baltimore’s more prominent colleges and universities include Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Towson State University, Loyola College, Goucher College, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and Western Maryland College.

Quality of Life

The City of Baltimore and the surrounding metropolitan areas are recognized for having one of the highest quality-of-life ratings in the nation. A comparatively low cost of living combines with assets like efficient transportation systems, world-famous art collections, great neighborhoods, superb performing arts, and fine museums. Add to this impressive list the advantages of major league sports, renowned university and educational resources, superior healthcare systems, historic parks, and a waterfront filled with recreational opportunities.

Complementing the thriving economy and first-rate services in this region is a wide selection of outstanding cultural and recreational attractions that are designed to please every age group. Appreciation and support for the arts is evident throughout the Metropolitan Baltimore region, which boasts permanent companies for opera, symphony, dance, and theatre. Among the more popular and prominent attractions are the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Baltimore Opera Company, the Baltimore Symphony, Center Stage, Morris A. Mechanic Theatre, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Peale Museum, and Arena Stage.

Whether you prefer to cheer on professional sports teams from the sidelines or make plans for outdoor adventures of your own, Metropolitan Baltimore is ideally located for competitive thrills and recreation around the four seasons. In addition to a wealth of health, tennis, and golf clubs, outstanding facilities and recreation areas are available for swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, and bicycling. Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are both home to some of the nation’s most popular and successful professional sports teams. Other spectator sporting events include thoroughbred races at Pimlico and Laurel Race Courses, harness races at Rosecroft and Delmarva Downs Raceways, and yacht races in Annapolis. The region also hosts a number of professional golf and tennis tournaments and high-spirited collegiate competition. Popular events range from University of Maryland football to lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University.

Hundreds of miles of shoreline, scenic lakes, rolling rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean create waterways that beckon boaters, anglers, windsurfers, and swimmers. The panoramic Chesapeake Bay provides exciting and challenging boating for all levels of expertise, while protected creeks and coves are delightful for cruising and waterfront relaxation. Public and private boat launches are available throughout the state, and freshwater fishing opportunities are abundant. In fact, public fishing lakes and reservoirs are located in nearly every Maryland county. Nature lovers can choose from a variety of Maryland camping and hiking experiences year-round, from state parks with modern facilities to more rustic sites that provide an undisturbed setting of natural beauty.

For a tranquil and distinctive recreational atmosphere, Assateague and Chincoteague Islands provide protected beaches where wild ponies still roam. More than 30 public and private hunting grounds are open during the season, featuring game animals that include geese, ducks, and other migratory birds as well as whitetail deer and small game. When the snow flies, downhill and cross-country skiing are popular sports in western and central Maryland where the Appalachian Mountains offer scenic retreats around the calendar year. Less than a four-hour drive from Baltimore, more than 15 ski resorts offer excellent accommodations in picture-perfect alpine settings.

Active parks and recreation groups have designed a variety of sports and recreational activities for residents of all ages, including league competition and summer camps. County recreation departments, community recreation councils, and the YMCA provide wonderful activities and lively programs for school-age children. Families throughout the Metropolitan Baltimore region have the opportunity to explore some of the nation’s finest museums and science or nature centers. The B&O Railroad Museum, the Baltimore Zoo, Crayola Works studio, the Ladew Topiary Gardens, the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Davis Planetarium, and Port Discovery children’s museum are only a few of the premier attractions.

Shoppers will delight in the metropolitan region’s exciting array of retail centers, including upscale boutiques and prestigious department stores, antique districts, farmers markets, and suburban malls and plazas. Regional malls often serve as amusement and entertainment centers as well, providing theaters, restaurants, cafes, arcades, traveling exhibits, and other special events. The quaint shops and cafes tucked away in smaller neighborhood shopping districts provide a more relaxed, intimate shopping experience. Hunters for fine collectibles will find antique malls and shops filled with treasures from yesterday.

Throughout this diverse region, welcoming neighborhoods nestle against gently rolling hills or along tree-lined city streets. New residents will find the ideal environment in urban, suburban, small-town, and rural settings that offer a diverse selection of housing from well-appointed subdivisions to luxurious highrises and condominiums. Take your time exploring the distinctive advantages and exceptional quality of life that Metropolitan Baltimore has to offer. We know that you’ll discover a dynamic region where gracious living harmonizes with unparalleled urban amenities.

Welcome home!