Written By Malcolm Lawson
With over 350 years of history, the capital of Maryland has many things new and old to offer those moving to it. Annapolis is diverse in its culture, history, and activities. Therefore, being a city that anyone can enjoy. The beautiful scenery is just an added benefit when you consider everything else that can be enjoyed by local residents. Here are six things you need to know before moving to Annapolis Maryland.
Annapolis MD History
The history of Annapolis is rich and the city plays an important role in American history. The city was originally established when a group of Puritans were exiled from Virginia in 1649. It is located on the Severn River and right next to Chesapeake Bay. Before the city got its official name, it was known as both Providence and Anne Arundel Town. In 1694, Annapolis was named and the city was incorporated when the Revolutionary War was over. In 1783–1784 the city stood as the capital of the country while congress met.
Annapolis is home to St. John’s College. The school is the third oldest in the country. It was originally opened in 1696 as The King William’s School. In 1784 Maryland chartered St. John’s College which merged with the school. The school has claim to the following:
- Four of the school founders were individuals that also signed the Declaration of Independence.
- An alumni from the school, Francis Scott Key, wrote the Star Spangled Banner.
- The school served as College Green Hospital during the Civil War.
The city grew from the start largely due to the seaport bringing in visitors from around the world. Instead of the traditional grid street design, Sir Francis designed the city similar to the capitals located in England. Annapolis was known as the Athens of the America.
Those moving to Annapolis today still get to enjoy the design of the city, beautiful historic colonial homes, and rich American history.
The Annapolis Naval Academy
Most people recognize the name Annapolis because it is home to the United States Naval Academy. The academy began in 1845 with only 50 midshipmen on 10 acres and was known as Fort Severn. Five years later the school was renamed to the United States Naval Academy. It has since grown to hold 4,000 midshipmen on 338 acres.
The Naval Academy has many notable graduates including those listed below along with many others:
- 1 U.S. President
- 2 Nobel Prize Winners
- 73 Medal of Honor Recipients
- 53 Astronauts
The United States Naval Academy is open to the public for tours or for guests to take a look around on their own. Those moving to Annapolis that enjoy Naval history will want to visit the USNA museum. The United States Naval Academy has played a major role in helping to develop the city from its beginning. The city is supportive and proud of the academy and those serving in the Navy.
Fun Things to do in Annapolis MD
People moving to Annapolis can take advantage of all the amenities and activities that are available. This is a city that offers something for everyone.
Sports
The presence of the United States Naval Academy presents Annapolis residents with the chance to enjoy taking in a sporting event locally. A few of the options to choose from include lacrosse, football, and baseball. While there are plenty of traditional sports to partake in or watch, there are also many boating activities as well.
Water Activities
Being located on the Chesapeake Bay provides Annapolis residents with an endless amount of water activities to participate in. Due to the amount of water at the city there is a strong maritime industry. There are local sailmakers, boat architects and watermen who are fishing and crabbing for a living.
Annapolis is known as a boating and sailing capital. There are many marinas in the city that house boats of all sizes, including sailboats and powerboats. If you are new to boating when moving to Annapolis, don’t worry, there are many boating schools to help you learn the basics. If you want to enjoy being on the water but don’t have access to a boat, there are many boating charters available to choose from.
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Arts and Culture
There are many ways that residents can enjoy the culture and arts of the city. There are many plays, concerts, dance and comedy shows available, as well as an annual Renaissance Festival, just to name a few. The city is loaded with opportunities to view art in public all around the city. You can visit theAnnapolis website to find a complete listing.
The City’s Rich History
Half a century ago the city was recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. It was one of the first cities that gained this recognition. If you are looking to get out and enjoy a beautiful day enjoy a walking tour of the historic sites around the city. Here are some other sites that you will want to visit:
- William Paca House — Tour the estate of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
- Kunta Kinte — Alex Haley Memorial — The Annapolis website describes the memorial as, “The Memorial is dedicated especially to all of our African ancestors whose names, unlike Kunta Kinte’s, are lost forever in the oceans of time. It also is for all people — African, Asian and European — who arrived in the New World in bondage, whose unpaid labor forged the backbone of this nation’s rise to greatness. It is dedicated also to their descendants, who strive to create a nation that celebrates ethnic diversity within the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect, and understanding.”
- Maryland World War II Memorial
- Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse — This lighthouse was constructed in 1875. It is the most well known and recognized lighthouse in the state of Maryland.
Annapolis Nightlife
The nightlife in Annapolis leaves little to be desired. The city is beautiful and offers many venues for people to enjoy day and night. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to have a drink with a friend or somewhere to dance the night away, you can find it in Annapolis. Here are some examples of what you will find:
- 49 West Coffeehouse — Winebar and Gallery — Described as “Annapolis’s living room” by the locals, this is a good place to have a quiet drink with a friend or two.
- Rams Head Tavern — Here you can catch a live performance while enjoying a drink.
- Ghost Tours & Pub Crawl — If you want to see what Annapolis has to offer after hours, this page provides you with details on a ghost tour and pub crawl you may want to check out.
- The Federal House Bar & Grille — This place is complete with dining inside or on the patio and includes live music every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy a meal with a group or hit the dance floor.
While these are just a few examples, there are many more for you to consider. The Annapolis Site includes a long list of locations and venues for residents to enjoy the nightlife that the city has to offer.
A Foodies Paradise
There is something about the food that can make or break a city. Annapolis is a foodies paradise. There are flavors that everyone can enjoy no matter how sophisticated or plain your palate is. Here are some restaurants that you will want to frequent when moving to Annapolis.
- Chick and Ruths Delly — You may have watched when this restaurant was featured on the popular Food Network show Man vs. Food. Adam took on the Colossal Challenge where he attempted to consume a 6 lb. shake and sandwich. There are 3 other challenges for diners to try at Chick and Ruths Delly. Not up for a challenge? Head in just to enjoy their food. The bread and pies are handmade and they have $2.99 beer and wine daily.
- Lewnes Steakhouse — If a steak is what you are after this is a place you don’t want to miss. As the top rated steakhouse in Annapolis on TripAdvisor, this is one you are sure to enjoy.
- O’Leary’s Seafood — With all the fishing and crabbing in the area, Annapolis would not be complete without incredible seafood restaurants.
- Wild Country Seafoodprovides you with that old crab shack feel that people imagine when they think of east coast seafood.
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The Annapolis Housing Market
Annapolis offers many historic and beautiful waterfront homes for sale. People moving to Annapolis usually have many questions about the real estate market. Buyers that understand the housing market will have an easier time knowing what to expect as they begin their search for a house. The market has been on the rise for both buyers and renters. According to statistics from Trulia, “Trends in Annapolis show a 9% year-over-year rise in median sales price and a 5% rise in
median rent per month.” Other statistics that will help those moving to the area include:
- Average sales price during the first quarter of 2017 was $395,000.
- The price per square foot has increased 1% to $241.
- The median monthly rent in the city is $2,195.
- 75% of those in Annapolis are homeowners.
- Nearby cities have very similar trends in their local housing markets.
The real estate market has been slowly increasing over the past several years. The market is good due to the high quality of all that Annapolis has to offers. There are good schools to choose from, amenities to enjoy, and a diverse culture to enjoy.
Moving to Annapolis MD
Making any type of move can be difficult. However, if you are moving to Annapolis there are so many incredible things to look forward to. You can enjoy your favorite activities of the past while finding new ones to try as well. The food will not leave you hungry and the nightlife will not leave you wanting more. The housing market is continuing to heat up as the city continues to grow in popularity. Come see all that Annapolis, Maryland has to offer.
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