Everything You Need to Know When Moving to Annapolis, MD
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a beautiful city to call home. It's filled with historic buildings and countless places to explore. In this guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about moving to Annapolis, and if you choose to relocate, our guys at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving will help you get your belongings safely to your new home.
Demographics
According to the United States Census Bureau, Annapolis has a population of 40,812 people. Although it's the capital city of Maryland, residents enjoy a little space, since the population density is about 5,444 people per square mile. For reference, New York City has a population density of over 28,000 people per square mile, with residents practically living on top of one another within the city's limits.
The median income of adults in Annapolis is $85,636, which is much higher than the national average of $62,843. The poverty level, at 11%, is about the same as the national average, and the city is fairly diverse. This particular city is unique because many people relocate to Annapolis from homes that are far away. In fact, 14.9% of the residents in Annapolis were born in another country.
Here's a racial breakdown of the residents of Annapolis:
- White: 63.1%
- Black: 21.8%
- Asian: 1.8%
- Hispanic or Latino 22.7%
Cost of Living
About half of the people who live in Annapolis own their own home and the average home costs around $420,500. That's much higher than the national average of $217,500, but it's proportional to the higher median income that residents receive in the city. If you plan to purchase a home in Annapolis, you can expect to pay around $2,298 per month toward your mortgage, and if you rent, the median rate is $1,583, which is just slightly higher than the national average at $1,062.
Job Market
As the capital city of Maryland, Annapolis is a bustling city full of employment opportunities. The unemployment rate is slightly lower than the national average at just under 5%, according to the Maryland Department of Labor. Most of the city's residents work for the government in one capacity or another. The City of Annapolis lists the following businesses as its largest employers:
- State of Maryland: 12,132 employees
- Anne Arundel County Government: 5,190 employees
- U.S. Naval Academy: 2,500 employees
- City of Annapolis Government: 550 employees
Residents in Annapolis are also highly educated. When it comes to adults over 25, 87.4% have a high school diploma and over 47% have a Bachelor's degree or higher. This is much higher than the national average of 32.1%.
Getting Around Annapolis
Annapolis is a busy city with people traveling for work and pleasure at all hours of the day and night. Luckily, there are several different ways to get around, making it easy to get where you need to be. The average commute time in the city is just over 27 minutes, which is on par with the average commute times of other cities around the country. You can always take a taxi to your destination, but here are several other ways you can get around town.
Annapolis Transit
The Annapolis Transit Rainbow Route bus system carries passengers across the city and throughout Arundel County. It covers 23 square miles of city space and stops at 180 different locations. If you decide to ride Annapolis Transit, check out their website to download bus maps, bus schedules or download the app. You can purchase tickets online via the app, so you're ready to board as soon as the bus arrives.
Water Taxi
The Annapolis Water Taxi service is a unique way to travel that takes passengers along the Annapolis Harbor. Continuous taxis are available and tickets are pretty cheap, at $4 to $9 per person, depending on your destination. You can hop aboard to explore places like Spa Creek and Back Creek on a sunny day. Check their website for rates and maps.
Annapolis Circulator
The Annapolis Circulator is a great way to get around the city and it's completely free of charge. This trolley stops at the city's four parking garages and takes passengers to places like the Central Business District, Westgate Circle and Memorial Circle. It's a great way to get to all the hot spots for shopping, eating and having fun, without worrying about traffic. The Annapolis Circulator operates seven days a week, and you can download the app to see when the next trolley will be arriving nearby.
Parking in Annapolis
Whether you're visiting the city or heading to work, there are plenty of places to park. The City's website is a great place to check out so you can download parking maps or find available on-street parking near your destination. There are many parking garages throughout the city and several are located on the Annapolis Circulator route.
If you move to Annapolis, you'll also want to register for a residential parking permit. You can submit an application from the City's website.
Things To Do in Annapolis
If you move to Annapolis, you'll never run out of new restaurants to try, bars to check out, and places to explore. Here are some of the highlighted spots that you can't miss in the city.
Nightlife
There's plenty to do after the sun goes down and Annapolis people know how to have fun. Ram's Head On Stage is currently the #1 nightclub with fewer than 500 seats in the entire world, and many big names frequent this venue. Check out their schedule online and purchase tickets to see your favorite band in this small, exclusive space.
Dry 85 is a modern-day speakeasy where you can order Prohibition-era drinks and comfort food. Their Bacon Brunch is available on Sundays and the restaurant was named "one of the 40 best whiskey bars in the US," by Whiskey Advocate.
Restaurants
If you're into coastal food, Annapolis is the place to be. With many different cultures represented in one place, there's plenty of new food to try, and you'll also find a fair share of southern comfort food. Since it's located on the Chesapeake Bay, many restaurants offer fresh seafood that just can't be beat.
Smashing Grapes Kitchen & Wine Bar serves a fusion of Mediterranean and California Coastal cuisine and they also host live bands on the weekends. Eat al fresco or dine inside at this hot spot. The Boatyard Bar & Grill serves fresh local seafood and their crab cakes are so good, they ship them all over the world. They're highly acclaimed and ridiculously popular among the locals.
Grab dessert at the Annapolis Ice Cream Company, which was voted "Best Ice Cream" in Annapolis for 18 years in a row. They're the only ice creamery in Annapolis to make handmade ice cream on-site daily, and the flavors are absolutely delicious.
Museums and Attractions
There are so many places to visit and explore, you'll never run out of options. For a family-friendly experience, check out the Annapolis Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of boat building and the local oyster industry.
The U.S. Naval Academy Museum has an entire room is dedicated to model ships that have been built to scale to represent real ships that have sailed on the sea. The oldest model ship dates back to 1650. If you enjoy history, check out the State House, which was once the nation's capital.
Finally, check out the Alex Haley Memorial that includes the Kunta Kinte Storytelling Sculptures. It's the only place in the U.S. that recognizes and actually names a slave's arrival and it's worth checking out. While you're at it, stop by the Banneker-Douglass Museum, home of the state's official collection of African American history.
Libraries
The Anne Arundel Public Library has over 15 locations and they currently offer curbside pick-up to residents of Annapolis. Check out their website for current events, children's storytime and other happenings.
Outdoor Activities
Annapolis weather is not extreme, but they do experience all four seasons. The city experiences warm and muggy summers that average around 76°F. Winters are pretty chilly, with temperatures averaging around 50°F. Winters are typically pretty mild, but the city does see around 12 inches of snowfall each year.
Quiet Waters Park is a lovely place to visit that's located between the South River and Harness Creek. Here, you'll find 340 acres of winding trails, a playground and a picnic area.
Sandy Point State Park is a great place to visit with the family. There's a mile of beaches to explore, complete with lifeguard stations, bathrooms and concession stands for food. There's a playground on-site for the kids to enjoy and a marina with boat rentals if you're ready to try something new.
Many residents enjoy sailing and there are lots of opportunities to learn the basics. Chesapeake Bay sailing excursions leave from the Annapolis Harbor and there are several options from which to choose.
There are many parks to explore throughout the city, and if you move to Annapolis, you'll have plenty of time to visit them all.
Top Neighborhoods to Move to in Annapolis
If you're thinking about moving to Annapolis, it's important to pick a neighborhood that meets all of your needs. Here are the most up-and-coming spots to visit.
Shady Side
Shady Side is located on the Chesapeake Bay and the West River with Deadwood Cove to the north. It's packed with Colonial-style homes with waterfront backyards and there are townhomes and condos popping up all around. Shady Side offers a sense of seclusion and privacy to its residents, but it's close enough to the city for a quick commute. The schools have excellent ratings, as well.
Inner West Street, Annapolis
This location is a great spot for single people and childless couples. It's right in the center of everything, including an amazing nightlife scene, fabulous restaurants, art galleries and music venues. With an exclusive location like this, you can expect homes to be pretty pricey and rent can be upwards of $5,000 per month, but it's worth it if you can afford the price tag. Single-family homes are available behind the City's Main Street that are more suitable for families with small children.
North Shore on the Magothy River
This neighborhood is peppered with luxury homes on waterfront properties and it's the perfect spot to call home. It's located on a peninsula on the Magothy River with creeks and coves throughout and residents enjoy luxury homes without the high cost of other areas. Homeowners here like to have fun and they've got an entertainment committee to keep things organized. Here, you can find a marina, a beach that can be rented out for private events, playgrounds and a garden club. Schools are also highly rated with a B+.
Relocation Expenses, Registrations and Taxes
Moving can be a lot of work, even if you're just moving across town, and we'll help you make the process a little easier. If you're moving from out of state, check out information on property taxes in Annapolis, and make sure you fill out a Change of Address form online.
Visit Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration to register your vehicles, either online or in person. You can use this website as well, to get a Maryland driver's license, officially making you an Annapolis resident.
Need Help Moving to Annapolis?
If you're thinking about moving to Annapolis, it's important to think about the pros and cons of living here. Here are a few things to consider:
- Annapolis experiences all four seasons. If you don't like snow, you may want to move further south.
- This city is diverse and there are people from all over the world who make Annapolis their home.
- Schools are highly rated across the board and many families choose to raise their children here.
When you're ready to relocate to Annapolis, contact us at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving and we'll be happy to help you make your move as smooth as possible.