18th-century architecture meets 21st-century living
Annapolis, founded in 1694, predates many American cities, and its well-maintained architecture reflects these centuries of history. While it is significantly smaller than Baltimore, Annapolis serves as the state capital of Maryland. The city spent about 8 months as the capital of the nation between 1783 and 1784.
Today, Annapolis offers commuter-friendliness to its residents working in the public sector, with Washington and Baltimore about 30 miles away. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the primary employer in the city is the state government, with the county government and the U.S. Naval Academy coming in second and third respectively.
The population has grown over 6 percent in the last decade, making Annapolis home to over 40,000 people. Its rich arts scene, plentiful river access and long relationship with the United States Naval Academy continue to fuel the state capital’s expansion and drive demand for new housing developments.
The Maryland State House resides in Annapolis.
You can't visit Annapolis without seeing The United States Naval Academy.
Bring the family for a night out in Annapolis.
You will often see people in uniform aound Annapolis.
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Condos and single-family homes near Severn River
There is a wide variety of home styles throughout Annapolis. Colonials and Colonial Revivals are among the most common, but Cape Cods, split-levels and townhouses can also be found. Most single-family homes with over 1,000 square feet cost at least $450,000, over $100,000 less than the average home in Washington. Walkability and proximity to either the Severn or the South Rivers drive up home costs, so price tags in northern Annapolis and downtown range between $700,000 and $900,000. Some historic homes near the Naval Academy start around $1 million and can breach the $2 million mark. There are also condos throughout the city, with units starting around $200,000 in the south and reaching up to $1 million near the Naval Academy and downtown.
There are homes in all shapes and sizes in Annapolis.
Live in a beautiful townhome in Annapolis.
Annapolis has some of the most beautiful architecture in Maryland.
Annapolis are vibrant homes with great character.
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Arts and history along West Street and beyond
In 2008, Annapolis designated an arts and entertainment district along West Street. The nearly 2-mile stretch encompasses entertainment hubs like the Annapolis Opera and Rams Head Tavern, bringing nationally recognized performances and local acts to the city. “Annapolis is such a fabulous destination for art and music lovers,” explains Julie Heath, a board member for the Annapolis Art Alliance and an artist volunteering with Gallery 57 West, a non-profit collective of 25 artists. “The Inner West Street Association, where Gallery 57 West is located, sponsors major events all year long, like First Sunday Arts Festivals, Chocolate Binge Festival in December and Dinner Under the Stars.” Because of its proximity to the water, the city is known for its crab cakes and rooftop patios with river views. Restaurants and bars are concentrated in Eastport and downtown, many of which are housed in 18th-century buildings with rustic charm. Among the most popular is the Charthouse, an upscale eatery at the end of a pier. Clubs and nightclubs are limited to Washington and Baltimore, so nightlife in Annapolis maintains a more relaxed feel.
Every year in spring, the Severn River is shut down for the Blue Angels aerial acrobatics show. “Watching the Blue Angels is one of the best celebrations we have, and there are multiple great angles to view them,” says Chris Ronsaville, an area resident of over 30 years. “If you own a boat or have a friend with one, even better. And it’s very easy to find friends with boats.” Although river access is restricted during the show, anchoring off Greenbury Point near Carr Creek provides an excellent view.
Looking for a good time with the kids? Bring them to Annapolis for endless fun.
Live music sounds through the streets of Annapolis.
Chart House Prime makes some of the best food around Annapolis.
Murals bring life and vibrance to Annapolis.
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Opportunities to kayak and set sail from the creek
Outdoor activities are defined by the water in Annapolis. Waterworks Park remains a significant draw for recreation because of its robust hiking and fishing, and Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park is a top pick for those looking to paddleboard or kayak along the river. The boat launch at Truxton Park connects residents from Spa Creek to Annapolis Harbor, making it a popular choice for residents looking to set sail. Several playgrounds and pocket parks can also be found throughout the city, ensuring green space is within a few blocks for most residents in Annapolis proper.
After a day out fishing in Annapolis, enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Set sail in Annapolis and enjoy the day on the water.
When you live in Annapolis you can keep your sailboat in a close by marina.
Annapolis has great spots to launch and dock your boat.
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Public and private schools near the US Naval Academy
Students can attend Anne Arundel County Public Schools, a district ranked in the top three of the greater Baltimore area by Niche. The county offers Career and Technology Education courses at the Center of Applied Technology South, 10 miles outside the city. Key School is another option that ranks as the best private school in Anne Arundel County.
The United States Naval Academy also resides in Annapolis and has around 4,500 enrolled students. U.S. News and World Report ranks the academy as the third-best liberal arts college in the country, though all graduates are required to serve at least five years in the military post-graduation. Traffic gets heavy around Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during the autumn, when the Navy Midshipmen football team plays weekend games.
Center of Applied Technology South is a great option not far from Annapolis.
The Key School in Annapolis helps students succeed.
Head to a Navy football game in Annapolis.
Uniformed midshipmen head to dinner in Annapolis.
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Fluctuating crime rates throughout the city
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the violent crime rate in Annapolis sits at 2.09 per 1,000 residents as of December 2023, far above the national average. Violent crimes were concentrated in central and eastern Annapolis, while the north and northeast saw no reported cases. The Annapolis Police Department reported an 80 percent drop in total homicides from 2021 to 2022 and a 17 percent drop in aggravated assaults. Property crimes in Annapolis trend below the national average and dropped almost 30 percent in the final month of 2023.
Commuter-friendly city with several bus lines
Route 450 connects downtown to Winchester and Crofton for local travel, and Route 50 flanks Annapolis to the north, linking the city to Baltimore and Washington. A free shuttle circles around Duke of Gloucester Street, Main Street and West Street, making it easy to get around the arts and entertainment district and downtown. Traditional bus lines run from Bay Ridge Shopping Center to Westfield, with additional stops in downtown and Eastport. Maryland Transit Administration buses provide direct routes from northern Annapolis to Baltimore, but transit to Washington requires the use of private bus companies.
Plans to combat climate change and population growth
With tributaries surrounding Annapolis, climate change directly impacts the city’s odds of flooding. Though most homes are built outside of flood zones for the time being, the erosion of the coast and rising sea levels remain a focal point for the local government. To combat these concerns, the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 focuses on preventative infrastructure that could lower flood risk and conservation efforts that minimize erosion. The continued population growth in Annapolis also poses complications with housing availability. The city aims to remedy this by constructing affordable housing. According to the city’s plans, measures will be taken to reduce cost-burdened renters and homeowners to 10 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively.
There are many ducks that roam around downtown Annapolis.
The people who live in Annapolis care about the wildlife around them.
Living in Annapolis means lots of time on the water.
On average, homes in Annapolis, MD sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Annapolis, MD over the last 12 months is $615,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$625,000
Median Sale Price
$615,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$820,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$484,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$400,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1,049
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$5
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$342
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
229
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Annapolis, MD
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Cape St. Claire Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 West Annapolis Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Hillsmere Elementary School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#4 Rolling Knolls Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#5 Windsor Farm Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#6 Germantown Elementary School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#7 Eastport Elementary School
C+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#8 Annapolis Elementary School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#9 Monarch Academy Annapolis
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Mary Moss at Adams Academy
C+
Niche
#2 Wiley H. Bates Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#3 Phoenix Academy
C-
Niche
#4 Annapolis Middle School
C+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Broadneck High School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Annapolis High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#3 Phoenix Academy
C-
Niche
Best Private Schools
#1 Key School
A+
Niche
#2 St Martins Lutheran Church School
A+
Niche
#3 St. Anne's School of Annapolis
A
Niche
#4 St. Mary's School
A-
Niche
#5 Annapolis Area Christian School - Elementary School
#6 Annapolis Area Christian School - Middle School
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.