City of Annapolis
First settled in 1649 and chartered in 1708, the City of Annapolis serves as both the State capital and Anne Arundel County’s seat of government.
With its prime location, rich colonial heritage, modern amenities, and strong economic assets, Annapolis stands out as an exceptional place to do business.
A Prime Location & Landscape
Although the City of Annapolis is a compact 7.2 square miles in size, it features 17 miles of spectacular waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries – providing for spacious views, waterfront living, and limitless on-water experiences.
Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis is a vibrant and easily accessible place to live and visit. Three major highways—Routes 50/301, Maryland Route 2, and Interstate 97—connect the city to Washington, D.C., Baltimore City, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
3K+
businesses
42K+
residents
$112,873
median household income
29K+
workers
Rich History, Modern Convenience
Known as the “Athens of America” from its earliest days as a colonial capital city, Annapolis is rich in history and charm. The city features hundreds of preserved historic homes, along with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and locally owned shops—all easily explored along its scenic brick sidewalks, streets, and circles.
While it is no longer a major shipping hub, Annapolis offers abundant opportunities for recreational boating, sailing, fishing, and crabbing, as well as on-water tourism. These activities continue to support a diverse and active maritime business community.
Annapolis also offers a wide range of housing options, from centuries-old residences in the historic district to single-family homes in West Annapolis and Eastport. The city is complemented by strong schools and a well-developed public transportation system.
Home to Major Economic Assets & Events
Like Anne Arundel County, Annapolis is home to major assets and events that support a robust and resilient economy throughout the year.
United States Naval Academy
Founded in 1845, this world-renowned service academy educates nearly 4,500 future Naval and Marine leaders who support the City’s economy during their four years on “The Yard.” The USNA also employs over 800 civilians, and its museums, events, and activities draw over 100,000 visitors to Annapolis each year. Learn More
Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Located across the Severn River from the USNA, this 1,500-acre installation delivers base operating support services to tenant commands including the USNA, North Severn complex, Chesapeake Bay Detachment in Randle Cliff, MD, and Navy Operational Support Center in Baltimore, MD. NSA Annapolis generates more than 10,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs and over $1B in annual economic activity as a result of its operations in Annapolis and the surrounding region. Learn More
St. John’s College
Founded in 1696 and the third-oldest college in the United States, this liberal arts institution has nearly 600 students and 200 employees. A National Historic Landmark, the campus’s excellent art museum and cultural events attract locals and tourists alike. Learn More
Maryland State House
The oldest state capitol in the United States and the only state house to ever serve as the nation’s capital, Annapolis’s most iconic landmark draws visitors from across the state, country, and world. It also hosts the 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly for 90 days each winter, providing a consistent and substantial boost to the City’s economy. Learn More
State Government, County Government, and City Government
As headquarters to the offices of the Governor, Comptroller, Department of Legislative Services, and other state government services, Annapolis is home to over 12,000 state workers. In addition, over 5,000 county government workers and over 500 City government workers are based in the city.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Constructed in 1959 and renovated several times since, Navy Stadium seats 34,000 fans, making it not only the largest stadium in Anne Arundel County but the fifth largest in the state. Although its core function is hosting Navy football and lacrosse games and Annapolis Blues soccer games, it draws visitors to Annapolis throughout the year by hosting a wide variety of annual and one-time games and events – from the Military Bowl and Rotary Crab Feast to Maryland high school sports and marching band championships, NCAA Lacrosse Tournaments, and cultural festivals. Learn More
Annapolis Boat Shows
Considered “America’s Sailing Capital” by countless sailors, Annapolis has hosted in-water sail and powerboat shows since 1970. The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show marks the unofficial opening of the region’s boating season each April, while the Annapolis Powerboat and Sailboat Shows signal its unofficial end each October. Together, the shows generate an estimated $112 million in economic activity each year. Learn More
Parades & Festivals
Annapolis regularly hosts parades, festivals, concerts, and celebrations along Main Street and Maryland Avenue. These events draw overnight visitors while giving Anne Arundel County residents consistent reasons to return downtown—driving ongoing support for local businesses. Learn More
Diverse Business Districts
A microcosm of both Maryland and Anne Arundel County, Annapolis encompasses businesses of all ages, sizes, and sectors. It does, however, contain six geographically defined “business districts” in which many businesses share a common character.
Downtown Annapolis: Beautiful Seaport Capital
Nearly 400 years of history, hospitality, and architecture have drawn tourists from across the country and the globe to Downtown Annapolis. A National Historic Landmark, the one-square-mile area features a stunning harbor surrounded by a unique mix of stately historic homes and hotels, two revered academic institutions, and a charming array of restaurant and retail businesses on Main Street and Maryland Avenue. The district also features plenty of beautiful (and rarely vacant) office space, all tied together by iconically colonial brick streets and sidewalks.
Eastport: Maritime Heart and Soul of Annapolis
Nearly 400 years of history, hospitality, and architecture have drawn tourists from across the country and the globe to Downtown Annapolis. A National Historic Landmark, the one-square-mile area features a stunning harbor surrounded by a unique mix of stately historic homes and hotels, two revered academic institutions, and a charming array of restaurants and retail businesses on Main Street and Maryland Avenue. The district also features plenty of beautiful (and rarely vacant) office space, all tied together by iconically colonial brick streets and sidewalks.
Inner West Street: Where Business Meets Culture
Inner West Street blends commercial, professional, cultural, and residential energy into one vibrant corridor. Anchored by hotels, office spaces, and restaurants, it serves as a gateway to Annapolis’s legislative and judicial center. As the heart of the Annapolis Arts District, Inner West Street thrives from morning to night with a dynamic mix of business, culture, and community.
Upper West Street: Highly Visible and Easily Accessible
Proximity to Route 2, a major north-south highway, and Route 50, a major east-west highway, makes Upper West Street a prime location in Annapolis. The high-visibility corridor features retail businesses, office development, and unique urban-residential neighborhoods. It’s also home to the Annapolis Arts District, filled with artists, designers, and other innovative creators.
Photo Credit: VAAAC
West Annapolis: Colorful Boutiques and Upscale Services
Located at Annapolis’s primary entry point and within steps of U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, West Annapolis is a civically active business community surrounded by quiet neighborhoods. It features colorful boutiques and upscale services in its commercial core, and the largest concentration of professional and healthcare provider offices in the city. There’s no shortage of salons, spas, or yoga studios in West Annapolis, either!
Photo Credit: VAAAC
Forest Drive: Charming Blend of Urban and Suburban
Ease of access to major transportation arteries, including routes to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, makes Forest Drive a popular choice to do business in Annapolis. From gourmet food and fine wine retailers to healthcare and car care providers, the corridor features a wide array of businesses bordered by secluded neighborhoods, schools, and public parks.
Want to Learn More About Annapolis?
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