Superior Quality of Life

Over 588,000 residents call Anne Arundel County home due to the area’s quality of life on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to its close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the county also boasts diverse communities, numerous attractions, amenities and educational and employment opportunities.

Maryland’s fourth most populated county, Anne Arundel County is located in central Maryland. It is bordered north by Baltimore City; east by Chesapeake Bay; south by Calvert County; west by Patuxent River, Prince George’s and Howard counties. Anne Arundel County’s government is led by a county executive along with a seven member county council.

Education
The Anne Arundel County Public Schools system provides a challenging and rewarding educational experience for every child. The AACPS school system is the 4th largest in Maryland, and among the 40 largest school systems in the country. AACPS boasts 18 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, and 21 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, exemplifying the administration and community’s commitment for educational excellence.

The county is also home to post-secondary educational institutions such as Anne Arundel Community College, St. Johns College, and the United States Naval Academy.

Hospitals
Anne Arundel County is home to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that provide a broad spectrum of patient care services and are responsive to the growing needs of the community.  Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis is a strategic partner of the Johns Hopkins Medical System and the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, located in Glen Burnie, is part of the University of Maryland Medical System. Both systems provide healthcare services at more than 70 multi-specialty locations in the county as well as in Prince George’s County and on the Eastern Shore. A total of more than 8,400 people are employed at both systems which, combined, have operating revenue of more than $1.2 billion.

Amenities and Activities
From sporting events to recreational and historical tourist attractions, Anne Arundel offers a variety of leisure and cultural activities for visitors and residents alike.

With over 500 miles of shoreline, Anne Arundel County is known for boating, fishing, crabbing, water skiing, sailing and swimming. For nature lovers, there are two state parks, over 120 county parks, and several nature preserves. The county also offers numerous greenways, including the 13-mile Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, enjoyed by hundreds of walkers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians.

“Anne Arundel offers a variety of leisure and cultural activities for visitors and residents alike.”

The county plays host to hundreds of events attracting tourists from all over the country. A top tourist destination is Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital and Anne Arundel County seat. In 2014, the town was named to Travel and Leisure magazine’s Most Romantic Towns List. As the nation’s sailing capital, Anne Arundel County hosts several boating events, with the largest being the Annapolis Boat Show.

Laurel Park is Maryland’s premier destination for horse racing, entertainment and fine dining. Located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Laurel has hosted many of racing’s greatest stars and is home to the Jim McKay Maryland Million, Frank De Francis Memorial Dash, Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup and entertainment events the Brew & Bourbon Classic and National Handicapping Tournament. In the past few years, Laurel Park has invested more than $30 million into its facility including a renovated Terrace Dining Room and simulcast room on the first floor, and a new sports bar, lounge and box seats on the second floor. Laurel Park also plays host to weddings and other private social events in the renovated Ruffian Room. Parking and admission are always free.

For film enthusiasts and entertainment industry professionals, the county offers the Annapolis Film Festival, a four day Spring time event of panel discussions, screenings, parties and showcases.

In August and September, lovers of the outdoors and history can attend the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville. The event includes costumed entertainers and fair-goers, musical and theatrical acts, art and handicrafts for sale, and festival food.

In December, the county plays host to the Northrop Grumman Military Bowl, one of college football’s most exciting bowl games. Bowl week features activities around the county and the matchup between the Atlantic Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau website.