What to know when moving to Annapolis, MD
TL;DR: Annapolis at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 60.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $119,296, providing a solid economic foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- Rents are high, with a median gross rent of $2,106.
- Commute:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,106/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Annapolis, the community is characterized by a high level of education, with over 60% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income sits at $119,296, indicating a strong economic environment. However, the rental market is competitive, with 37.5% of residents renting at a median gross rent of $2,106. Additionally, only 3.1% of residents rely on public transit, suggesting that a car may be necessary for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rents or a robust public transportation system.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,106, which can strain budgets.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $580,600, indicating a higher-than-average cost for buying a home.
- About 60.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.1%, suggesting a relatively low level of economic hardship.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Maryland, the crime rates reflect a mix of trends, with violent crime rates decreasing over the past few years.
- Violent crime: 351.9 per 100k, which is 8.2% higher than the national rate.
- Property crime: 1,817.5 per 100k, which is 17.5% higher than the national rate.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 47.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Maryland).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in Annapolis includes a variety of institutions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable schools include St. John's College and the United States Naval Academy.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Annapolis experiences an annual precipitation of 47.7 inches, with about 118 rainy days each year. Snowfall is relatively low, averaging just 1.5 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Sandy Point State Park (4.4 stars, 10,587 reviews)
- Quiet Waters Park (4.8 stars, 2,358 reviews)
- Kinder Farm Park (4.8 stars, 1,819 reviews)
- Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (4.6 stars, 645 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Anne Arundel County, the job market shows stability.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025
- Employment: 304,183 individuals are employed
- Labor force: 313,974 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.