Annapolis

There are a lot of quiet, friendly neighborhoods, and a lot of waterfront property if that's what you like. There's also neighborhoods closer to stores and restaurants.

Westfield Mall is a great place for shopping and dining. It includes Bow Tie Cinemas (there is also another Bow Tie Cinemas in the Annapolis Harbour Center), The Cheesecake Factory, Forever 21, GameStop, Finish Line, Victoria's Secret, Apple, Hollister, Nordstrom, and countless more. The food court has a variety of options from Panda Express to Subway to Five Guys to Chipotle to Arby's to Taco Bell. Near the Westfield mall, there is a Petsmart, Sam's Club, Whole Foods, Safeway, Home Depot, Burlington Coat Factory, and lots more.

There's generally a fair amount of parking, but when there are Navy Games, parades, boat shows, car shows, or other large events, parking can be scarce, especially downtown.

Historic Downtown Annapolis is home to some of the oldest buildings in the country, and there are tours available all times of the year, including walking tours, segway tours, trolley tours and biking tours.. The Naval Academy is also based in downtown Annapolis, and you will often see midshipmen and women walking around or shopping downtown or at Westfield Mall. Downtown is also the epicenter of many large events in the city. In the spring and summer, there are often car and boat shows hosted at the docks downtown. There are plenty of great bars and fine dining establishments in downtown Annapolis, including the wonderful Rams Head Live!.

There are 5 or 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools in Annapolis. They're all great schools, and host a lot of engaging extra-curricular and volunteer activities that will get kids and teenagers motivated for the future.

One of my favourite highlights of Annapolis is Quiet Waters Park, which is near the more residential, quieter part of Annapolis. The park is very clean and often you will see foxes or deer wandering around in singles or pairs. The park is pet-friendly, and it even has a dog park and a dog beach (only open in spring, summer, and early autumn, and has also just been renovated). There are paddle-boat rentals, kayak and canoe rentals. Throughout the park, there are tons of trails that you can walk, jog, run, or bike along. Many families come here to spend a sunny afternoon with the kids, and you can also host events here. Pavillions are available to be rented for a day, and there are grilling areas included with some. Near the dog park, there is a stage at the bottom of a large hill, and it is used for performances or contests, which are hosted there often. Down a little from the stage, there is a large fountain in front of a snack bar/tourism building. That area is great for lounging and taking a break from walking. In the winter, the fountain is shut off, filled up, and it is used as an ice rink. The ice rink is highly popular among teenagers and adults alike. It surely is a good time. The park also has a playground area for kids, and plent of large, open field areas for gatherings, meditation, or even kite-flying. This park is beautiful, and is always a great place to visit after a long day.

There is a lot more to Annapolis, but this is merely scratching the surface. Annapolis is a great home for anyone, from singles to married couples, from college students to retirees, there is something for everyone to love. I have lived in Annapolis for 14 years, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.