Cities & Towns in Anne Arundel County, MD

Situated along the Chesapeake Bay north of the state capital of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County contains a mix of historic waterfront communities and suburban development. Each unique town contributes its own identity to the area. Some of the most notable cities and towns in Anne Arundel County include Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Odenton, Severna Park, and Arnold.

Annapolis serves as the county seat and captivates as a sailing capital with its picturesque colonial architecture. Glen Burnie provides access to Baltimore via light rail. Odenton contains the MARC train station and Fort Meade. Severna Park boasts a vibrant downtown district. And Arnold offers waterfront living along College Creek.

It is the fifth-most populous county in Maryland and the 106th-most populous county in the United States. The county seat and the largest city is Annapolis, which is also the capital of the state and the home of the United States Naval Academy. The county was established in 1650 and named after Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore and the founder of the Maryland colony. Anne Arundel County has two incorporated municipalities: Annapolis and Highland Beach, as well as many other unincorporated cities and towns, each with its own charm and history. Here are some brief introductions to each of them:

• Annapolis: The largest and most populous city in the county and the state, with a population of 39,1744. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay, about 30 miles east of Washington, D.C. It is a center of culture, commerce, education, and history, hosting many museums, landmarks, festivals, and events. It is also a naval and maritime hub, home to the Naval Academy, the Annapolis Maritime Museum, and the Annapolis Yacht Club.
• Highland Beach: The second-largest town in the county and the smallest one, with a population of 964. It is located south of Annapolis, on a peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay. It is a historic and exclusive community, founded in 1893 by Charles Douglass, the son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. It was one of the first African American resort towns in the country, attracting many prominent visitors such as Booker T. Washington, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes.
• Glen Burnie: The third-largest town in the county and the 20th-largest in the state, with a population of 67,6394. It is located north of Annapolis, on Interstate 97. It is a suburban and commercial community, offering many amenities and attractions such as the Marley Station Mall, the Glen Burnie Town Center, and the Glen Burnie Carnival.

Additionally, Anne Arundel County contains small-town communities like Mayo and Highland Beach as well as Cape St. Claire along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. From maritime heritage to high tech, each town in Anne Arundel County tells its own story against the beautiful backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay region.