Filed under Living on November 21st, 2008:
Baltimore, Maryland Living Guide
Welcome Hon! This is sort of warm reception is commonplace when you come to Baltimore- a city that takes pride its friendliness and civility. Just don’t call the locals southerners (or northerners for that matter). Most of the half million plus people who call Baltimore home don’t consider themselves southerners (despite being south of the Mason Dixon line) nor do they see themselves as northerners. Most simply like to think of themselves as Baltimoreans– a unique and diverse group of people with a shared passion for their beloved city.
Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, is located in central Maryland at the head of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. From its earliest colonial days, Baltimore’s geographic location has helped it become a major port of entry for both goods and people. This fact has also helped shape the city’s persona of holding on to the past while always moving towards the future. Read on to find out what else has played a part in shaping Baltimore’s persona…
Climate
Officially, Baltimore lies in what is called the humid subtropical climate zone. Unless you’re studying to be a meteorologist or environmental biologist, that’s probably not going to mean very much to you. In laymen’s terms, Baltimore’s seasons typically include warm, humid summers followed by relatively mild winters– the average high temperature reaching around 88 and 45 degrees respectively.
Like most East Coast cities, it rains pretty consistently throughout the year with an average monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, the greatest amounts accruing during summer and early fall. For the most part, Baltimore is protected from harsh weather patterns year-round due to its location near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west.
Baltimore, Maryland Interesting Facts
- Prior to the Civil War, Baltimore had one of the highest populations of free African Americans among American cities.
- Movies and television shows that have been shot in Baltimore include such diverse films as Sleepless in Seattle, The Replacements, Hairspray, Twelve Monkeys, and the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire.
- Greater Baltimore is home to six Fortune 1000 companies: Black & Decker, Legg Mason, T. Rowe Price, Constellation Energy, Grace Chemicals, and McCormick & Company.
- Famous residents of Baltimore include Billie Holiday, Phillip Glass, Barry Levinson, H.L. Mencken, Babe Ruth, Upton Sinclair, and Frank Zappa.
- Many native Baltimoreans pronounce Baltimore as “Ball-mer.”
- Baltimore is considered an independent city and, therefore, is not part of any county.
Major Attractions in Baltimore
USS Constellation
This 179-foot sailing ship, dry-docked at the Inner Harbor in 1999, is the only surviving Civil War-era all-sail warship in existence and, as you can imagine, has quite a few stories to tell. The ship was originally launched in 1854 from the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Virginia where she was commissioned to intercept slave ships. Then, during the Civil War, she was used to pursue confederate ships. After protecting US waters for 100 years, the Constellation was decommissioned in 1955 and brought to Baltimore for restoration. Today, you can walk aboard the historically-restored ship and learn more about her fascinating history.
Top of the World Observation Level
When you ascend to the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center, the world’s tallest pentagonal building, you will be welcomed with something truly breathtaking: a 360-degree view of Baltimore’s beautiful skyline. A trip to the Observation Level would be an excellent first stop for visitors new to the Baltimore area as stationary binoculars and photo-map guides will help you locate the many prominent sites around the city. During the day you will see a city buzzing with life along the Inner harbor and Chesapeake Bay while at night you will find a city aglow– equally active, equally breathtaking.
The Top of the World Observation Level is open most days of the week and offers amazing tours for small groups of people.
The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore
This 160-acre parcel of land located in the Northwestern portion of the city has been drawing Baltimoreans for over 130 years, making it the third oldest zoo in the country. The zoo is divided into several different exhibits including African Journey, Polar Bear Watch, Maryland Wilderness, and the Children’s Zoo. With over 1500 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, visitors of all ages will find plenty of wildlife to explore.
Although it’s closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can enjoy the unique animal exhibits at the Maryland Zoo almost any day of the year!
Camden Yards
Since opening in 1992, Camden Yards has become regarded as one of the best stadiums in the country to watch baseball. The stadium was built on the site of a former rail station in which it also derived its name. Its traditional, asymmetrical design in the heart of downtown has influenced ballpark development in several other cities across the US.
Regardless of whether or not they’re having a winning season, the Orioles have a solid fan base with an average of 40,000 fans in attendance. Whew, that’s a lot of peanuts to clean up. While you’re in the area you might want to also check out the nearby Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame exhibit, the Babe Ruth Museum, and/or the Sports Legends Museum. Play ball!
Tickets: It’s best to buy your tickets in advance as buying on game day can often be difficult, especially on weekends. You can order your tickets online and pick them up at the will-call window on the day of the game.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore
If it lives in the water you’ll probably find it at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. This internationally recognized aquarium is home to over 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals! Sharks, turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and giant Octopus will greet you as you stroll from exhibit to exhibit. Whether watching crocodiles leap into a pond at the Animal Planet: Wild Extremes exhibit or taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild in the brand-new, state of the art 4D Immersion Theatre, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must see.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
One of Baltimore’s most visited attractions, the Children’s Museum has welcomed 2.5 million visitors since it first opened in 1998, delighting both kids and adults alike. Designed by a team from Walt Disney Imagineering and a group of educators, the museum offers 3 separate floors where kids from 2 to 10 years of age can see just how fun learning can be. Children can zip through a three-story tree house, travel back in time, play a game of indoor soccer and more!
Top Apartment Rentals in Baltimore, Maryland
- The Crescent at Fells Point Apartments
- Domain Brewers Hill Apartments
- The Eden Apartments
- 222 Saratoga Apartments
- Ivymount Apartments
- Clarke Manor Apartments
- The Greens at Forest Park Apartments
- Whitehouse Manor Apartments
Baltimore, Maryland Apartment Searching Tips
- Apartment Leasing Deal Breakers
- Searching For Pet Friendly Apartments
- Apartment Searching – The Small Stuff Matters
- Search Apartments on the Go with New iPhone App
- Apartment Searching Tips for Hard Economic Times
- Moving Costs: Get the Low Down on Your Down Payments
- Finding the Perfect Apartment: In Search of Amenities
- My First Apartment: Step by Step Guide to Apartment Leasing
- Prepare For Your Move With Cost of Living Calculators