Typically the first thing that comes to mind when Anne Arundel County is mentioned is the charming and historic streets of Annapolis. Or perhaps the Naval Academy. But, did you also know that Anne Arundel County has the lowest unemployment rates in Maryland and also has more beach access than any other county in the state? It’s true. Anne Arundel County has become much more than just a weekend or summer trip destination. In recent years more and more people have chosen to relocate to this picturesque community. In this article, we will be discussing Anne Arundel County in detail.
Anne Arundel County Schools
Though many aspects of Anne Arundel County are top-notch across the board, one area that falls a bit short in the school rating. This isn’t to say that all schools in the county are subpar, but the county as a whole could use some improving. Anne Arundel County schools have a B rating from Niche.com, with teachers and safety scores greatly weighing down the overall grade. On the other hand, in the categories of college prep and diversity, Anne Arundel County Schools pulled in an A-.
According to Greatschools.org, there are several higher-ranking schools in Anne Arundel County for parents to choose from. A few of those are Belvedere Elementary, Benfield Elementary, Severna Middle School, Chesapeake Public Science Charter School, and Severna High School.
Anne Arundel County Attractions
Now, on to the fun stuff. Anne Arundel County, and Annapolis in particular, are a weekend destination for many. This is one of those rare places that doesn’t require an agenda when visiting. The natural charm and historic beauty are everywhere and easy to find without a map or guide. In Annapolis, visitors can stroll the brick streets of downtown, admiring the colonial architecture and stopping along the way in one of the many restaurants, shops, or bistros. For this who enjoy U.S. military history, the Naval Academy Museum offers visitors a glimpse into generations past. Anne Arundel County also provides plenty for the outdoor adventure seeker, from Sandy Point State Park to Jug Bay Wetlands and a vast array of trails and paths.
Anne Arundel County Crime
The crime rate in Anne Arundel County is unfortunately not one to brag on. In a recent FBI study of Anne Arundel County sited in Patch.com, the violent crime rate had increased to 720.8 per 100,000 residents. The same article reported the murder rate in Anne Arundel County is more than double the national average at 13.3 per 100,000 residents.
Anne Arundel County Financial
According to the 2021 approved budget report prepared by the Office of the County Executive Stewart Pittman, Anne Arundel County is in a state of rebuilding after years of lower taxes which resulted in reduced funds for essential services. The budget report also describes a plan for moving forward in these uncertain times.
The county and its executives have outlined a plan that would hopefully avoid having to dip into an 80 million dollar reserve fund. A county-wide hiring freeze has been implemented with the exception of public safety and essential positions. The good news is that Anne Arundel County had made some adjustments to the budget last year to increase revenue and add personnel in required areas. Otherwise, the county may have been in deeper financial hot water.
Anne Arundel County Employment
Traditionally, Anne Arundel County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Maryland. As of 2019, the unemployment rate was around 3 percent, which is far lower than the national average. Just like everywhere else in the U.S., that rate rose significantly in March of this year with the COVID-19 shutdown.
Fortunately for Anne Arundel County, this area is filled with many “essential” operations. So it may not have been affected quite as harshly as some other place in the country. Anne Arundel County is home to many large national and international employers such as Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Fort George G Meade, Verizon, and Target, to name a few. This infrastructure has helped to somewhat insulate the county during these uncertain times. This county is a great place to settle down. What it lacks in some areas, it makes up for in charm and character. The location could not be more convenient, right between D.C. and Baltimore and the entertainment factor is through the roof. If Anne Arundel County is on your shortlist, take some time to explore the area. We’re sure you’ll find a lot to appreciate.
