Maryland (MD)

Known as the "Old Line State," Maryland is full of history, natural beauty, and diverse culture. From the scenic Chesapeake Bay to the bustling streets of Baltimore, the state offers a perfect mix of coastal charm, rich heritage, and exciting outdoor activities.

• Population: ~6.2 million
• Weather: Warm, humid summers (75-90°F); cool winters (25-45°F).
• Famous Sites: Chesapeake Bay, U.S. Naval Academy, Fort McHenry, Assateague Island, National Aquarium.
• Top Activities: Boating, seafood dining, hiking, historical tours, visiting museums, beach trips.

Maryland has a strong job market with growing opportunities in healthcare, technology, business, and education. The state offers excellent salaries and career growth for professionals in these industries. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Maryland based on salary and job availability. Click on the job titles to learn more from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Maryland is known not only for its rich history and scenic coastlines, but also for its lively cities and active college communities. Across the state, various urban centers host significant populations and numerous colleges and universities, attracting large numbers of students each year. The following table provides details about the ten largest cities in Maryland, including their estimated populations and college student enrollment:

Maryland is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering top programs in business, healthcare, engineering, and the sciences.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Maryland

• University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) – The flagship university, known for strong business, engineering, and computer science programs.
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) – A leading research university with strengths in STEM and cybersecurity.
• Towson University – One of the largest public universities, offering strong programs in education, business, and healthcare.
• Salisbury University – A top-ranked regional university known for business, nursing, and liberal arts programs.
• Frostburg State University – Offers a strong focus on business, education, and environmental sciences.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Maryland

• Johns Hopkins University – A world-renowned research university with top programs in medicine, engineering, and public health.
• Loyola University Maryland – A Jesuit institution known for its business, psychology, and liberal arts programs.
• Mount St. Mary's University – A Catholic university offering strong business, education, and science programs.
• Washington College – A highly regarded liberal arts college with strong humanities and social sciences programs.
• McDaniel College – Known for its strong education, business, and social sciences programs.

Maryland is home to some of the nation's best public and private high schools, known for their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and college readiness programs. These schools provide students with the skills and opportunities needed for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Maryland

• Poolesville High School, Poolesville – Recognized for its magnet programs in science, technology, and humanities, offering rigorous coursework for college preparation.
• Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda – Known for excellent academics, high SAT scores, and strong athletics and arts programs.
• Thomas S. Wootton High School, Rockville – Offers a renowned STEM curriculum and numerous Advanced Placement courses.
• Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville – Features high graduation rates and strong academic opportunities in technology and business.
• Eastern Technical High School, Baltimore – A technical magnet school where students receive career-focused education alongside rigorous academics.

Top Private High Schools in Maryland

• Sidwell Friends School, Bethesda – A prestigious private school with a strong liberal arts program and a reputation for academic excellence.
• McDonogh School, Owings Mills – Offers a top-tier college preparatory curriculum with extensive extracurricular and leadership opportunities.
• Gilman School, Baltimore – A renowned all-boys school with a focus on academic rigor, character development, and athletics.
• Roland Park Country School, Baltimore – A highly rated all-girls school that emphasizes STEM, leadership, and the arts.
• Landon School, Bethesda – An independent boys' school known for its strong academics, athletics, and commitment to character education.

Maryland is home to several major league professional sports teams, along with a strong presence in minor league and semi-pro sports. The state is passionate about sports, with dedicated fan bases supporting teams across various leagues.

Two of the biggest professional teams in Maryland include:

• Baltimore Ravens (NFL) – One of the most successful teams in the league, with multiple Super Bowl wins and a hard-nosed defense.
• Baltimore Orioles (MLB) – A historic baseball franchise with a deep legacy and a loyal fan base.

Maryland also has strong support for soccer and lacrosse, two sports that have grown significantly in the state.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Maryland

Baseball 🏟️

• Bowie Baysox (Double-A – Baltimore Orioles affiliate) – A key developmental team for future MLB stars.
• Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A – Baltimore Orioles affiliate) – Owned by Cal Ripken Jr., this team develops young talent.
• Frederick Keys (MLB Draft League) – A former Orioles affiliate now competing in an amateur league.

Soccer ⚽

• Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA – Third-tier professional league) – A growing club making waves in lower-division soccer.

Lacrosse 🥍

• Maryland Whipsnakes (PLL – Premier Lacrosse League) – A dominant force in professional lacrosse.

Indoor Football 🏈

• Maryland Warriors (AIF – American Indoor Football) – A team bringing fast-paced football action to local fans.

Maryland’s rich sports culture extends beyond major league teams, with passionate support for minor league and alternative sports. The state’s enthusiasm for competition helps grow the game at all levels.

1. The Birthplace of the National Anthem 🎶 – Maryland is where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written. Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics after witnessing the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
2. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy ⚓ – Annapolis, Maryland, is where the United States Naval Academy has trained officers for the Navy and Marine Corps since 1845.
3. America’s First Railroad 🚂 – The Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, the first commercial railroad in the U.S., was built in Maryland in the early 1800s.
4. Birthplace of Harriet Tubman 🚶‍♀️ – The famous abolitionist who led hundreds to freedom through the Underground Railroad was born in Maryland.
5. Crabs Are a Big Deal 🦀 – Maryland is famous for its blue crabs, and the state’s residents love their crab cakes, especially when covered in Old Bay seasoning.
6. Home to the First Post Office 📬 – The first U.S. post office was established in Baltimore in 1774, helping to improve mail service in the colonies.
7. It’s Technically a Southern State 🌍 – While often considered part of the Northeast, Maryland was a slave-holding state that bordered the South during the Civil War.
8. First Dental School in the World 🦷 – The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, founded in 1840, was the first dental school in the world.
9. Has a Unique Flag 🎌 – Maryland’s flag is the only U.S. state flag based on British heraldry, featuring the coat of arms of the Calvert and Crossland families.
10. Edgar Allan Poe’s Final Resting Place 🏴‍☠️ – The famous writer, best known for his eerie tales, is buried in Baltimore. Every year, fans honor him with tributes at his grave.