The largest city in Maryland is Baltimore with an estimated population of 637,455 in 2007. The Baltimore Metropolitan Area includes about 2.6 million residents in the city and nearby suburbs. Located in central Maryland, Baltimore meets with the Chesapeake Bay. The weather patterns of Baltimore is considered humid subtropical marked by mild winters, hot summers and occasional tropical storms.
The city is a major seaport for the United States. In downtown Baltimore, the harbor has Harborplace and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Downtown Baltimore’s main commercial area has a vibrant nightlife and an array of shopping centers and attractions. This district is home for the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Other notable universities are located in the Northern Region including Loyola College, The John Hopkins University and College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
The city is technically divided into nine distinct regions, but the Baltimorans consider it East and West Baltimore with Charles Street as the line of division. Several of Baltimore’s residential areas include Belair-Edison, Charles Village, and Fells Point. Upper class districts include the Guilford and Roland Park area. Baltimore is known as the “city of neighborhoods” for its diverse ethnic heritage and distinctive accents. The culture of Baltimore is steeped in the performing art groups and centers like Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Hippodrome Theatre.