Steeped in history and unique culture, Baltimore is among America’s most culturally-rich cities. Centuries spent as a major port city have contributed to a diverse mix of influences, resulting in the eclectic range of food and art found in Baltimore today. The relatively compact layout of the city makes life a bit easier for pedestrians and cyclists — it also means that, even though the city is home to over 600,000 people, it retains the feel of a much smaller community. The city’s neighborhoods display a huge degree of variety, ranging from rowhouses to high-rise apartments to charming suburban subdivisions.

It’s an excellent city for sports fans, with the Orioles and the Ravens representing Baltimore in the big leagues. The arts community is quite active in Baltimore as well, largely thanks to the Maryland Institute College of Art and the huge Artscape festival that draws thousands every May.