Baltimore is located on the Chesapeake Bay. It's picturesque Inner Harbor is the center of restaurant, shopping and business districts. The residential neighborhoods of Baltimore maintain a small town charm. It is a city of steel and glass skyscrapers that dominate the commercial district and only a short walk from the residential neighborhoods. Many Baltimore residents still live in the classic red brick row house that the city is traditionally associated.

With each wave of new immigrates into the United States to Baltimore, it has added to the character of Baltimore. There are people of many different ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, which are reflected in the wide variety of restaurants, shops and ethnic festivals.

Cultural Attractions in Baltimore include:

. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

. Maryland Science Center

. Baltimore Museum of Art

. National Aquarium

. Baltimore Zoo

Baltimore is the home to the Ravens, Super Bowl XXXV champions, the Orioles and the second jewel in the triple crown, the Preakness. Other active sports in and around Baltimore City include:

. Swimming

. Skiing

. Horseback riding

. Tennis

. Golf

. Sailing

If you are a spectator you can enjoy watching lacrosse, indoor soccer, and horseracing at Pimlico or the traditional Hunt Cup in the spring. The primary attraction in Baltimore City is baseball played at the Baltimore Orioles' renowned park at Camden Yards.

Baltimore is conveniently located less than an hour from Maryland's sandy bay beaches and about three hours from the resorts on the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the best public libraries, with a book collection of 2,250,000 volumes resides in Baltimore, Maryland. In the Baltimore-Washington area, there are more than 70 accredited institutions of higher education. All cultural opportunities of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York are easily reached by car or train.

The cost of living index in Baltimore, Maryland is one of the lowest as compared to 22 other metro areas. There are many attractive and affordable places to live within easy commuting distance to cultural activities, medical facilities, restaurants, and employment.

Baltimore, Maryland is definitely an interesting place to vacation, visit or live.