Housely
Maryland is a unique state with many contrasts. From a historical perspective, it is a little bit southern and a little bit northern. Geographically, Maryland extends from the Appalachian Mountains to its coastline. Across the state, there are rolling hills with thoroughbreds grazing, busy cities, and famous seafood from the Chesapeake Bay. Most people are surprised that Maryland is the wealthiest state in the nation with a median household income of over $75,000 and has the most technologically based jobs.
Five cities in Maryland are experiencing the largest amount of growth at this time. Some people consider increases in population as the best way to measure growth, but there are several other factors to consider. The following criteria are essential for determining growth: new economic opportunities, technology, support for entrepreneurs, and quality of life.
Using data from 2015 and 2016, these cities are experiencing the most growth:
1. Baltimore
Baltimore is a major city in Maryland that has a long and proud history. Today it is a city that remains vibrant and is on the move.
Economics
From an economical and technological viewpoint, Baltimore is a city that is experiencing excellent growth. It ranks fourth among large cities for high-speed internet connectivity, internet performance, mobile phone subscribers, airport access and flights. Baltimore is one of the leading cities in the United States for entrepreneurs. The mayor of Baltimore proudly states that she wants the city to become “a mecca for entrepreneurs”. Entrepreneur Magazine ranks Baltimore as second in the nation for “Hot Startup Cities”. The city receives particular recognition for its many ed-tech startups. According to Popular Mechanics, Baltimore ranks fifth among the “Best Startup Cities in America.”
Baltimore’s reputation for its low cost of doing business makes it an excellent hub for new businesses. The city has detailed plans with goals to increase and help small businesses. Baltimore ranks fourth where African Americans are doing the best economically based on household income, home ownership, and self-employment. The Port of Baltimore ranks first among U.S. ports for the handling of autos and light trucks, farm, and construction machinery. The port ranks ninth for the total dollar value of cargo.
Quality of Life
The city ranks seventh among “America’s Best Cities for a Healthy and More Affordable Retirement.” The ranking is based on access and quality of healthcare, environmental quality, social activities, the economy, and the occurrence of crimes.
2. Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg has undergone major changes during its history. What was once farms, is now an urban area and a suburb of Washington, D.C.
Economics
Gaithersburg is a major location for high-tech companies and commercial enterprises. It is recognized internationally as the center of biotechnology. The city ranks sixth among U.S. life sciences clusters. This ranking is based on the amount of jobs in life science concentration. Gaithersburg has one of the highest educated labor pools in the country. The area ranks second in the percentage of the population with a graduate or professional degree. There are more than 4,000 businesses that are technology or retail based. There are ample opportunities for entrepreneurs. Due to the proximity to Washington D.C and major global industries, the city hosts many international and American visitors. This contributes to the tourism industry.
Quality of Life
The citizens of Gaithersburg make this a highly livable community. During a period of growth, a number of historic neighborhoods and traditions still exist. These communities reflect a diverse heritage. Gaithersburg continues to grow while keeping many small town qualities. There is a commitment to community involvement, being good neighbors, and willing to offer a helping hand. The city has quiet open spaces, an abundance of retail and dining options. The presence of many cultural and recreational amenities place Gaithersburg at the top of a number of national lists of best places to live and raise a family.
3. Rockville
Rockville is one of Maryland’s oldest towns. Its origins date back to Colonial America. It has grown from a cluster of homes, a tavern, a courthouse and a jail to a cosmopolitan city of many neighborhoods.
Economics
Rockville is an employment center for national biomed corporations, the federal government and county government. Rockville provides access to a highly educated workforce and global recognition. Rockville is considered to be “the epicenter of drug development and regulatory affairs”, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, a Rockville founded company, tops the Washington Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies list in 2016. Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) helps entrepreneurs and new businesses develop strategic plans for success.
Quality of Life
Rockville ranks first among best places to raise a family for 2016. This is based on a number of quality of life factors such as: schools, crime, parks, libraries and walkability. Citizens are encouraged to recycle and interact with the environment. The city rents garden plots to citizens as a way to enjoy the environment and have access to fresh home-grown produce.
4. Columbia
The philosophy for the growth of Columbia focuses on the idea of developing human values. Columbia is a planned community that is composed of 10 self-contained villages. James Rouse, the developer, felt that a city should enhance its residents’ quality of life. Columbia, which opened in 1967, was intended to eliminate discrimination and segregation.
Economics
Money magazine recognizes Columbia for job growth and development. It is the community of choice businesses due to a thriving downtown area, village centers, and the Columbia Gateway ( a large industrial campus). The city has more than 2,500 large and small companies. Additional jobs are provided by more than 50 nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Quality of Life
Columbia is first in Money magazine’s “Best Places to Live” ranking for small cities in 2016. The area is recognized for its diversity, excellent schools, access to parks and recreational facilities. Also, it has reasonable housing costs. Since Columbia has met the goals of its developer, it is considered to be a successful community of people living and working together.
5. College Park
College Park was originally founded in 1856 to bring Maryland farmers to the Maryland Agricultural College for scientific research and education. Now, College Park is home to the University of Maryland. It is known for its innovations in education, agriculture, and flight exploration.
Economics
College Park gains recognition as a technology and innovation hub. The university is the largest employer in the city. The large variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions provide additional employment opportunities. College Park strategically implemented an economic development strategy that transformed the city from being an auto-dominated community, to one with successful walkable retail nodes.
Quality of Life
The city is comprised of diverse neighborhoods from quaint historic neighborhoods to luxury student housing complexes. There are many transportation options. Beautiful parks provide opportunities to enjoy nature.
Growth means change. These five cities in Maryland have distinctly different aspects, but all demonstrate that they have made tremendous strides in their growth. As unique as each one is, there are common intertwined factors; such as economics, technology, quality of life, and education that have led to their growth.
Sources:
https://www.mapquest.com/us/md-282093980
http://commerce.maryland.gov/about/maryland-economy
http://commerce.maryland.gov/about/rankings-and-statistics/
Click to access Small-Business_ENT-Plan-March-8-2015-Final-3.pdf
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/about-gaithersburg
http://www.collegepark.com/
http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/
Comments
Loading…