Where Is Baltimore? See Its Map Location and State

Baltimore Maryland
© iStock.com/Kruck20

Written by Kyle Glatz

Updated: September 21, 2023

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Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland. The city is renowned for its large aquarium, seafood, and history. People that want to travel to the city or learn about its location relative to other large cities have one question — where is Baltimore? Learn where the city is located on a map and learn its place relative to other cities, the city’s climate, and whether it is a good place to live. 

Where Is Baltimore Located on the Map?

Baltimore is located in the northern central part of Maryland at the mouth of the Patapsco River which empties into Chesapeake Bay. The state’s highly unique shape can make it hard for people to find this city by that description alone.

As the map above shows, Baltimore has several major interstate highways that run through or nearby the city, including:

  • I-70
  • I-83
  • I-95
  • I-395
  • I-795

The city is highly connected to the rest of the cities on the East Coast. In fact, the connectivity of Baltimore is one of the things residents love most about Charm City. For instance, Washington D.C. and Baltimore are just over 35 miles apart from one another. The two cities are connected by roadways and various forms of mass transit.

How Far Is Baltimore From Other Major Cities in Maryland?

In peak bloom, the cherry blossoms near the Washington Monument are dazzling!

In peak bloom, the cherry blossoms near the Washington Monument are dazzling!

©iStock.com/SeanPavonePhoto

Baltimore has the most people of any city in Maryland. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 569,931 people were living in the city in July 2022. That number is far greater than any other city in the state. In that sense, Maryland has few major cities. Nevertheless, the following chart will answer the question, where is Baltimore, and how far away is it from other major cities?

CityDistance
FrederickAbout 45 miles
AnnapolisAbout 25 miles
HagerstownAbout 65 miles

Keep in mind that all these measurements are map measurements and not roadway measurements. Part of what makes Baltimore so special is its proximity to major cities on the East Coast. The following chart shows just how close Charm City is to major metropolitan areas in the country.

CityDistance
Washington D.C.About 35 miles
PhiladelphiaAbout 90 miles
New York CityAbout 170 miles

 Baltimore is very close to several large cities, including the nation’s capital and Philadelphia.

Is Baltimore a Good Place to Live?

An aerial view of Baltimore's Inner Harbor at sunrise on a cold December morning.

Baltimore is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.

©Nicole Glass Photography/Shutterstock.com

Like with many cities, figuring out if Baltimore is good to live in comes down to personal preferences and various elements of the city. Over 20 % of people that reside in the city fall below the poverty line. That is about twice the national rate, and it suggests deep problems with the city’s economy. Also, Baltimore is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The city has a high rate of violent crimes known to law enforcement.

Yet, it is irresponsible to paint the city in an entirely negative light and dismiss it as a good place to live. The city is more affordable than other major cities on the East Coast. Also, the city has a unique culture, many attractions and events, professional sports teams, various safe neighborhoods, and much more. So, Baltimore can be a good place to live, but it is not a city without some significant problems.

What Is Baltimore Famous For?

Fort McHenry from the air, Baltimore

Fort McHenry saw combat during the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.

©Christopher Mazmanian/Shutterstock.com

Baltimore is famous for its history, food, modern attractions, medical facilities, and more. Let’s take a look at a few of these elements more closely.

History

The city’s area has been settled and occupied for thousands of years, dating back to 10,000 B.C. Over 40 different tribes lived in the region throughout its history. European settlers first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay area in the early 17th century.

Over time, the city grew and became an important port city, especially during the American Revolutionary War. The USS Constellation, one of the first frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, was constructed in the city as well.

The city and its surrounding areas were also important during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Charm City became highly industrialized in the early 20th century. The city is steeped in U.S. History, to say the least.

Food

Baltimore is famous for its Maryland blue crabs and crab cakes. Of course, they’re usually served with Old Bay seasoning. Pit beef sandwiches are also famous in the state, especially when slathered with some barbeque sauce. Baltimore’s regional cuisine may not be everyone’s favorite, but it is distinct.

Educational Facilities

America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins University, opened in Baltimore in 1876. The school has pioneered clinical research and education, becoming one of the top universities in the country. The Johns Hopkins Hospital is a medical and research facility that sets the bar for patient care.

The institution pioneered the use of rubber gloves in surgery, CPR, and renal dialysis in the past, and keeps pushing forward to pursue the best outcomes for patients.  

Modern Attractions

Individuals that travel to Baltimore have a wealth of different attractions to enjoy. Some of them include:

  • Professional sports teams
  • Museums
  • The National Aquarium in Baltimore
  • Fort McHenry (the place where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was composed)
  • Baltimore Harbor
  • Horseshoe Casino

The city is packed with various attractions that keep people coming back to the area.

What Is the Climate Like in Charm City?

Baltimore, Maryland, USA skyline on the Inner Harbor.

Baltimore has hot, humid summers and cool winters that can see a lot of precipitation.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Like many other cities on the East Coast, Baltimore has a humid subtropical climate under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The city is hot and humid in the summer, and cold in the winter. Although the city is rarely impacted by hurricanes in the summer and fall, nor-easter snow storms can strike the area in the winter, bringing quite a bit of snow to the region.

The city is somewhat prone to flooding given its location along a large body of water. Parts of the city have flooded in the past, and such impacts could worsen if the overall sea level rises.  

So, where is Baltimore? It’s in the middle of Maryland, but it may not look like it at first glance. The state is divided by the Chesapeake Bay, after all. The city is close to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and several other major cities.


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About the Author

Kyle Glatz is a writer at A-Z-Animals where his primary focus is on geography and mammals. Kyle has been writing for researching and writing about animals and numerous other topics for 10 years, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education from Rowan University. A resident of New Jersey, Kyle enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games.

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