Both geographically and symbolically, the state of Maryland is at the center of cultural, educational and recreational activities on the Atlantic coast. With its economic vitality, gorgeous scenery, proximity to Washington, D.C. and great community atmosphere, Maryland has a lot to offer prospective residents looking for apartments for rent.

There are plenty of good points to make up for the high cost of living; one of them is the fairly moderate climate. July is the warmest month, with highs reaching into the 80s and 90s. January is the coldest time of the year, with average lows in the 20s. There's plenty of rain throughout the year, and there tends to be snow in the winter months; average snowfall a year is about 20 inches.

At less than 10,000 square miles, Maryland may be a small state, but it's got a lot worth looking at. Sail down the Chesapeake Bay, work on your tan on Ocean City's sunny beaches, take a driving tour through the farmland (33% of the state's land use), take a stroll along Baltimore's Inner harbor, or explore the historical and cultural attractions of nearby Washington, D.C.

Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland with a population of 680,000, is a major industrial, research and educational center, housing many institutions of higher learning, including Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Baltimore also includes one of the nation's largest ports, although its current economy focuses more on research and development. In recent decades, the population has dropped, as residents have left their city apartments for a move to the nearby suburbs. In response, the city has instituted several redevelopment projects to revitalize areas.

One such area is the Inner Harbor, which has experienced a successful renaissance and is now a popular area of shops and restaurants. When looking for apartments for rent, consider some of these up-and-coming areas and you may find some bargains. You'll need them, because Baltimore's cost of living is slightly above the national average. Depending on the neighborhood, small apartments start in the $500-600 range, and you can easily spend $2,000 or more in monthly rent for luxurious townhouses or swanky apartments with a view.

Annapolis

In addition to being the capital of Maryland, home of the U.S. Naval Academy and an internationally celebrated maritime community, Annapolis is a great place to look for apartment rentals to call home. With a population of 36,000, this 350-year-old city provides a delightful blend of history, fine architecture and civic participation. As the "sailing capital of the world," Annapolis is a haven for water-sport enthusiasts. The scenic waterfront and abundant amenities make the "City of Neighborhoods "a terrific place to stay a while, or settle down for good. Apartments for rent start in the $700-800 range and quickly escalate to well over $1,000.

As a next-door neighbor to Maryland (the state actually gave up some of its land to form the nation's capital), Washington, D.C. is a handy alternative location to look for apartments for rent. D.C. is one of the easiest cities to get around; the Metrorail subway system and bus system make it possible to live here without a car. Historic points of interest seem to be on every corner, but beyond Washington, D.C.'s familiar sites and monuments, it's an exciting urban area full of interesting and eclectic choices. The trendy streets of Georgetown and happening Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan districts are vibrant, fun areas to explore when you.re looking for apartment rentals. There are several options when it comes to apartment living, and rental prices on apartments vary accordingly. The monthly rent on many apartments start in the $600 range and quickly escalate to the thousands, depending on the neighborhood and your proximity to a Metro stop.