Maryland City - Laurel, MD

At the west end of Anne Arundel County, Maryland City began as a dream for Harvey Kane, a developer in 1960 who hoped to turn 1,200 acres of land into low-cost, ground-rent housing. His plans worked well for a while, but population boomed in the mid-1990s, and a larger neighborhood was built to accommodate the growth in diverse families.

Situated directly below the Maryland City border, the Montpelier Mansion gives a glimpse of the antiquated history of 18th century Maryland homes. Peruse the acres of a once-thriving plantation, listen to fascinating stories about previous owners and guests, and indulge in a midday tea of scones, clotted cream and finger sandwiches.

Akin to most American neighborhoods, Maryland City features the usual major chain restaurants, such as Subway and Bob Evans. However, for those who appreciate variety in their cuisine, several locally owned and operated diners, cafes and eateries have popped up over the years, bringing culture to an already charming area.

Many question whether Maryland qualifies as a true southern state, and Red Hot & Blue answers the decades-old inquiries with a southern menu that most consider the best below the Mason-Dixon Line. Served in heaping portions to satisfy the biggest appetites, the slow-smoked pulled pork barbecue with Carolina vinegar, homemade potato salad and Memphis dry rub ribs remain local favorites. Be sure to leave room for one of the signature chocolate-drizzled pies.

Located on Contee Road, Three Brothers offers authentic Italian cuisine with an infusion of old-school American. The menu includes eggplant Parmesan, mozzarella sticks and lasagna, but locals agree that the pizzas are the best. Layered with homemade marinara sauce and gobs of cheese, you can ask for anything you might want on your pizza, from fresh vegetables and fruits to a slew of meats, such as pepperoni, salami and anchovies.

Within walking distances of most apartment complexes and suburban housing developments in Maryland City, Nuzback’s Bar is considered a town legend by locals who have lived in the neighborhood for decades. Founded in the 1940s, the bar remains family owned and operated, and the patrons prove to be the friendly types who seem to have always been there. You can expect good conversation, great wings and affordable beer, both on-tap and bottled.

There proves to be no shortage of public transportation in Maryland City, as bus stops conveniently line the streets of Red Clay Road, Greenview Drive and Laurel Fort Mead Road. Depending on the destination of the stop, you can go anywhere for an affordable fare, and the same applies to cab companies, such as Taxi Cab Laurel and Yes Taxi, which service the greater Maryland City area. Of course, Uber is also conveniently available, so you can hail a cab from any location.

Bicyclers can take Brock Bridge Road through Maryland City, and the numerous suburban roads remain safe and secure, as motorists expect to share the streets with pedestrians and cyclists. Laurel Fort Mead Road also has a section where bicyclers are welcome, and that lengthy highway turns into several smaller rural streets.

For those who prefer taking their own cars into the surrounding cities, traffic within the neighborhood is easy to navigate. The shortcuts and rural routes, including Brock Bridge Road, take commuters around the major points of traffic, leading them safely to work or school without hitting highway congestion.

The entire landscape of Maryland City could be a thriving park, brimming with wildlife every spring, but there are in fact designated areas for active families and their pups to unwind and play.

The trademark of the neighborhood, Maryland City Park devotes a few dozen acres to two playgrounds, one for toddlers and the other for big kids, as well as walking tracks for exercise. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on leashes.

The heart and soul of Maryland City parks rests on the other side of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Patuxent Research Refuge dedicates over 12,800 acres to the natural, protected wildlife in Maryland, including several species of birds and butterflies. An outdoor visitor center sits on the grounds, offering guided tours of the animals, interactive trails and explanations of biologist research.

On average, living costs in Maryland City have risen 6 percent above typical Maryland neighborhoods, but the higher costs attribute to the surrounding luxuries that the area offers. Settling down in an apartment prices around $1,271 for a one-bedroom, but nicer condominiums have been known to climb as high as $1,439 to account for more amenities.

Commuting on a bus sets you back $2 per ride, but a monthly pass would save you big bucks, running around $47 for 31 consecutive days of anytime riding. Drivers can expect to shell out 4 percent higher than the national average for gas prices, while a trip to the local pub generally costs $6 to $7 for a good pint of beer.

Clustered along Laurel Fort Mead Road, Maryland City acts as home to a collection of boutiques, shopping plazas and supermarkets. Expect to find the usual GameStop, Target and Walmart along with Redbox kiosks. Lesser-known options and local boutiques, such as Carol's Western Wear, Grace Boutique and Wellness, and Kake Korners,sit among the big box stores.

Other area boutiques include Ms. Honey Do, LLC Kitchen Remodeling, a quaint store where dreams of renovation become a reality with a team of designers and developers. Meanwhile, sweethearts ooh and awe over the custom, handmade selection of rings, necklaces and earrings at Mesinger Jewelers.

When you run low on groceries, stop by Giant Foods for basic grocery needs. Head to the Dutch Country Farmers Market for the freshest, Maryland-grown fruits and vegetables. This spot also features a robust meat selection, and local bakeries contribute with plentiful supplies of fresh-baked doughnuts, pretzels and cakes.