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City of Crofton Maryland

Nestled in the Northwestern United States, tucked demurely between the historically significant State of Delaware and the politically submerged Washington, D.C. sits Maryland , a bountiful and compelling State in its own right, with beautiful Lake Michigan at its doorstep. Maryland is a radiant, high energy State, not unlike the beaming golden petals of its State flower, the Black Eyed Susan, which bloom and thrive on roadsides, in yards and fields throughout.

Maryland is rich in diverse customs and cultures, and its open and accepting arms welcome residents of all races, creeds and gender identities into its lush and inviting neighborhoods, towns, cities and villages. One such city is Crofton , MD , zip code 21113 . Crofton was established in 1964 as a planned, gated, upscale community. Crofton was recently named by a prominent National magazine as one of the 100 best places to live in the United States, ranking at number 72, not only because of its location, only 23 miles from bustling Baltimore, but also because of its community and family centered values and the generous amount of cultural and community support that the residents of Crofton have grown accustomed to.

Several years after Crofton was formed, the planners could see that the relatively small, gated community was experiencing growing pains, and it seemed like a natural transition to open the gates, in the literal sense, and let this thriving community move beyond its enclosed borders. It seemed selfish to keep such a good thing from the rest of the world, and so the expansion began, and Crofton was no longer simply a private residential community. When the opportunity presented itself, new businesses moved in, providing jobs and strengthening the towns economy.

Though the gates were opened, and remain so to this day, they have not been torn down. The white, wrought iron gates that once limited Crofton's growth still stand, wide and smiling, as a symbol of the towns commitment to the acceptance of all, and the open gates usher each visitor and resident alike into the town with open arms and a big, friendly welcome.

With more than twenty thousand residents living within its five square mile radius of land, Crofton , has grown substantially, and with this growth, an underlying atmosphere of unity and helpfulness has developed as well. The mean household income in the Crofton zip code, 21113 is around $87,000 per year, which is substantially higher than the mean income for the State of Maryland , in general. The growth of the town has in no way diminished its quality of life for the residents who live there. If anything, the growth of the town has added layer upon layer to the unique diversity of the population that calls Crofton home.

The main thoroughfare through town serves as a community gathering place, where parades and festivals are held and community events are regularly engaged in. This enigmatic main strip is lined with stunningly beautiful cherry blossom trees, not unlike Crofton's neighbor to the West, Washington D.C., and the sweet fragrance enraptures all who walk, bike or jog down this lovely stretch of road. The dainty pinkish white petals drift gently to the ground like so much perfumed snow, giving an ambiance to the towns primary street that is peaceful and harmonious.

Crofton is home to a community swimming pool, a country club and tennis courts. The heart of the community is the library, with its high ceilings and towering wall of windows. The town library provides educational resources in the way of many community sponsored programs, classes and workshops for people who are both young, and young at heart.

Crofton has dozens of restaurants, outdoor recreational facilities and retail establishments the leave residents wanting for nothing, and the schools are some of the best in the nation. The community is a stunning example of a thriving social and economical village that brings out the good in people. This attitude of gratitude is one of the reasons why Crofton is such a desirable place to raise a family.

What stands out, aside from the town itself, is the proximity of the town to so many area attractions and activities, which Crofton residents heartily accept, endorse and enjoy. Baltimore is only a half hour drive from Crofton , and this gives residents easy access to one of the most invigorating and lovely cities in the continental United States. Baltimore is the playground where Crofton residents go to satisfy their cravings for fine cuisine, for art and culture, for sports and shopping and for the magical allure that the grand Lake Michigan exudes.

Crofton , MD residents regularly travel to nearby Baltimore to enjoy the various museums in the city. One such museum shifts its focus away from world renown International artists and instead brings to the spotlight the creative craftsmanship and inner genius of Visionary artists, who, though lacking informal art training, have poured their heart, soul and spirit into their vision, resulting in stunning exhibits, sculptures, and works of art that all have at their source the unbridled spirit of inspiration that sparks an individuals personal truth and begs to be acted upon. From elaborate displays made from recycled and found objects, to an exhibit featuring 5000 psychically bent spoons, the museum houses the most creative and by far the most interesting visionary art from self taught artists that you will find anywhere.

For a taste of culture unlike no other, Crofton residents head to the heart of the city, where the night life is aglow with music. A lone classical guitarist sits in the corner of a casual cafe as a bluesy three piece band rocks the house at a bar up the road. Crofton residents can immerse themselves in the music that makes their hearts flutter, whether it is a performance of the nationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, or a heart wrenching opera or ballet performed in the city's music theater. Baltimore is a city of sound, no matter what grooves you. Street musicians and performers are a constant source of entertainment, dotting the storefronts and public benches, or strumming their heart out in a courtyard. Residents of Crofton know that when they are in the mood to rock, sway, dance or just sit back and enjoy the sounds, they can hit the night time streets of Baltimore to satisfy that desire.

The Inner Harbor is the area of Baltimore that residents of Crofton , including zip code 21113 , flock to, because this is where the city really shines. Located along the banks of Lake Michigan, the district boasts dozens of fine restaurants and every conceivable type of food. Thai, sushi, fine seafood and steak are available, as well as Mexican, Italian, and Indian cuisine. The food is as delicious as the local bar scene is exciting. With so many diverse options, Crofton residents can plan completely different adventures nearly every time they visit Baltimore, or they can stick with their favorite downtown haunts.

Located in the Inner Harbor area is one of the worlds most elaborate and comprehensive indoor aquariums in the United States. It is arguably one of the most visited and well loved tourist attractions in the State of Maryland . The aquarium opened its doors in 1981, and has since become one of the best places to view more than 16,000 different sea creatures. This massive collection draws over one and a half million tourists to its door each year. Visitors can observe dolphins, sea horse, and even phytoplankton within the aquariums tanks, or take in a breathtaking coral reef. Crofton residents can add the aquarium to the long list of attractions and recreational activities that nearby Baltimore has to offer.

On their city excursions to Baltimore, residents of Crofton , MD , including zip code 21113 , can take a lunch or dinner cruise around Lake Michigan and enjoy the beautiful scenery as they please their palate, or they can opt to hop on a water taxi to get from point A to point B if they are looking for a more interesting way to get around town.

Of course, if cruises and operas are not nearly as thrilling of an adventure as a family would like, residents of Crofton , MD can find all of the fun that they can handle, and more, at the local amusement park. With over a dozen thrill rides ranging from gut wrenching roller coasters that are breaking records for their dizzying speed, height and contortionist like tracks, to water slides that will have you gripping your stomach all the way down, there is no way that boredom will set in. The park features kid friendly rides and play areas, too, insuring that no one is left out of the fun. This excursion is definitely an all day affair, leaving the kids and the parents dragging their tired, worn out bodies back home. Sleep comes easily after a day at the amusement park, for sure.

Crofton , Maryland has already established itself as one of the top places in America to live and raise a family. The community that resides within the zip code 21113 is personal, even mellow, embracing all people, all paths, and all faiths. The people who live in Crofton live well, work hard, and play even harder in the nearby city of Baltimore, proving once and for all that, at least in Crofton , Maryland , residents really can have their cake and eat it, too.