Welcome to West Anne Arundel County! West Anne Arundel County is the growth engine for Anne Arundel County, but still retains pockets of country living reflecting its initial settlement as plantations along the many rivers and tributaries found throughout the area. The town of Odenton sprung up around the railroad lines, and the original Odenton train station is still in use today as a MARC commuter rail stop – the busiest non-terminal stop on the Penn Line. With World War I West County became the home to Fort George G. Meade, and later to the National Security Agency.
West County is now a major business, residential, and industrial center – and the fastest growing area in the county. The proximity to Fort George G. Meade and the National Security Agency, as well as its convenience to Baltimore, Washington, and Annapolis, makes this part of the county an attractive place for employers and employees alike. What was once a farming community and transportation hub is now an emerging defense and intelligence center with companies specializing in informatics, communications, high speed computing, aerospace, and instrumentation.
With ongoing single and multi-family housing development throughout the region, as well as housing availability in more established neighborhoods, there’s a community available to suit every need. Take a few minutes to explore our Communities & Real Estate page to get a feeling for the different areas, or check out some of the new developments planned and underway in the Odenton Town Center, Arundel Preserve, Arundel Mills, The Village at Waugh Chapel South, and other areas. Interested in building a home? Check our Homebuilders listings. Prefer to rent? We have many fine Apartments available throughout West County, some brand new! For help, be sure to contact one of our local Realtors - they’ll be glad to assist you.
Many people consider schools one of the driving forces behind where they choose to live – and West County’s are consistently rated among the best in the country! We’ve provided you with an overview of area schools at Education & Childcare, with links to more detailed information.
Once you’ve found a place to live, we’ve got all the information you need to set up your utilities, phone service, and register your vehicles – just click Relocation Resources for more information. Looking for a number that isn’t listed there? Try the Quick Reference Phone Numbers.
We’re glad you’ve decided to make your home in West Anne Arundel County – stop by the Chamber office at 8385 Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton and pick up a copy of our Relocation Guide and Business Directory for more information on the local area and great community businesses!