BaltimoreWashington

Baltimore–Washington, commonly referred to as BaltimoreWashington, denotes the metropolitan region in the Mid-Atlantic United States anchored by Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The area includes suburbs in central Maryland and Northern Virginia and is linked by major corridors such as I-95 and the Capital Beltway (I-495). It is one of the nation’s most densely populated and economically integrated regions, with strong commuting ties between its two core cities.

Economy and institutions: The corridor is a major center for the federal government, defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, and higher education. It houses prominent research institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, the University of Maryland system, and a growing biotechnology and technology sector in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Public agencies, government contractors, and private firms collectively drive employment and regional growth.

Transportation and infrastructure: The Baltimore–Washington area relies on a multi-modal network. Interstates 95 and 495 form a backbone for regional mobility, while commuter rail and intercity service connect communities to Washington and Baltimore. The MARC commuter rail, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, and Washington Metro serve the region; major airports include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Planning and environment: The region hosts extensive educational and cultural resources and faces challenges common to large metros, including traffic congestion, housing affordability, and environmental stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Ongoing transit expansions, smart growth policies, and regional collaboration aim to improve mobility and quality of life while sustaining economic activity.