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It predates Baltimore and is about a century older than DC so it's very much its "own" place in the sense of culture.
It's considered a satellite city now because it's the sole link between the DC-Baltimore metro and eastern shore, so it's highly economically tied to them.
I'd say Annapolis is the very definition of a satellite city. Age or even culture aren't determining factors in any definition I've ever seen. It's a semi-independent city that would function on its own outside of the metro area, but has some cross-commuting because of the proximity to the larger urban area(s) nearby. That's a satellite city down to the letter. And I would definitely put Annapolis on any list of Satellite cities with great personality, charm, and character.
I'd say Annapolis is the very definition of a satellite city. Age or even culture aren't determining factors in any definition I've ever seen. It's a semi-independent city that would function on its own outside of the metro area, but has some cross-commuting because of the proximity to the larger urban area(s) nearby. That's a satellite city down to the letter. And I would definitely put Annapolis on any list of Satellite cities with great personality, charm, and character.
Locally, these are my favorite satellite cities:
Salem, MA
Newport, RI
Portsmouth, NH
Annapolis is the state capital. It has its own "industry".
Several Denver suburbs are also county seats, giving them an industry as well; Brighton, Littleton, Castle Rock, Golden and Boulder, going clockwise around the city. Denver is the state capital of Colorado and in its own county.
Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Lakewood; Gates Mills, Hunting Valley, Moreland Hills and Chagrin Falls; all outside Cleveland.
Sausalito, SF
Pasadena, Hermosa Beach, LA
Alexandria, D.C.
Ardmore, Media, Doylestown, Chestnut Hill and Manayunk, Philadelphia (OK, the latter 2 are within the city limits, but they're at the edges of the city and are so unique and distinctive, they're like satellite cities).
Annapolis is the state capital. It has its own "industry".
Several Denver suburbs are also county seats, giving them an industry as well; Brighton, Littleton, Castle Rock, Golden and Boulder, going clockwise around the city. Denver is the state capital of Colorado and in its own county.
I used to work in Annapolis, yes it has its own industry in state government but its economy is massively fueled by the presence of DC & Baltimore, which is a requirement for a satellite city.
Inevitably, virtually all these suburbs are pre-WWII suburbs. Usually inner ring suburbs, too.
How about some entirely post-WWII suburbs? Any charm among them, or did suburban charm end with WWII?
....I'm going to go on a limb and probably say no.
Most of the satellite cities that have developed post WWII (I'm looking at you Tysons & Bethesda) are glorified office parks or TOD developments for the wealthy so they can have an urban experience without having to live in the city proper where social classes intermingle.
West Hartford? It’s kinda, technically a post-wwii suburb, even if it’s history goes back further.
In the Hartford area I'd nominate Wethersfield, Farmington, New Britain, Manchester and Middletown before West Hartford. The latter is certainly a very nice suburb with good schools and some diversity and a lively downtown area. But character, charm? Not compared to Wethersfield where the historic buildings and landscapes recall the original Connecticut colony settlement. New Britain and Manchester are kinda scruffy but have personalities and NB has a really good art museum besides. Middletown is on a beautiful stretch of Conn River, has Wesleyan Univ and a thriving main street. Farmington has a gorgeous historic town center and location along the Farmington River plus the estimable Hill Stead museum.
Mt. Dora, FL
Sedona, AZ
Mystic, CT
Northampton, MA
Westerley, RI
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