Jennings, Maryland facts for kids

Jennings refers to two different places in the U.S. state of Maryland. These places are small communities, each with its own unique characteristics. It's common for several places to share the same name, especially in older states like Maryland, which has a rich history.

What is Jennings in Maryland?

In Maryland, the name Jennings points to two distinct communities. One is found in Anne Arundel County, and the other is located in Garrett County. Both are considered unincorporated communities, meaning they don't have their own local government like a city or town.

Jennings in Anne Arundel County

Jennings in Anne Arundel County is an unincorporated community. This means it's a recognized area where people live, but it's not officially a city or town with its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's governed by the county.

Where is it located?

Anne Arundel County is in the central part of Maryland. It's known for its beautiful waterfronts along the Chesapeake Bay. The county seat is Annapolis, which is also the state capital. Jennings is one of many smaller communities within this larger county.

What's it like there?

Like many unincorporated communities, Jennings in Anne Arundel County is likely a quiet residential area. These communities often blend into the surrounding landscape. They might have a mix of homes, small businesses, or open spaces. Life here is typically focused on local activities and county services.

Jennings in Garrett County

The other Jennings is located in Garrett County, Maryland. This community is also unincorporated, but it has an additional designation: it's a census-designated place, often called a CDP.

Exploring Garrett County's Jennings

Garrett County is in the westernmost part of Maryland. It's famous for its mountains, forests, and outdoor activities. Deep Creek Lake, a popular spot for recreation, is also in this county. Jennings in Garrett County is nestled in this scenic, rural environment.

Why is it a CDP?

A census-designated place (CDP) is a special area identified by the U.S. Census Bureau. It's created for statistical purposes. This means the Census Bureau collects specific population and housing data for that area. Even though it's a CDP, it still doesn't have its own local government. It remains an unincorporated community, just like Jennings in Anne Arundel County. The CDP designation helps researchers and planners understand population trends in specific rural or suburban areas.

Understanding Place Names

Learning about places like Jennings helps us understand how communities are organized. Not every place where people live is a city or town. Many are unincorporated communities or census-designated places.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a populated area that does not have its own municipal government. This means it's not officially a city, town, or village. Instead, it's governed directly by the county or a larger regional authority. Services like police, fire, and public works are provided by the county government. Many small neighborhoods and rural areas across the United States are unincorporated communities.

What is a Census-Designated Place?

A census-designated place (CDP) is a statistical area defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. It's designed to gather demographic data for populated areas that are not legally incorporated as cities or towns. CDPs have no legal status as a municipality. They do not have their own local government, but they are recognized for census purposes. This helps in understanding population distribution and characteristics in areas that might otherwise be overlooked in official city or town statistics.