Visiting the Baltimore/Washington area and saying "I understand Maryland" is akin to visiting Atlanta and saying "I understand Georgia."  Sorry, but there is more to both states than their largest cities. 

 ++++  Ah, and since I brought up DC, sorry, but economically and historically, DC has way more in common with Atlanta, Charlotte, and other Southern cities than Northern cities.  Both grew and expanded without heavy industry.  White flight, leading to the growth of suburbs, etc.