Living in Maryland has its pros and cons, just like living anywhere else in the world. Whether this is worthwhile or not depends on your priorities and the compromises you make with yourself and your loved ones.
If you’re thinking of moving to the Old-Line State, or you’re already residing here and want to adjust faster, or just out of curiosity, here’s what it’s like to live in this east coast state should you want to claim Maryland as your home.
History
Maryland was one of the original colonies, and Baltimore is one of the country’s oldest cities, having been founded in 1729. An old place like this can’t help but be steeped in history.
Historical sites abound. There’s Fort Henry, which successfully defended against the British in the War of 1812. In Jonestown, you’ll find the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, which was the home of Mary Pickersgill who, along with her mother and her daughter, sewed our national flag. It was this flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The original manuscript written by Key is the most prized item in the Maryland Center for History and Culture, in addition to a large collection documenting what life was like throughout the state’s history. Another museum worth visiting is Baltimore Museum of Industry, a former oyster cannery. Here, you’ll find the oldest surviving steam tugboat in the country and the original spice grinder from Germany owned by the inventor of Old Bay, Baltimore’s fave spice (more on this below).
In the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum, you can ride a train along the first 1.5 mile of track laid in the country. The museum is designated as an Underground Railroad historic site, along with the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, because of its part in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
You can also visit museums dedicated to famous Maryland personalities, such as Babe Ruth and Edgar Allan Poe.
Outdoors
Maryland, aka Little America or America in miniature, offers visitors and residents alike a wide range of landscapes. In the eastern coastal regions are shorelines and sandy dunes. In the west are the Blue Ridge and rocky Appalachian mountains, and marshlands in Chesapeake Bay. The interior features acres of farmland, rolling hills, green fields, and miles of water trails. (The only thing that’s missing in the state are deserts.) So, there’s plenty of options if you’re the outdoors type of person.
You’ll find beaches on the eastern shore or southern parts of the state. Chief among them are Ocean City and Chesapeake Bay. To the west lie the mountains which are great for skis and hikes. The Appalachian Trail, for instance, offers 40 miles of hiking and Sugarloaf Mountain with its 5.7 miles of hiking trails. Meanwhile, the most well-known ski resort in Maryland is Wisp Resort in McHenry with more than 100 skiable acres from a 3,000-foot-plus elevation.
Maryland is also known as horse country, thanks to its rich equestrian legacy. Many horse farms are in the central part of the state, and horse racing is still popular here. Or, go to Assateague Island to see a large herd of wild horses roam free.
Note, though, that you might develop or exacerbate any existing pollen or mold allergies if you choose to live here. These allergies can be managed with the right meds and precautions, however.
“While I enjoy the surrounding greenery, I’ve found that the spring and fall months rage with pollens and allergens,” Marylander Mark Turner said. “I’ve got friends who never had allergy issues before, but they started to feel constantly congested after moving to Maryland.”
Weather
Maryland’s weather is typical for the Mid-Atlantic region. Its four seasons are generally pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 75℉ (24℃). Winters can drop to the mid-upper 30s, with occasional heavy snowfalls, especially in the western portions of the state. Hurricanes mostly hit the southern part of Maryland, and thunderstorms are frequent in July and August. Flooding can be an issue in older towns near rivers and streams.
Food
When it comes to food, Maryland is synonymous to seafood. It’s one of the best places in the country to dine on fresh seafood.
The state is best known for its blue crab, which many restaurants turn into crab cakes. Unlike the “Maryland-style crab cakes” you’ll find in other states, authentic Maryland crab cakes feature large chunks of crab meat. Soft shell crabs, oysters, shrimps, mussels, clams, and fresh fish are also abundant here.
And, you might find a recurring taste among the seafood you eat. Don’t worry, you’re not imagining it. Marylanders are big on Old Bay seasoning, which they put on practically everything – even in beer.
Traffic
Maryland has been ranked second when it comes to the most congested roads. Expect congestion in Baltimore and other areas near Washington, D.C., especially during peak hours. If your drive takes you over the Bay Bridge, you should also expect a longer drive, especially on the weekends and during summer when tourists flock Ocean City and other attractions. However, unlike the West Coast, Maryland and the East Coast, in general, have many side-highways and side roads you can use to get off the highway and away from traffic.
Education
If you have children, Maryland will not disappoint in terms of education. The prestigious Johns Hopkins University is located here. But, the top-notch education is not limited to private universities only, as the state also consistently ranks as one of the best for public education in the U.S. As one Marylander puts it: “I wouldn’t think twice about sending my kids to the local public school, which can’t be said about most states.”
Jobs
When it comes to employment, you have many opportunities if you live here. There’s Washington, D.C. and its government posts, but prospects also abound in healthcare, technology, and other non-tech companies like Marriott, Under Armour and McCormick.
The state’s strong job market offers professionals looking to move here a solid start to their career, stability and growth. As a result, the state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. It also ranks among the states with the highest median household income in the USA.
Cost of living
The Old Line State is known for its high cost of living. In other words, Maryland is an expensive place to live. But then again, you probably should expect this if most of your neighbors are millionaires.
While healthcare and transportation might be more affordable here than elsewhere, Maryland’s cost of living is a whopping 16% higher than the national average. Housing costs are 45% higher than national average, and monthly utilities 10%, food 9%, and goods and services 6% higher than national average.
However, location still matters. While Bethesda’s cost of living is 14% higher the the state average and 33% higher than the national average, in Baltimore, the cost of living is 13% lower than the state average and only 1% higher than the national average.
Housing Market
How much you pay for a house in Maryland depends largely on which part of the state you choose to live. In general, houses in Baltimore cost lower than the houses in the D.C. area. According to a WTOP News report, a condo in Washington, D.C. will set you back about $465,000, while one in Baltimore will only cost about $210,000.
You could also be paying a lower price if you pick the right suburb. For instance, a single-family home in Baltimore County, north of Baltimore, is under $400,000 compared to over $800,000 in Montgomery County, which is less than 30 miles away from Washington, D.C. This is well above the national average. However, you’d still be paying less for the latter than one in comparable suburbs in Virginia.
But, if you really want to save, then fixer-uppers might be your best bet. Real estate firm Yardi Matrix said in the same news report that fixer-uppers sell 43% cheaper, on average. “There are a lot of row home properties in particular that are a lot more affordable, but they need a lot more investment,” Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at listing service Bright MLS, told the outlet. “If somebody is willing to take on a fixer-upper, the City of Baltimore is home to a lot of options.”
Taxes
Maryland has a high tax burden. In fact, the state ranks among the highest in the country with an effective tax rate of 11.3%. When you buy a house, you’ll have to pay a higher property tax, and even tax credits have a cap. Add to this your income tax, plus a separate local (city or country) tax, and sales taxes. Even if you retire, income from your pensions, IRAs and 401Ks are taxable. It’s also the only state that has both an inheritance and an estate tax.
Diversity
Maryland is one of the most diverse states, with 61.1% diversity index as of 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data. Majority are Whites (61.6%), next comes African-Americans (12.4%), followed by Hispanics (18.7%), Asians (6%), American Indians and Alaskan Natives (1.1%), Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islander (0.2%).
Healthcare
If healthcare is a concern, Maryland is home to some of the best hospitals in the country – Johns Hopkins Hospital. Residents of the state have access to quality healthcare, one that’s highly rated in the world. Plus, the cost of such excellent healthcare is lower than the national average. This leads to better health and quality of life.
Close to Other Cities
Maryland is a great location if you have to commute to Washington, D.C., which is just a short drive or train ride away. Travel time from Baltimore to the country’s capital only takes about an hour. The state is also near larger cities like New York and Philadelphia.
What is it Like to Live in Maryland?
In a nutshell…There are many things to love about living in Maryland, but it’s not a perfect place. When you decide to make your residence in the Old Line State, you’ll also have to deal with some issues. Whether these issues weigh more or less than the benefits, that’s up to you to decide.