Moving to Maryland: The Outsider’s Guide

If you’re thinking of moving to Maryland, this is the guide for you. We’ve covered the basics, the details, the local insights, and of course, the real estate market. Check it out!

There are no silly questions! Maryland is on the East Coast and shares borders with Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Atlantic Ocean. The climate here is fairly mild, giving us warm, humid summers and moderately cold winters. We have large cities, small towns, and beautiful countryside, so there’s a place here for everyone.

Maryland’s population grows steadily by about 7% each decade, placing it in the middle of the pack as the 22nd fast-growing state in the U.S. It is also ranked the most diverse state on the East Coast and the third-most diverse state in the country. Why are people moving here? There are plenty of reasons, but these are the ones we hear most often:

Many people are moving to Maryland because of the robust economic opportunities. Conveniently located near Washington D.C., the state allows commuters to work in government, higher education, and healthcare in the country’s capital while avoiding its higher cost of living. 

Additionally, Maryland is a national leader in the information technology, telecommunications, and aerospace and defense sectors. Our state is also the place to be if you’re in research and biotech, and you can also find a multitude of opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and construction.

How much will you make? That depends on your field and experience, but statistically, Maryland residents make 28% more than the average American. The median household salary in the U.S. is  $71,186, while in Maryland, it’s $91,431.

Maryland is ranked #6 by U.S. News on its list of Best States for Healthcare. How are these rankings determined? The publication analyzes access to preventive medical and dental treatment including inaccessibility due to cost, the quality of available healthcare, and public health factors such as obesity, smoking, mental health, mortality, and more. Additionally, just 8.3% of the population doesn’t have health insurance in Maryland compared to 12.7% nationwide, and the state saw 3,978 preventable hospital admissions out of 100,000 patients—which is about 10% lower than the U.S. average.

If great healthcare is important to you, Maryland should be at the top of your list.

Looking for educational opportunities for yourself or other household members? Try Maryland. Last year, we ranked as the 2nd most educated state in the country for the 3rd consecutive year. There are 55 colleges in Maryland, and U.S. News ranks us #12 for higher education. World Population Review includes Maryland on its top 10 list of states with the best school systems, while Niche.com lists Howard County, Montgomery County, and Worcester County as the best school districts in the state. Whether you’re looking for a great preschool or a great graduate program, Maryland has something for you.

There are many wonderful cities to choose from in Maryland, but these are a few of our favorites:

Bethesda is a suburb of Washington D.C. with a population of about 65,000 people. Niche.com ranks it the 5th best place to live in Maryland, and the majority of surveyed residents rated it “excellent” or “very good.” In Bethesda, you have access to a rapidly growing job market and incredible educational opportunities. For leisure, you’ll love Bethesda’s own world-class restaurants and entertainment as well as plenty of access to parks, trails, and outdoor activities. You’re also just a quick 20-minute drive or 30-minute Metro ride to Washington D.C.

With a population of around 81,000, Silver Spring is larger than Bethesda. The vibe is urban here, and residents enjoy the convenience of walkable neighborhoods. Niche.com gives Silver Spring several top rankings, including the #2 Suburb for Young Professionals in Maryland and the #5 Most Diverse Suburb in Maryland. Nightlife is highly rated, so if it’s high on your list of must-haves, Silver Spring is right for you.

A few miles north of Bethesda, you’ll find Rockville, a city of about 67,000 people. Though similar in population, Rockville feels more suburban than Bethesda and real estate is less expensive. Rockville’s median home sale price last month was $598,000, while Bethesda’s was $1,130,000. The trip from Rockville to D.C. is only 10 minutes longer than Bethesda’s by car, so if you need an easy commute but want to save big on your home purchase, Rockville is worth considering. 

Rockville earns an A+ grade from Niche.com and is ranked one of the best places to live in Maryland.

If you’re looking for a small city a little further from the beaten path, try Gaithersburg. With a population of around 69,000, it's large enough to provide the amenities you need, but it’s far enough from the main hub of D.C. that you’ll enjoy a little more peace and quiet. Popular attractions include the RIO Lakefront, the Gaithersburg Community Museum, and a variety of outdoor parks. The area is also popular for its independent breweries and is just a 15-minute drive to Germantown, where you can visit Butler’s Orchard and the Lancaster County Dutch Market.

Decided that Maryland is right for you? Let us help you move. We’re experts at conquering the impossible, whether that’s a relocation from out of state, buying and selling a home at the same time, or some other real estate situation as unique as you are. Give us your must-have list, and we’ll turn it into a real-life dream home. Fill out the form below to get started.

Ready to make your move to Maryland? Give us a call at 301-781-7525 to find out how we can help!