Maryland Unveiled: A Guide for Future Residents

Spread your roots in Maryland, a small state with a regal character. America’s ninth smallest state doesn’t lack reasons to live there: exciting cities, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and a prime Mid-Atlantic location. But is Maryland a good place to live for you? Navigate through an overview of what to know about the Old Line State. Living in Maryland appeals to so many, and you’ll start to see why in the state’s climate, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and community events

Maryland Fast Facts

About Maryland

Understanding how Maryland developed illuminates how its modern culture and character came about.

Maryland’s captivating history started in 1632, when English settlers founded St. Mary’s City under the guidance of George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, to be a Catholic colony. The early years were marked by religious turmoil between the state’s early Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant colonists. It includes an uprising that led to several battles on its soil for territorial control between the religious groups.

By the mid-1700s, Maryland’s waterways and port cities had transformed it into a major hub for the tobacco trade and other agricultural shipments. The state’s shoreline and cities played crucial roles in events during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. In fact, the Battle of Baltimore inspired the writing of the US National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” English forces considered Baltimore a “haven for pirates” because the city built fast ships that eluded the British lines so well.

Its strategic importance continued through the Civil War, as the government in the District of Columbia needed Maryland on the Union’s side, or enemy states would have surrounded it. But like the nation, Maryland was a state divided, and it fell south of the Mason-Dixon Line as it did not outlaw slavery. The conflict deeply divided the state and its families. Numerous conflicts were fought, with the most renowned being the bloody Battle of Antietam. Over 23,000 people died in a single day. Maryland’s enslaved persons were freed in 1864 with its new State Constitution.

Many of Maryland’s most historic cities, such as Annapolis and St. Michaels, retain colonial charm and landmarks that date to their founding three centuries ago. This unique blend of old and new provides a rich backdrop for modern residents to explore.

A Diverse Climate

Maryland is a tale of seasonal change. The state’s geography presents a varied climate, with the inland mountainous regions seeing colder temperatures while the coastal plains are milder and more humid. It experiences colorful fall foliage in the Appalachian Plateau and warm, muggy summers along the Atlantic coast.

Winters can be brisk, especially in the western mountains, where heavy snowfalls aren’t out of the question. The state’s average daily highs in January reach 45F, and the lows stand at 28F. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 86F.

On the whole, the state doesn’t receive much snowfall, although geography plays a role in snowfall amounts. What Maryland does have is a distinct rainy season, with thunderstorms cropping up about one out of every five days in the summer.

The state’s atmospheric science department notes a clear “heat island” around the Washington D.C. metro that bumps average temperatures 5-8F. The Potomac River also has a moderating influence on temperatures in this region.

Where Mountains and Water Meet

Four states border Maryland: Delaware on the east on its shared Delmarva Peninsula, Pennsylvania to the north, West Virginia on the west and south, and Virginia and the District of Columbia to the south.

Even though Maryland is the ninth smallest state, it has an incredibly diverse landscape. Inside its borders are the rolling Piedmont hills, the rugged Appalachians, and the vital waters of the Chesapeake Bay. In sum, geologists identify nine distinct regions in Maryland.

Maryland parks highlight its landscape diversity. See coastal marshes and picturesque lighthouses framed by sand dunes and thickly treed forests on mountains crossed by hiking and camping trails. Hoye Crest in the west is the highest point at 3,360 feet above sea level.

Perhaps its most important and distinct geographical feature is Chesapeake Bay. This marine estuary has long been vital to Maryland’s economy and history. For centuries, residents have harvested crabs, oysters, and fish from its bountiful waters. Tourists flock to the coastline to see its iconic lighthouses, the Potomac River, and Baltimore Harbor. Unfortunately, pollution and overfishing threaten the bay, which since the 1980s has been a focus of environmental protection efforts.

All this change in Maryland’s landscape adds to the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. There are not many states where you can sail the seas and climb mountains within hours of each other.

Anchors Aweigh: Maryland’s Major Cities

As its largest city, Baltimore is the centerpiece of Maryland’s urban experience, with over half a million residents. The city may be best known for its top-ranked Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center, but it’s also a hub for industry, technology, and tourism. Sports teams like the MLB Orioles and NFL Ravens add to an active community. Culturally, it is a centerpiece of art, music, and history. The Baltimore Museum of Art showcases historic and contemporary art, while visitors step back in time at Fort McHenry National Monument. The Inner Harbor is a magnet for dining, shopping, and entertainment set against expansive waterfront views.

Baltimore isn’t the only noteworthy city in Maryland. The state’s capital, Annapolis, is a charming waterfront town with its own long history and lively arts scene. “America’s Sailing Capital” has 533 miles of shoreline and is home to the US Naval Academy! Its historic district charms with its cobblestone streets and beautiful Georgian-style buildings.

Let’s not forget about the nation’s capital region. The DC metro on the Maryland side includes exciting urban centers like Silver Spring, Columbia, Waldorf, and Germantown. If you combined the populations of these suburban cities, they could equal Baltimore in size. The benefits of living in the DC metro area are many: a thriving job market, quality schools, prime access to cultural attractions, and exceptional outdoor recreation access for an urban area.

Maryland’s Stellar Education System

Maryland has been recognized for its strong emphasis on education. As of 2023, it ranked nationally no. 23 for its public K-12 system, and no. 15 for its higher education.

The Maryland Department of Education oversees 24 local education agencies, 1,400 public schools, and 7,000 education providers. Several of its high schools ranked in the top 1% in the nation based on US News and World Report evaluations, such as Poolesville High School and Eastern Technical High School. In 2022, the media site ranked Maryland as having the fifth-best high schools in the nation based on factors like college readiness, math and reading proficiency, and graduation rate. Six schools earned National Blue Ribbon School recognition in 2023. For Advanced Placement achievement–based on the number of students who take the exam and the number who score “3” or higher–it ranked sixth.

Montgomery County Public School system is the largest school district in the state, with 210 elementary, middle, high, and alternative schools. It, along with Howard County and Worcester County Public Schools, frequently rank among the high-performing systems in Maryland.

Top-ranking universities add to Maryland’s high standard of education. Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland are the two at the forefront.  Their long-running commitment to education attracts students worldwide to their rigorous programs.

Johns Hopkins frequently makes lists of the best universities in the nation. For 2023, it was no. 9 on US News and World Report. JHU is a private university based in Baltimore with highly regarded public health, education, music, medicine, and engineering programs.

However, the University of Maryland at College Park also has a high standard and makes the cut into the top 50 national universities. The flagship campus is close to DC, adding to its appeal for students who also appreciate its highly active campus life. The busy social and athletics activity doesn’t dampen the rigor of its academics, with the engineering and education schools being highly regarded.

The US Naval Academy in Annapolis is one of the five service academies that provide rigorous advanced education and military training for future officers in the armed forces. The Naval Academy ranked no. 3 for liberal arts colleges in the nation, and has produced notable leaders in American government.

Maryland’s commitment to academic excellence extends from early childhood education to postgraduate studies, making it an attractive choice for families.

Riding the Economic Tide

For those seeking substantial career opportunities, diverse sectors strengthen Maryland’s economy. Among them are top-paying jobs in biotechnology, cybersecurity, and defense. Entrepreneurs and professionals alike will find a supportive business environment, thanks to the state’s strategic location, strong transportation networks, and access to government agencies and resources.

The top single employer by numbers is Fort Meade, a federal military installation employing 53,000 people. In fact, three of the state’s ten top employers are military. However, life sciences is one of the state’s top industries, as it has about two times more federal research labs than any other state! The workforce has one of the highest concentrations of engineers and doctoral scientists.

With the District of Columbia as an economic hub, Maryland further leads in cybersecurity, logistics, renewable energy, and financial services. On the renewable energy front, Maryland ranks sixth for offshore wind power generation.

Tourism is another significant economic generator. People are drawn to its beaches, iconic shoreline, historic cities, and DC metro attractions. It’s the 12th largest private industry employer in the state.

In its earliest days, Maryland profited from agriculture and fishing. Agribusiness remains the state’s largest commercial industry, generating billions of dollars annually. The top products include broiler chickens, corn and soybeans, chicken eggs, dairy products, and floriculture.

Healthcare: A Pillar of Strength

Maryland’s healthcare system ranked fourth nationally, with world-class healthcare facilities such as Johns Hopkins Hospital leading medical research and treatment. Its model is built to hold hospitals accountable for the health of their communities.

Remember, the state is at the forefront of life sciences and biotechnology. Numerous startups and established companies drive innovation in the healthcare field for the entire nation.

Besides cutting-edge healthcare, Maryland really shines in the overall cost of healthcare services. The state has a “Total Cost of Care” Model or an “All-Payer” Model where all payers (Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers) must pay the same rates for hospital services. This has led to more affordable care for residents. WalletHub ranked the state the best in the nation for healthcare costs in 2022.

Besides Johns Hopkins, over 70 hospitals and medical centers deliver a strong network of primary care providers and specialists. The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the state. UMMS has 15 hospitals and over 2,700 licensed beds. It is aiming to expand patient services beyond the hospital walls.

The University of Maryland’s medical school also conducts cutting-edge research to improve patients’ lives and advance public health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for nearly 80% of all medical research funding in the United States, and its main campus is in Bethesda, Maryland. This provides opportunities for collaboration and partnership between researchers and scientists at NIH and universities throughout the state.

Infrastructural Insights: Getting Around Maryland

With its dense road and transit systems, getting around Maryland is relatively easy, especially in the urban areas.

The MARC train and the Metro rail provide efficient commuting methods in the greater DC metro. Vehicle traffic is notoriously bad in this part of the state, with long wait times during rush hour. That is one downside to living in Maryland: daily commutes can be long, depending on where you live.

Major highways crisscross the state, with the most prominent being I-95 and I-70, which connect through Baltimore. Extensions of I-495, I-270, and I-97 help move people around the greater DC metro. I-68 runs east-west through the panhandle until it meets I-70 near Hancock.

Public transportation service through rail dwindles once you get away from the DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis metros. Driving by car becomes the easiest way to move around, especially in Western Maryland or on the Eastern Shore.

A network of airports makes national and international travel a breeze. On the Maryland side is the Baltimore/Washington International Airport, which is much closer to Baltimore for convenience.

Navigating the Cost of Living

High-quality living comes with a particular cost. To enjoy Maryland’s nation-leading perks, residents pay about 11% more overall than the US-indexed average.

Nearly every expense category runs above average, except for healthcare. As mentioned, Maryland is a national leader in lowering healthcare costs.

However, the DC metro, gorgeous waterfront, and abundant job opportunities make Maryland a high-demand place to live. That places pressure on all goods and services, from housing to child care.

What you’ll really pay will depend highly on where you live in Maryland and your lifestyle.

Income taxes in Maryland depend on your income. The progressive income tax system starts at 2% and goes up to 5.75% for the highest earners. Some counties also collect an individual income tax. The highest county income tax rate in 2024 was 0.032 and levied by Wicomico, Somerset, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Montgomery, Kent, Howard, Dorchester, Caroline, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel County.

Maryland ranked no. 32 for property taxes based on its average effective tax rate. That’s the amount homeowners pay in taxes compared to their home’s value. It was 1.05% in 2024. Howard, Prince George’s, and Baltimore County had the highest average effective property tax rates.

Maryland Real Estate: A Market Overview

The Maryland real estate market has steadily increased in home prices, with a median sales price of $400,000 in 2023. That was a 3.9% increase over 2022.

Despite a slightly higher cost of living, the market remains attractive. A diverse selection of housing options means residents can choose from a walkable downtown urban lifestyle to a peaceful waterfront retreat. A low average days-on-market figure indicates high demand. Maryland averaged a 1.4-month supply of inventory and nine days on the market.

Talbot County reported the highest average sale price $790,417, while Alleghany County offers more affordable options for homebuyers at an average $144,403. Housing costs do range widely across the state, with urban centers and waterfront often on the higher end. Working with a local real estate agent who knows the market well is smart the Maryland ho.

Palette of Arts and Culture

Maryland’s cultural scene is as varied as its landscapes. The state is a melting pot of artistic expression, from the renowned Shakespeare Festival in Annapolis to the rich African American heritage celebrated in Baltimore. It adds to the overall quality of life residents experience living in Maryland.

Many museums and historical sites document the state’s centuries of growth and evolution. Among the top historic attractions in Maryland are:

• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visit Center
• Fort McHenry
• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
• Antietam National Battlefield
• NASA Goddard Center
• St. Mary’s City

Culturally, the arts abound. Find public art trails in its charming downtowns or multi-block city districts dedicated to promoting the arts. Top attractions in arts and culture include:

• Glenstone Museum
• Music at Penn Alps
• AFI Silver Theater
• Baltimore Museum of Art
• Annapolis Arts Week

And those don’t touch on the many community and cultural events that celebrate Maryland’s heritage and diversity. The state has renaissance fairs, pride celebrations, Latin fests, folk music festivals, and so many more things to do.

Savor the Flavors of Maryland

Maryland is nearly synonymous with the famous Chesapeake Bay blue crab and Old Bay seasoning. Delight in crab cakes and oysters, which feature on their own food trail! Or try the state’s unique take on American comfort food, the “Coddies.”

Besides seafood, restaurants in Maryland draw from the state’s long history of accepting immigrants and their food traditions. Baltimore is a culinary hotspot, as is the DC metro.

Get Out the Door

Waterfront abundance dominates the choices on Maryland’s list of things to do. Thanks to Chesapeake Bay, the state is known for sailing, fishing, and crabbing. The Chesapeake Bay Loop takes you around these quaint seaside towns with Instagram-perfect lighthouses, marinas packed with sails, and endless salty breezes. Its miles of Water Trails on Maryland rivers and backbays promise a tranquil escape. Pick your adventure from the mountain streams to the salt marsh inlets.

State parks and nature preserves have protected some 100,000 acres. Some are waterfront, like Assateague Island National Seashore, with its famous wild horses, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refugee. Others, like South Mountain State Park, promise fun in the hills with hiking, biking, and camping. The Appalachian Trail cuts through Maryland’s western highlands near Cumberland. The trail offers some of the most beautiful views in the state as it winds through Green Ridge State Forest.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Maryland’s great outdoors to be packed with scenic beauty, no matter what activities they love the best.

Putting Your Roots in Maryland

Maryland warmly welcomes those in search of a new place to call home. As our moving guide has revealed, there is much to uncover about daily life in this stunning state. Maryland shows what can happen when you fuse historical significance with awe-inspiring natural wonders and world-leading economic prospects. So explore the promising opportunities that  await when you live in Maryland.

Updated July 2024