Maryland
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Is moving to Maryland right for you in 2024? Maryland is one of the richest states in the country and has one of the lowest poverty rates in America.

Maryland’s booming job market, top-quality healthcare facilities, beautiful outdoors and parks, and great tasty seafoods makes it one of the best places to live in America.

If you’d love to live around Mountains, farmlands, cities, and beaches, moving to Maryland may be perfect for you.

Maryland’s proximity to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Newark etc. on top of being the home of the U.S. Naval Academy, makes it one of the most coveted states in America.

If you’re considering moving to Maryland  in this guide, we have all the information you need to know about the state in order to make the right decision.

Demographics

Maryland Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Maryland.

Male vs Female Population of Maryland 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Maryland 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Maryland 2021

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Quick facts to know before moving to Maryland

  • The unemployment rate in Maryland is lower than the national average
  • Maryland’s cost of living is higher than the United States average
  • Marylanders enjoy all four seasons every year
  • Maryland is close to the Atlantic ocean
  • Maryland is rated as a not-so-tax-friendly state
  • Maryland’s average one-way commute time is longer than the United States average

What’s the population of Maryland?

Maryland has a population of 6,185,278 and it is the 18th most populous city in the US. Maryland has a land area of 12,407 sq mi and the density is 619/sq mi.

How is the weather like in Maryland?

Summers are warm and humid in Maryland while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. It rains heavily in Maryland and almost every part of the state receives 3.5–4.5 inches per month of rain. Average annual snowfall varies from 9 inches (23 cm) in the coastal areas to over 100 inches (250 cm) in the western mountains of the state.

How fast can you commute in Maryland?

Maryland has one of the longest commuting times in the US — 29.9 minutes which is the 4th longest in the country. This means, moving to Maryland, you would be spending more time on the road than in most US states. More than 220,000 Maryland residents daily commute to Washington DC for work and all the roads leading to Washington DC will be choked in peak hours.

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Top 10 reasons to move to Maryland

People are moving in and out of Maryland for several reasons. Here we’ve listed the top ten reasons people are moving to Maryland. Perhaps, one of these or more could be the reason you’re considering moving to Maryland.

  • Maryland is home to lots of small beautiful towns

    Maryland may be a small East Coast state but it has many towns packed with breathtaking landscapes and scenic vistas complemented by fresh local seafood and places to pick vintage antiques.

    Here is a list of 10 scenic towns in Maryland

    • Thurmont
    • Berlin
    • Hampstead
    • Crisfield
    • Eastport
    • Bel Air
    • Havre de Grace
    • Monkton
    • St Mary’s City
    • Mount Airy
  • The job market in Maryland is booming

    The economy in Maryland is robust with the 15th largest GDP in the country. The state continues to outperform the country as a whole and the major economic sectors include farming, information technology, telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. As a result, the job sector is booming and federal government employment options are also relatively high in Maryland.

  • Maryland has world-class healthcare facilities

    A big reason for people flocking to Maryland is the healthcare system, which is the 6th best in the US. Making the best use of the many health benefits offered by the government, you can be sure that you will get the best treatment in hospitals while being sick in Maryland.

  • The beaches in Maryland are beautiful

    In Maryland, heading to a beach on a weekend or for a week is a normal routine as the state has about 3,000 miles of coastline. From the Atlantic Coast beaches of Ocean City and Assateague to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and her tributaries, to spring-fed swimming holes and mountain lakes, the beaches in Maryland are perfect locations to swim, surf, and sunbath.

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    Here’s a list of the 10 best beaches in Maryland:

    • Ocean City
    • Cherry Beach
    • Sandy Point State Park
    • Assateague Island National Seashore
    • Calvert Cliffs State Park
    • Matapeake Beach, Kent Island
    • Deep Creek Lake
    • Cunningham Falls
    • Hart-Miller Island State Park
    • Breezy Point Beach
  • It's closer to DC and less expensive to live in

    Maryland is just next to Washington DC and a 27-mile drive from the state border will reach you to the US capital. This makes Maryland home to many Federal departments, opening more federal job opportunities to the state residents. You can even commute to DC daily for professional reasons while residing in Maryland, where the living costs are much cheaper than the national capital.

  • Beautiful outdoor scenes including parks

    There is an incredible bounty of diverse, beautiful parks that range from the Appalachian Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay to the Eastern Shore marshlands and the Atlantic Ocean. And with a varied climate, you can explore the unlimited outdoor terrains of Maryland at any given season.

    Here’s a list of breathtaking outdoors in Maryland to explore:

    • Assateague Island
    • Calvert Cliffs State Park
    • Catoctin Mountain Park
    • Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
    • Elk Neck State Park
    • Fort Frederick State Park
    • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
    • Gambrill State Park
    • C&O Canal towpath
    • Quiet Waterspark
  • Maryland has great tasty foods including seafoods

    No sane person can ignore the cuisine in Maryland. There’s a lot on offer when it comes to traditional food in Maryland and we’ve compiled a list of must-taste delicacies in Maryland.

    • Steamed crabs
    • Smith Island cake
    • Crab cakes
    • Burger cookies
    • Thrashers fries
    • Soft shell crab
    • Cream of crab soup
    • Crab imperial
    • Pit beef
    • Stuffed ham
  • You’ll enjoy all four seasons in Maryland

    Despite being smaller in size, Maryland encompasses an extremely wide range of physiographic features that contribute to a comparatively wide range of climatic conditions. In spring and fall, the changeableness of the weather is a striking feature. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall while summers are warm to hot with high humidity. Maryland averages around 30–40 days of thunderstorms a year and averages around six tornado strikes annually.

  • Maryland has top quality schools

    Here is the best news for families planning to live in Maryland. The school system is one of the best in the country and the state boasts of top-notch colleges and schools.

  • Maryland is rich in history and culture

    Maryland should not be mistaken as just a scenic state drenched with serene views; instead, it has a rich history starting from the 17th century. Maryland was the center of the American Revolutionary War and later the American Civil War. Almost every historic site is well preserved and open to the public.

pros

What are the pros and cons of living in Maryland?

While considering moving to Maryland, one of the key things to weigh carefully is the pros and cons of living in the state. Here are the pros and cons of living in the state::

Pros of living in Maryland
  • There are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy in Maryland
  • Maryland is in proximity to some key big cities in the United States
  • Maryland has a unique culture in the Mid-Atlantic region
  • If you love museums, you’ll be happy to live in Maryland
  • Maryland is close to the Atlantic Ocean
  • You’ll enjoy delicious meals in Maryland
  • Maryland has a rich history
  • Maryland is home to tons of beautiful towns and apartments
  • Great scenery in the rural areas
  • The climate in Maryland is friendly and you’ll enjoy all four seasons
Cons of living in Maryland
  • The cost of living in Maryland is higher than the U.S. average
  • There’s only one really big city in Maryland
  • High property taxes
  • Local government taxes on top of state and federal income tax
  • High crime rate
  • Lots of homeless people are in Maryland
  • You’ll have to learn to manage lots of wind
  • You’ll have to familiarize yourself with blue laws in Maryland
  • The traffic can be really terrible in Maryland

Where are the best places to live in Maryland?

Maryland is home to many beautiful cities and small towns. Since you’re considering moving to Maryland, here are the ten best places to live in the state:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Mount Airy 9,395 3.1% $368,500
2 Bowie 58,368 5.8% $326,900
3 Rockville 67,062 4.6% $521,700
4 Poolesville 5,170 3.7% $445,400
5 Hampstead 6,340 5.7% $246,300
6 Havre De Grace 13,555 8.6% $289,200
7 Thurmont 6,563 6.4% $248,000
8 Glenarden 6,170 6.9% $267,000
9 Takoma Park 17,622 6.6% $555,000
10 Walkersville 6,095 4.3% $284,800

 

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How fast can you commute to work in Maryland?

Maryland’s average one-way commute time is 32.7 minutes. The United States average is 26.4 minutes.

If moving to Maryland means getting a new job, commuting time should be among the key things you’ll have to consider. We’ve collated key data about how Marylanders commute to work in the state to give you an idea of what to expect.

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  • About 73.8% of Marylanders drive their own car alone
  • Up to 9.1% of Marylanders carpool with others
  • Up to 8.8% of Marylanders take the mass transit
  • About 4.5% of Marylanders work from home

Maryland Cities Moving Guides

What’s the cost of living in Maryland?

The cost of living in Maryland is rated 113.0. The United States average is 100. This means the cost of living in Maryland is higher than the United States average. If you’re mulling over moving to Maryland, the cost of living in the state is one of the key things to consider.

What’s the average cost of renting a home in Maryland?

About 29.6% of Marylanders are renters and up to 2.0% of homes and apartments in the state are open to rent. If you’re considering renting a home after moving to Maryland, we’ve compiled key data about the state’s home rental market.

Here’s a simple analysis of the median monthly rents of apartments/homes in Maryland:

  • A studio apartment in Maryland is $1,068
  • A 1-bedroom home/apartment in Maryland is $1,199
  • A 2-bedroom home/apartment in Maryland is $1,435
  • A 3-bedroom home/apartment in Maryland is $1,870
  • A 4-bedroom home or apartment $2,236

What’s the median home value in Maryland?

The median home value in Maryland is $294,100. Over the last ten years, home appreciation in Maryland has increased by 4.1%. The average age of homes in the state is 40 years old.

Median House Price in Maryland vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Maryland vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Maryland vs USA 2021

How is the job market in Maryland?

If you’re looking to get a job before or after moving to Maryland, we’ve compiled key stats about the state’s job market to give you an overview of what to expect.

What are the largest industries in Maryland?

Maryland is home to many large industries. Moving to Maryland could mean working in any of these large industries in the state:

  • Biopharma & life sciences
  • Construction
  • Cybersecurity & it
  • Energy & utilities
  • Manufacturing
  • Military & Federal
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Financial Services
  • Energy & Sustainability
  • Agribusiness
  • Tourism

What are the top career options in Maryland?

The job market in Maryland is booming and if you’d like to get a job even faster, you may consider the fastest growing jobs in the state. Here are the 10 fastest growing jobs in Maryland:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Wage Jobs in 2024
1 Interpreter And Translator 154.6% $66,800 1,530
2 Information Security Analyst 152.1% $104,830 5,340
3 Home Health Aid 149.5% $25,080 17,030
4 Personal Care Assistant 149.4% $24,900 23,280
5 Meeting Planner 147.5% $54,620 4,190
6 Occupational Therapy Assistant 146.7% $65,350 1,100
7 Physical Therapist Assistant 143.1% $57,670 2,390
8 Marketing Internship 141.3% $65,370 13,790
9 Fitness Trainer 139.8% $47,810 9,590
10 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer 139.7% $71,690 2,710

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What are the highest paying jobs in Maryland?

The median household income in Maryland is $84,805. While Per capita income in the past 12 months is $42,122. If you’re interested in getting a high paying job after moving to Maryland, we’ve compiled a list to give you a head start.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists $278,720 $194,100 590
2 Obstetricians And Gynecologists $211,430 $90,120 460
3 General Internal Medicine Physicians $203,270 $95,540 1,140
4 Family Medicine Physicians $193,080 $77,870 1,590
5 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $191,690 $68,030 10,680
6 Nurse Anesthetists $186,310 $54,250 440
7 Orthodontists $183,980 $68,700 400
8 Pediatricians, General $178,160 $79,310 720
9 Dentists, General $159,130 $58,510 2,510
10 Computer And Information Systems Managers $157,200 $97,210 11,730

What’s the unemployment rate in Maryland?

What’s your chances of getting a job if you’re moving to Maryland? Getting a job in Maryland is fairly easy. Here’s a simple breakdown of Maryland’s job market:

  • The unemployment rate in Maryland is 3.6%. The national average is 3.7
  • The average salary in Maryland is $66,701
  • Job growth in Maryland has increased by 0.3% over the past year
  • Maryland’s job growth has been positive so far

Who are the largest employers in Maryland?

Three Fortune 500 companies in Maryland made the list in 2019 and 2020. Since you’re considering moving to Maryland, we’ve made a list of the top 10 largest companies in the state to give you an idea of the job market.

Rank Company City Employees
1 Marriott International Bethesda 176,000
2 Lockheed Martin Bethesda 105,000
3 Social Security Administration Baltimore 60,000
4 Laureate Education Baltimore 54,500
5 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Chevy Chase 40,000
6 MedStar Health Columbia 28,061
7 HMSHost Bethesda 27,900
8 University System of Maryland Hyattsville 21,565
9 Johns Hopkins Medicine Baltimore 21,080
10 Perdue Farms Salisbury 21,000

What’s the median salary in Maryland?

The average annual salary for the average hourly job in Maryland is $66,701 per annum. Here’s a simple analysis of the amount you’ll most likely earn if you’re moving to Maryland. Since you’re considering moving to Maryland, here’s the average amount of salary you’ll likely earn in the state:

  • The average hourly pay for hourly jobs in Maryland is $32.07 an hour
  • The average weekly pay for hourly jobs in Maryland is $1,283 and week
  • The average monthly pay for hourly jobs in Maryland is $5,558 per month
  • Most average salaries in Maryland range between $49,842 to $74,511

Number of Households by Income Level in Maryland

Median Income in Maryland vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Maryland vs USA

Is Maryland a tax-friendly state?

Moving to Maryland will most likely mean paying more or less in taxes. However, Maryland is rated as one of the not-so-tax-friendly states. Why is that so? Maryland is one of the states where local governments are allowed to levy their own taxes in addition to state and federal income taxes.

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  • The state income tax in Maryland is 2.00% - 5.75%
  • The county income tax in Maryland is 1.75 – 3.20%
  • The sales tax in Maryland is 6.00%
  • The average effective rate of property taxes in Maryland is 1.10%
  • Gas tax in Maryland is 36.70 cents per gallon of gasoline
  • Diesel tax in Maryland is 37.45 cents per gallon

What is Maryland most known for?

Maryland is well-known for many reasons. Notably for its quality education and healthcare facilities amongst several others. Listing everything Maryland is most known for will take a long list. Since you’re considering moving to Maryland, here’s a list of the most notable things the state is known for:

  • Remarkably delicious seafoods

    Maryland is a prominent producer and processor of seafood, especially crabs and soft clams. Every year, the seafood industry contributes nearly $600 million to the State's coffers. Almost every traditional dish in Maryland is rich in seafood. Along with crabs, striped bass, oysters, soft clams, flounder, perch, spot, croaker, catfish, sea trout, and bluefish are also consumed and served in rich quantities in Maryland.

  • Home of the United States Naval Academy

    The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis is 33 miles east of Washington DC and the entire campus, known as ‘the Yard’ to insiders, is a National Historic Landmark. Established in 1845, it has about 4,500 students and 510 academic staff.

  • Maryland is known for its world-class healthcare

    Maryland ranks 6th in healthcare and the state provides many health benefits offered to the residents, benefitting even retired people.

  • Maryland is home to several beautiful beaches

    Maryland has a coastline of 3,190 miles, making it a perfect beach destination. There are both public beaches and secluded ones. While some are best suited for all types of water activities, people are stopped from swimming at certain beaches as they have strong currents and are considered dangerous.

  • You’ll find rolling mountains in Maryland

    Maryland’s landscape is captivating for its rolling mountains. The Piedmont Plateau, west of the coastal lowlands, is broad; rolling upland with several deep gorges cut by rivers and is one of the most photographed landscapes in the state.

  • Maryland is known for its top-quality education

    Maryland stands second in the country in education and has about 1,449 schools in 25 school districts. On average, the state spends $13,829 per pupil, one of the best in the US. 85% of the Marylanders are graduates.

  • Maryland isn’t far from several big cities

    Living in Maryland, you are near many big cities in the US. Washington DC, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, Pittsburgh – all are just less than 200 miles

  • Beautiful nature and parks

    Maryland is blessed with serene beauty and there’s no shortage of parks to spend leisure time. Most parks are easily accessible from towns and cities, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing.

  • The beautiful outdoors

    When you’re in Maryland, make the best use of its unlimited scenic outdoor surroundings. Maryland takes pride in its breathtaking natural beauty and there are unlimited options to explore the wilderness of this state.

    Some of the best places to explore to feel the natural beauty of Maryland include:

    • Appalachian Trail
    • The East Coast Greenway
    • Rock Climb at Carderock
    • Patapsco Valley State Park
    • The C & O Canal
    • Great Allegheny Passage
    • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
    • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
    • Western Maryland Rail Trail

    Home to lots of beautiful small neighborhoods

  • Finding a good neighborhood is not a big deal in Maryland as the state is packed with some of the best and beautiful places. Great restaurants, quality schools, and plenty of things to see and do – these neighborhoods will surely make your life in Maryland mesmerizing.

  • Annapolis, former capital of the U.S. and known as the sailing capital of the world

    Annapolis, once the national capital (183-1784), is also addressed as the sailing capital of the world for its prominent port and multiple sailing lanes. Sailing and racing in Annapolis are so big that even local shops and restaurants close for the event on Wednesdays. On weekends, serious sailors from across the US join at the city and the harbor and marina will have more than 3,000 boats at that time. The city also homes the National Sailing Hall of Fame and the Annapolis Maritime Museum

Best Schools & Universities in Maryland

Maryland is home to several top-quality universities, colleges, high, middle, and elementary schools. In fact, top quality education is one of the key things the state is known for.

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