Maryland Real Estate

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LIFESTYLE

Maryland — America in Miniature

Maryland is often called “Little America” because it has fine beaches to the east, majestic mountains to the west, and thriving cities in the middle—a microcosm of the country’s geography.

And while it may be the ninth-smallest state, it’s also the richest, with a median annual income of $81,000. The state is rich in history, too, being one of the original 13 colonies. It’s also home to Johns Hopkins Medicine, often cited as the best hospital in the country.

And for all these perks, living in Maryland is considerably cheaper than in Washington D.C., which is just a few miles away. If you’re looking to relocate to Maryland, here is all the information you need.

Overview

The state is named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. It’s located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the northeast U.S., where it is bounded by Pennsylvania in the north, West Virginia in the west, Delaware in the east, and Virginia to the south.

Maryland’s territory stretches some 9,700 square miles and it’s populated by around six million residents. Annapolis serves as the state capital, while Baltimore is the largest city. The state is divided into five regions, namely:

Eastern Maryland

Maryland’s eastern side is dominated by the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the country. Of the nine counties here, seven are located along the bay, offering residents great waterfront views. While the largest city is Salisbury, the most popular one is Ocean City, a resort town that hosts one of the largest fishing tournaments in the country.

Western Maryland

Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties form the western sector of Maryland, and are close to the Mason-Dixon line. This region has a more rural vibe and sits at the heart of the Appalachian countryside. Buyers looking for a more laid-back locale that’s close to nature will feel right at home here.

Southern Maryland

The territory covers the counties of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s, along with portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George. It’s also home to Maryland’s other famous delicacy: the stuffed ham. The towns of Solomons Island and Chesapeake Beach are beloved weekend getaways because of their wonderful beaches. There are also small but prominent Amish and Mennonite communities in St. Mary’s County.

Central Maryland

The heart of the state is also the hub of its business and commerce. The counties of Harford, Carroll, Anne Arundel, and Howard form this region. Baltimore is the most populous city in Central Maryland, but it’s not the state capital — that honor belongs to Annapolis in Anne Arundel County. Access to urban conveniences and proximity to nature make this region the state’s hottest real estate market.

Capital Region

Part of Washington, D.C. is made up of land that used to be part of the Maryland counties of Prince George and Montgomery. These, along with Frederick County, make up the Capital Region, which is a mix of high-energy cities, leafy suburbs, and lush rural hamlets. Its close proximity to D.C. has made it a hub of government agencies and research centers.

Living in Maryland

Now that you know more about Maryland’s vibe, history, and real estate market, it’s time to discuss what it’s like to actually live here. Take a look at our comprehensive guide below:

Cost of living

It may be right next door to D.C., but living in Maryland is actually quite affordable. According to BestPlaces.net, Maryland’s cost index is only 13% higher than the national average. As realtors will tell you, housing will be your biggest expense.

However, things like healthcare, groceries, utilities, and transportation are all reasonably priced.

Employment

As the home of John Hopkins Medicine, it’s unsurprising that there’s strong demand for health professionals in Maryland. As per Zippia.com, healthcare roles dominate the top 10 highest paid jobs in the state. The site also adds that Annapolis, Bowie City, Frederick City, and Gaithersburg are among the top job markets in the state. The unemployment rate is 4%, while job growth over the next decade is projected to be 30.9%.

Weather

True to its moniker “America in Miniature,” Maryland’s climate varies greatly from one area to another. In general, the state’s eastern half has a humid subtropical climate, where summers are hot but winters are mild and short. The Piedmont Plateau region, meanwhile, often gets up to 20 inches of snow in the winter. The western portion of the state has warm summers and cold winters, with precipitation equally distributed throughout the year. Maryland gets around 202 sunny days per year, which is why it earns a 7.3/10 on BestPlaces.net’s Comfort Index.

Schools

Aside from the top-notch quality of life, Maryland also offers excellent education. In a state-issued rating of public schools, 60% earned either four or five stars. Niche.com says that Howard, Montgomery, and Worcester Counties had the top-performing school districts, earning high marks for academics, teachers, club activities, diversity, and college preparedness. School districts spend about $15,000 per student, about 22% more than the national average.

Call Maryland home

The Old Line State proves that great things come in small packages. If you’re looking for a place that has a high quality of life, great attractions, and historical significance, Maryland is the perfect home for you.

If you’re interested in moving here, allow us to serve as your agent. From helping you find the best neighborhood to connecting you with trusted mortgage lenders, I’ll provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Just give me a call at 833.396.0091 or send an email to info@genstonerealty.com if you’d like more information.

HIGHLIGHTS

Interesting facts about Maryland

You can’t talk about Maryland without mentioning crab cakes. But the Old Line State is so much more than this regional delicacy.

When a state is called “America in Miniature,” it’s bound to be a fascinating place to live in. Indeed, there are many fun facts about Maryland that make residents proud to call it home. Below are just a few of them:

A history of firsts

Not only is Maryland one of the first colonies established, but it also has a long history of pioneering things. The first post office, water company, school, and telegraph line in the country were all established in the state.

Inspiring patriotism

All Americans know “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but not everyone knows that Maryland inspired its writing. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and poet, was moved to write a patriotic poem after seeing a flag triumphantly waving after the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. An excerpt from that poem would eventually be adopted as the national anthem.

Delectable tidbit

No other state in the Union produces more soft-shell and blue crabs than Maryland. During lunchtime in America, more crab cakes are eaten than hamburgers and hotdogs combined.

Sail on by

The waterfront is a huge part of Maryland’s identity and culture, which is why sailing is such a popular activity in the state. In fact, Annapolis is often called the Sailing Capital of the U.S. It’s home to three of the largest in-water boat shows in the world, and welcomes over 150,000 vessels to its docks every October.

In good company

Maryland has many notable sons and daughters, including writer Edgar Allan Poe, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actor Edward Norton, singer Toni Braxton, and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

History of Maryland

To chart Maryland’s history is to delve into the very story of our nation. It also brings to light an inspiring narrative, one that sees a former British colony become the epitome of prosperity in modern America. Take a look at the events that defined the Old Line State’s history:

1632 — King Charles I grants the Maryland Charter to Cecilius Calvert.

1649 — Puritans settle the land in the intervening years, founding Providence which would become Annapolis.

1695 — Providence is renamed Annapolis and becomes the capital of Maryland.

1708 — Queen Anne grants Annapolis’ city charter.

1729 — The city of Baltimore is founded.

1767 — The Mason-Dixon line is established in 1767 to delineate the state’s northern borders.

1776 — Four Marylanders sign the Declaration of Independence, setting off America’s journey into nationhood.

1783 — Annapolis becomes the nation’s capital in 1783.

1784 — The Treaty of Paris is ratified, officially making America an independent country.

1788 — Maryland ratifies the U. S. Constitution.

1791 — Maryland donates the land that would become Washington D.C.

1814 — The British bomb Fort McHenry, a pivotal event that leads Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

1831 — America’s first railroad terminal opens.

1844 — The world’s first telegraph line between Baltimore and Washington is established.

1862 — Union Gen. George B. McClellan's army defeats Confederate forces in Antietam

1864 — The state votes to abolish slavery.

1900 — The launch of a passenger train from D.C. sparks an influx of tourists to the resort towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach.

Present Day — Today, Maryland is a beacon of success and affluence. Residents have a deep appreciation of its rich history, but have a modern and progressive outlook on life. USNews.com cites Maryland as the sixth-best state to live in.

Recreation

Nature lovers can visit Swallow Falls State Park, where stunning sights like white-water rivers, waterfalls, and lush greenery await. A great family getaway is Assateague Island National Seashore Island, which boasts of pristine beaches — and the occasional wild horse sighting. And if you’re an avid angler, the Savage River in Western Maryland offers world-class trout fishing.

Attractions

The Ocean City boardwalk is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy theme park rides, the famed saltwater taffy, and live musical performances. Art connoisseurs will surely love the Walters Art Museum, which has a permanent collection featuring priceless pieces and artifacts from Africa to Asia. Marylanders are passionate about baseball, and you can watch the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park in Camden Yards.