Moving to Maryland

Thinking about moving to Maryland? You’re in good company! Nicknamed the “Old Line State,” Maryland is often called “America in Miniature” due to its incredibly varied terrain, which includes not only world-famous beaches and boardwalks, but also mountains, waterfalls, farmland, and of course, the Chesapeake Bay.

According to the 2020 United States Census, Maryland’s population is 6,177,224, ranked 18th in the nation and is the 22nd fastest-growing state in the nation relative to its population. It’s also a very prosperous state, and according to CNBC, Maryland has the highest concentration of millionaires in the United States, with 1 in 12 households worth $1 million or more. 

That said, by no means do you have to be a millionaire to live and work in the state of Maryland. The 2021 United Van Lines Annual Movers Study found that overall, the state had an inbound relocation rate of 47.8%  with newbies coming from all ages, income levels and for different  personal and professional reasons.

With a booming economy, it’s no surprise that approximately 42% of people relocated here for job-related reasons. This was closely followed by a desire to move closer to family (38.1%), a chance to enjoy a better lifestyle (12.4%) and a safe, comfortable place to retire (11.4%). With so much to offer, the state attracts people from every stage of life: approximately 23% are under the age of 34, while 30.6% are 65 and over.  

Advantages of Moving to Maryland

Aside from its numerous natural wonders and central location on the East Coast, there are a lots of compelling reasons to make your home in Maryland.

For starters, there’s a strong job market in Maryland with over 10,000 jobs gained and a 4% unemployment rate as of May, 2022. Proximity to the nation’s capital give the economy another tremendous boost as many Maryland residents commute to work in nearby Washington, D.C.

The state is ranked #10 in education nationally according to the World Population Review. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of Maryland in College Park, and the University of Maryland in Baltimore County are among  the top colleges and universities in the area.

WalletHub examined costs, access to care and outcomes, and Maryland made their list of the top 10 best healthcare systems in the US. More than 50 hospitals are located within the state borders, including the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, which is ranked as one of the nation’s  3 best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

For recreational enthusiasts, Maryland’s beaches, including Ocean City, the Assateague National Seashore, North Beach and Chesapeake Beach offer surf, sand and fun to millions of sun worshippers. You can also spend a day hiking near Muddy Creek Falls at the Swallow Falls State Park, spelunking through the Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro, or even just take an eye-dropping drive across the incredible Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Top Growing Cities in Maryland

According to the United States Census, Maryland’s population has continued to grow by at least 7% in the last decade. Maryland’s fastest growing city is New Market, whose population has grown 269.3% since the year 2000, followed by Frederick (49.8%), Rockville (40.4%), College Park (41%) and Salisbury (40%).

Census figures also reveal that by county, the highest percent change in population for 2020 was Frederick County (16.4%), with Howard County (15.8%) coming in second. Because of their proximity to Washington, DC and a significantly lower cost of living, Prince George and Montgomery Counties are also growing at a rapid pace, adding 103,781 and 90,284 new residents respectively over the last decade.

Fun and Exciting Things You Can Do in Maryland

From exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to lounging on the sandy beaches of Ocean City – and hundreds of options in-between –  you’ll never lack for something to do in the Old Line State. Here are a few musts:

Ocean City Boardwalk and the Jolly Roger Amusement Park – With 2.45 miles of carnival-style games and attractions, restaurants, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not outpost, and of course, one of the nation’s most beautiful waterfronts, you’ll find plenty for you and your loved ones to explore and enjoy.

An Ocean City tradition for nearly 60 years, the Jolly Roger Amusement Park attracts thousands of thrill-seekers with its 16 waterslides, roller coasters that include the Cyclone, the Looping Star, Kraken and Slingshot, and drive-yourself go-karts. For the less “adventurous,” there’s also a challenging mini golf course, the giant ferris wheel, as well as live entertainment.

Let Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Engine 1309 take you on a relaxing train ride on restored vintage passenger cars through Allegany County to the historic village of Frostburg. In addition to the standard coach-style seating, you can upgrade to a First Class Dome or First Class Lounge car.

The Book Thing of Baltimore, is a mecca for booklovers all over the state – and even better, they’re all free! The only caveat is that once you take a book, they request that you never re-sell it.

Artscape – Baltimore is full of creative talent, and Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, is where you’ll see works by the state’s best established and emerging artists. This event has recently been rescheduled to happen annually in September.

Outdoor Experiences in Maryland

Outdoor lovers rejoice! In addition to 53 state parks, there are 18 national and historic sites in Maryland. They include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the Catoctin Mountains in Thurmot, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal on the Potomac River, Antietam Creek a 41.7-mile-long tributary of the Potomac, as well as a major section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which winds its way through Frederick and Washington Counties.

If you’re into American history, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, which not only offers a variety of outdoor activities, but also marks the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, a self-guided driving tour that covers more than 30 historic sites within the park.

Feeling adventurous? Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile-long barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia with beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays that are ideal for explorers of all ages. If you’re lucky during your visit, you might get a chance to see the wild horses who dwell there and that local history claims are descendants of horses that swam ashore after a shipwreck centuries ago.  

Maryland Eats: The Best Things – and Places  – to Eat in Maryland

World famous for all things seafood, there are some unique food delicacies in Maryland that may surprise you. They include:

Crab Cakes – Marylanders love crab and this combination of crab meat, egg, bread, mayo, and Old Bay is one of the state’s best-known exports.

Soft-shell Crabs – Technically speaking, soft shells are any crab that has molted within the last 12 hours. During that time, the shells are soft and they can be eaten whole. Gastronomically, they’re a delight that people come to Maryland from all over the US to enjoy. 

Old Bay Seasoning – We’d venture to guess that no kitchen in Maryland would be considered complete without a can of Old Bay in the cupboard.  Old Liners put it on everything from seafood to popcorn to Bloody Marys.

Natty Boh – Known as the “official beer of Baltimore,” National Bohemian is a pilsner with 90% of its sales coming from Maryland.

Pit Beef – Native to Maryland, this delicacy of roast seasoned with salt is grilled until crispy on the outside and rare on the inside and is typically served on a roll with horseradish and onion.

Smith Island Cake – Maryland’s official state dessert, consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake and chocolate frosting and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Fisher’s Popcorn – Before you take a stroll on the Ocean City boardwalk, treat yourself to this delicious caramel concoction, a Maryland tradition since 1937.

Maryland White Potato Pie – A soul-food favorite dating back to colonial days, it’s made with potatoes and lemons and served with lots of whipped cream. 

Dining out options abound, and if you choose to live in Maryland, here are a few must do’s:

The Horse You Came In On Saloon – In business since 1775, it is the only bar in Maryland to exist before, during and after prohibition and is America’s oldest continually operated saloon. Interesting factoid: it’s the last place author Edgar Allan Poe visited before his death.

​Cava – From a single restaurant in Rockville, this popular Maryland chain now includes nearly 80 chef-casual restaurants. The food is excellent, and diners flock to enjoy their famous small-batch dips, spreads, and sauces, and build-it-yourself salads, bowls and pitas.

The Wellwood Restaurant – Fresh-caught seafood is the big attraction here – along with salads, sandwiches, steaks and the above-mentioned Smith Island Cake.

Bonnies At the Red Byrd – Casual, cozy and known for its fried catfish, this Keedysville eatery serves up fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads and burgers for dining in, takeout and drive-thru customers.

Weather in Maryland

Living in Maryland means comfortable fall and spring temperatures with frequent sunny spells. Summers tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 100° F. Although Maryland has a reputation for its freezing cold winters and blizzards in the Western region, the climate around Baltimore is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and remains quite mild year-round. Most Old Liners agree that the nicest weather conditions occur between May and September – coincidentally, the peak season for moving there.

Prepare for Your Move to Maryland

Regardless of why you’re moving to Maryland, United Van Lines wants to help get you there. For long-distance moves, we have a network of more than 500 interstate agents ready to make the trip to your new home. If you’re just moving a few towns over, our interstate agents can assist you under their own businesses and names.

Moving can be overwhelming, so let the experts at United Van Lines help with the move. Stay on top of your move by utilizing a full-service moving package. From packing your belongings to assisting with furniture placement, a full-service package allows you to customize it to your needs. 

To start your move to Maryland today, contact a United Van Lines representative for a risk-free quote!

United Van Lines Moving Resources

United Van Lines understands that moving out of state can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this catalog of resources to further assist with your move.

Still trying to decide where to move? Check out the latest United Van Lines Annual Movers Study. Each year we interview our customers about where they’re moving and why. Our info-rich Moving To articles help familiarize you with your next home state. United helps you stay organized throughout your move with the help of comprehensive online moving checklists. We also offer many expert tips on packing and preparing for your move.