Why Maryland Not a Good State 2024 | Maryland 2024 | Moving To Maryland Pros and Cons

Nestled in the Mid-Atlantic region, Maryland is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical charm. It is spread over 12,406 square miles with a population of more than 6.154 million inhabitants. This beautiful state has a lot to offer its residents; however, beneath the inviting surface, Maryland harbors a host of challenges and drawbacks that warrant a second thought before you leap.

High Cost of Living
The state isn't exactly known for being easy on the wallet. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in the state needs to earn around $20 an hour to cover his basic expenses. The major contributor to the high cost of living is Housing cost; the median home price in the state is jaw-dropping $388,100. And if you're thinking about renting, get ready to shell out more than $1,500 a month.

Traffic Congestion
With a population density soaring to 648.84 residents per square mile, the state ranks as the fifth most densely populated state in the U.S. Now, that's a lot of folks packed into a relatively small area, and it can lead to some hair-pulling traffic, especially when rush hour hits. A study from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in 2022 ranked Maryland as having the tenth worst traffic congestion in the entire nation. The Average Commute Time in the state is 29.3 minutes, meaning drivers spend approximately 71 hours per year sitting in traffic.

Unpredictable Weather & Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
Maryland’s exposure to natural disasters is a significant concern for anyone considering settling here. The state experiences a diverse range of weather conditions, from humid summers to cold winters; it experiences all four seasons, and the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, winters are heavily snowy, while the summers are more humid.

Tax Burden
The state’s tax structure can be burdensome for residents. First off, there's the income tax, and it's a progressive one. That means it can range from as low as 2% to as high as 5.75%. So, the more you make, the bigger chunk the state takes. But that's not all. There's also the state's sales tax, which sits at a solid 6%.

Public Education Challenges
While Maryland is home to renowned universities and colleges, its public education system faces challenges, as it cannot provide quality education to its residents. According to a 2023 U.S. News & World Report study, the state has been ranked at 23rd place in education. Also, the state’s average Debt at Graduation is $80,461, above the national average.

High Crime Rates
According to the FBI, Maryland's violent crime rate is about 1.3 times higher than seen across the nation, and the property crime rate is about 1.2 times higher. Some of its cities have exponentially high crime rates; for instance, Baltimore's crime rates are off the charts, especially compared to the national average. In 2020, Baltimore reported a violent crime rate of 1,859 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the national average was way lower at 381 incidents.

Healthcare Costs
Healthcare expenses can be a concern in Maryland. The state's healthcare costs are above the national average, with both insurance premiums and medical services often being more expensive. Because of this, a lower percentage of residents visit the doctors without a routine checkup, making it hard to prevent and treat problems early on; and was ranked at 28th place in the Adult Wellness Visits category by U.S. News and World Report.

Less Business Friendly
Maryland is not very friendly to businesses. The state has a high regulatory burden and tax rates; the Tax Foundation ranked it 33rd in its 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index Ranks. CNBC also ranked that state at 22nd place in its Overall America's Top States for Business ranking 2023. The major contributor to this low scoring is the Cost of Doing business, ranked 47th, and Business friendliness, ranked 24th.

Zoning and Housing Restrictions
The state’s zoning and housing regulations can be restrictive. In some areas, zoning laws make building new housing units difficult, contributing to a shortage of affordable housing options. These restrictions can limit your choices regarding finding a suitable home, potentially forcing you to compromise on location or budget.

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