Loading...
Homes For Sale In Maryland
Maryland is a state that often goes overlooked, but it truly has everything to offer. Around 41% of the state is covered in trees, and you’ll be able to find both mountains and beaches within state borders. For the outdoor enthusiast, Maryland is a place brimming with stunning scenery and nature-centered opportunities. For the city-lover, Baltimore provides a small chunk of the urban lifestyle but is within 2 hours of giant hubs like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Overall, Maryland offers a diverse mix of people and cultures, all wrapped into one friendly state with a small-town feel. If you are drawn to homes for sale in Baltimore or Annapolis, keep reading to discover more about this hidden gem of a state.
Maryland Real Estate
The most common style of home in Maryland is Cape Cod, which is reflective of the original homes built here in the 1600s. Most of these homes have a two-story layout with steep roofs, fireplaces, and large chimneys. In addition to Cape Cod, you’ll find Craftsman, Colonial, and Mid-Century Modern homes in Maryland. The closer you get to Baltimore, the more row houses and narrow, multi-storey homes you’ll find, along with newly developed condominiums.
The Maryland housing market is pretty tight, with home sales appreciating 10.5% and inventory supply rapidly decreasing. The 2022 Maryland housing market favors home sellers and the median sales price of Maryland real estate has increased by 9.4% in the last year. Homes for sale in Maryland stay on the market for an average of 7 days, meaning you’ll have to move fast when purchasing real estate here. Of all the counties in Maryland, Montgomery County had the most sales in 2021, while Somerset County had the least.
As of February 2022, the median price for Maryland homes for sale is $361,000. The most luxury real estate market in Maryland is Montgomery County, and the most affordable real estate is in Allegany County. If you’re looking for Baltimore condos for sale, you’ll find that they’ll run you upwards of $260K. It may be hard to find vacancies for Baltimore condos, as that property type was the most highly demanded in 2021.
Major Cities in Maryland
Baltimore is made up of a few major cities and a variety of distinct, artistic areas surrounding them. The locals describe it as a bunch of little states in one. How do you know which area is the best for you? Check out these top Maryland cities and see which one catches your eye the most:
- Baltimore: The big-city option for those moving to Maryland, Baltimore reflects a cool, urban city. Popular with students and young professionals, Baltimore offers quirky dining spots, exceptional nightlife, and a thriving sports culture. Residents of Baltimore love to take advantage of all the amenities offered here, and if they ever need something new they can find it within a short drive.
- Annapolis: Maryland’s capital also reflects the vibrant and friendly feel of Baltimore, but with a little less of the “big city” aspect. Annapolis offers a wide array of theaters, shops, restaurants, and nightlife for residents. In addition, Annapolis has a lot of parks to choose from including the Quiet Waters Park, a 340-acre greenspace with an ice rink, walking trails, a dog beach, and playground areas. The average housing price in Annapolis is above the state average, but so is the average income, so weigh your options carefully.
- Columbia: Rated by Niche as the 5th best place in the U.S. to raise a family, Columbia is one of the best Maryland cities to plant roots. This safe suburb offers excellent schools, a varying range of amenities and services, and plenty of greenspaces to take the kids for the day. The Howard County School System is one of the best districts in the country, so you can be sure that your family will have top-notch education in Columbia.
- Germantown: Although not officially considered a city, Germantown is a well-known area with the locals. Comprising six smaller “villages”, Germantown is full of unique amenities, entertainment options, parks, and more. Even better, this Maryland area is right next to Washington D.C., giving residents a chance to have the big city experience without the hassle (or expense) of living in it.
- Frederick: Located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., Frederick is a historic city that draws families in more than anyone else. Frederick’s crime rate is 9% lower than the national average, making it a safe place for families to settle down. With a great public school system and plenty to do for all ages, Frederick is one of the top cities to move to in Maryland.
Maryland Schools
The Maryland State Department of Education oversees more than 1,400 public schools, 24 school systems, and serves over 900,000 students per year in Maryland. Each county has its own school system, so your children can get the education they need. In addition to offering excellent public education, Maryland also has several specialty school districts that offer anything from Catholic schooling to Montessori schooling. If you’re considering moving your family to Maryland, here are the top 3 school districts in the state:
- Howard County Public Schools
- Montgomery County Public Schools
- Prince George’s County Public Schools
There are also a number of public and private colleges throughout Maryland, so the top-notch education doesn’t have to stop in high school. University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Towson University are just a few of the major public university options in the state. The size of Maryland is convenient as well as you can live practically anywhere in the state and still be within one hour of your university.
Maryland Real Estate FAQs
What is the biggest airport in Maryland?
The Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI) is the most popular option for flying in and out of Maryland. As the name implies, BWI also gets a bit of flight traffic from Washington D.C. residents.
What is the most affordable county in Maryland?
Allegany County, located in the northwestern corner of the state, has the most affordable housing in Maryland, with the median home price coming to $126,350.
Which Maryland city has the best school district?
Maryland’s best school district is the Howard County School District.
Things To Do in Maryland
The possibilities in Maryland are as diverse as the people who live there. From beaches, to sporting events, to the Appalachian Mountains, you can expect it all here. A majority of the east coast of Maryland is located right along the water, so there are plenty of beaches to go around. Not only does this provide excellent opportunities for sunbathing and water sports, but it also provides some of the best seafood you’ll find in the country. Residents in beach towns like Ocean City spend their days along the water, soaking in views and eating the best crab cakes America has to offer.
Farther to the west can feel a little landlocked, but the views of the Appalachian Mountains are stunning enough to make up for it. Maryland offers over 60 mountain ranges, giving avid hikers the chance to explore the state’s landscape in depth. Between state parks like Swallow Falls and Deep Creek Lake and mountains like Sugarloaf and Marsh Hill, there’s always a new landscape to discover.
Closer to Baltimore is where you can do the big-city things that tourists come to Maryland for. Catch an Orioles game after eating at a new restaurant and shopping through some local boutiques or simply spend the day strolling through Baltimore’s historic streets. If you’re in the mood for a commute, head down to D.C. for a visit or check out the city that never sleeps for an evening. Many locals take advantage of Maryland’s central location and travel outside the state for some fresh sights every once in a while.
Living in Maryland
Maryland’s Climate
Maryland is lucky enough to experience all four seasons throughout the year, and residents get to make the most out of each one. The winter brings lows in the upper-20s and ample snow for sledding, tubing, and other wintertime activities. Throughout the spring, the colorful landscape provides the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Summers typically bring a high of upper-80s to low-90s, which are the ideal setting for walks on the boardwalk or a surf session at the beach. Fall in Maryland brings apple-picking, corn mazes, and a number of farms to go pick your fall produce from. Take all that, enjoy it, and repeat it again the next year.
Maryland’s Job Market
With one of the highest median incomes in the country, Maryland provides an excellent job market. While the cost of living is higher than average, the opportunities here are endless and well-compensated. There are a large number of job options in the service, government, and tech sectors within Maryland. Many residents travel in and out of the state for work, creating an even larger pool of job opportunities to choose from.
Transportation in Maryland
When moving to Maryland, prepare to spend a decent amount of time in traffic. Maryland has a large population but a small land size, which can cause traffic to back up frequently. With that said, the best way to get around Maryland is by car. Most of the cities in Maryland have local bus lines, and bigger ones like Baltimore have limited rail and subway access, but it’s not certain that you’ll be within walking distance no matter where you live. All in all, it’s best to have your own vehicle and stock up on podcasts and playlists for your commute.