Why Maryland Is a Great Place to Call Home

Also known as the Old Line State, Maryland combines natural beauty, excellent job opportunities, and an epic location near the nation's capital. It is a great option for people who want to work in D.C. without the high cost of living. 

With its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and amazing seafood, Maryland has an array of activities. Residents can enjoy city life in Baltimore or Annapolis, or live in one of the charming smaller towns sprinkled across the state. Whether you're looking for a high-paying job or want more time in nature, living in Maryland is a wonderful choice.

Vibrant Cities and Charming Towns

The best places to live in MD depend on your lifestyle. Do you prefer high-energy cities or a small-town feel? Either way, you have options. Here are some of the top places to live in Maryland: 

• Columbia: West of Baltimore, Columbia is one of the most populous cities in the state and combines urban amenities with abundant green spaces. It is a wonderful city for families because of its economy and good schools. 
• Bel Air: Located northeast of Baltimore, Bel Air offers small-town charm and easy access to larger cities. It has a close-knit community, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. 
• Frederick: This city is northwest of Baltimore and also offers a combination of urban life and outdoor recreation. It has a strong job market and a family-friendly atmosphere. 
• Westminster: North of Baltimore, this city has a small-town feel with historic charm. It's surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers community events like the Carroll County Farmers Market. 
• Annapolis: Although it is Maryland's capital, Annapolis is much smaller than Baltimore, Columbia, and other large cities. It has a rich maritime history and a lot of historic charm.

Regardless of where you live in Maryland, you will be close to outdoor recreation and cities with job opportunities. The best place to live comes down to your budget, where you prefer to be located, and which community best fits your lifestyle. 

Natural Wonders in the Chesapeake Bay and Beyond

Because of its location on the coast, Maryland has several beautiful beaches. Its coastline follows the Chesapeake Bay, which lies between Delaware on the east and Maryland, D.C., and Virginia on the west. This bay is extremely important for wildlife like crabs, fish, and migratory birds. 

Recreational activities in the Chesapeake Bay include sailing, fishing, and crabbing. You can also enjoy swimming and walking along the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline. Some of the most popular spots include: 

• Ocean City: This well-known beach is family-friendly, with a boardwalk, amusement rides, and dining options. Residents and visitors can enjoy the wide beach and gentle waves. 
• Assateague Island National Seashore: This island off Maryland's coast is home to beautiful Chincoteague ponies. There is a beautiful beach and gentle waves, so you can enjoy the horses while soaking in some sunshine. 
• Sandy Point State Park: Another favorite, this beach also has gentle waves. There is a picnic area and a playground, offering plenty for families to do.

In addition to its stunning coastline, Maryland offers beautiful parks where you can hike, bike, and camp. Some great locations to check out include the waterfall at Cunningham Falls State Park, the views at Gambrill State Park, and the forest in Green Ridge State Forest. 

Excellent Education and Job Opportunities

Maryland has many top-ranked universities and is probably best known for Johns Hopkins University. You can also find the United States Naval Academy here. If you are looking for K-12 schools, there are many good options to choose from across the state. Maryland's education system is ranked among the top in the nation.

The Maryland job market is thriving, covering diverse industries like health care, aerospace, government, and technology. Many people choose to live in Maryland while working in D.C., allowing them to make a larger paycheck with a lower cost of living. There are many career opportunities here, whether you want to stay in your field or switch to a new industry. 

Incredible Food and Wine

If you love seafood, you'll love living in Maryland. The proximity to the Chesapeake Bay means that crabs, oysters, and rockfish are fresh and delicious. Local specialties include Maryland crab cakes and Smith Island Cake, a stacked yellow cake with many layers of chocolate frosting. Another dessert you don't want to miss is fudge, which was invented in Maryland.

Wineries and craft breweries are scattered across the state so you can enjoy local flavors. Restaurants range from chain to local and casual to upscale, so you will have a place to celebrate any occasion.

History and Heritage Come Alive

As one of the original 13 colonies, Maryland has several fascinating historical sites to explore. Although Annapolis is now the state capital, St. Mary's City was the first colonial capital and has a fascinating living history museum documenting its early colonial days. Annapolis has beautiful historic buildings and sites as well.

Other historic sites in the state include:

• Fort McHenry: Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America's national anthem, while locked in this fort. There were only 15 states and 15 stars on the flag at this time.
• Antietam National Battlefield: This location commemorates a Civil War battle that has been called the bloodiest day in American military history because so many lives were lost during this single conflict. 
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park: Learn more about the amazing woman who rescued enslaved people as the Underground Railroad's best-known conductor during the 1800s. 

If you love learning about history, don't forget to check out world-class museums like the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. There is a lot to learn and explore when it comes to history in Maryland!

Moving to MD? Build Your Dream Home With Keystone Custom Homes

At Keystone Custom Homes, we help families build a home that suits their dream lifestyle. We offer a range of highly-rated floorplans and personal support to help you design and build a home you will love for years. Our Maryland communities can be found in prime locations near Frederick, Westminster, Columbia, and Bel Air. 

Whether you would like a move-in-ready home, to build from the ground up, or want help building on a homesite of your choice, Keystone Custom Homes can help. Contact us today at 717-368-9831 to request an appointment and learn more about our process. We would love to assist you in your move to Maryland.