Maryland is a state with a rich history, a diverse culture, and a high standard of living. However, not everyone is happy with living in the Old Line State. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Maryland had a net loss of 13,699 people to other states in 2020, the highest number since 2008. Why are people leaving Maryland, and where are they going?
Reasons for Leaving Maryland
There are many possible reasons why people would want to leave Maryland, but some of the most common ones are:
High cost of living: Maryland is one of the most expensive states to live in, ranking 6th in the nation according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The median home value in Maryland is $332,500, which is 42% higher than the national average. The state also has a high income tax rate, ranging from 2% to 5.75%, and a sales tax rate of 6%.
Traffic and congestion: Maryland is one of the most densely populated states in the country, with about 618 people per square mile. This leads to traffic jams, long commutes, and air pollution. The average commute time in Maryland is 32.7 minutes, which is the second-longest in the nation. The state also ranks 49th in the nation for road quality, according to the Reason Foundation.
Weather and climate: Maryland has a humid subtropical climate, which means hot and humid summers, cold and snowy winters, and frequent storms. The state is also vulnerable to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. The average annual temperature in Maryland is 54.2°F, which is lower than the national average of 52.7°F. The state also receives about 44 inches of precipitation per year, which is higher than the national average of 38 inches.
Destinations for Maryland Migrants
People who leave Maryland have many options for their new homes, but some of the most popular destinations are:
Florida: Florida is the top destination for Maryland migrants, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2020, 18,722 people moved from Maryland to Florida, accounting for 14.4% of the total outflow. Florida offers a warm and sunny climate, low taxes, affordable housing, and plenty of attractions. Some of the most common cities that Marylanders move to in Florida are Sarasota, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
Georgia: Georgia is another southern state that attracts many Marylanders, especially to its capital city, Atlanta. In 2020, 9,892 people moved from Maryland to Georgia, accounting for 7.6% of the total outflow. Georgia offers a diverse economy, a vibrant culture, and a lower cost of living than Maryland. Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, with a booming tech industry, a rich history, and a lively entertainment scene .
California: California is the most populous and the third-largest state in the nation, and it also draws many Marylanders to its west coast. In 2020, 8,892 people moved from Maryland to California, accounting for 6.8% of the total outflow. California offers a diverse and beautiful landscape, a progressive and innovative culture, and a high quality of life. However, California also has a high cost of living, high taxes, and natural disasters. Some of the most common cities that Marylanders move to in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco .
Conclusion
Maryland is a state with many advantages, but also many challenges. For some people, the benefits of living in Maryland outweigh the drawbacks, but for others, the opposite is true. People who decide to leave Maryland have different preferences and goals for their new homes, but some of the most popular choices are Florida, Georgia, and California. These states offer different opportunities and lifestyles for Maryland migrants, who hope to find happiness and success in their new locations.