11 Things to Know When Moving to Maryland
Maryland is a state in the mid-atlantic region of the United States. It is home to some stunning landscapes decorated with pine-covered mountains and beaches. The state has some of the best crabs in the world and great sports teams. Maryland is a vibrant state with a diverse population and a unique culture. The state is rich in history and has some of the best hospitals in America. On top of all, it has one of the fastest-growing job markets. So, if you are considering moving to Maryland, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Maryland.
What to Know Before your Move to Maryland
1. Before you Arrive in Maryland
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Maryland, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Maryland, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Maryland? Have a look at our selection of the 5 best moving companies in Baltimore.
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Maryland permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Maryland
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Maryland, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell or donate your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Maryland, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Maryland?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Maryland like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Maryland, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person. To register by mail or in person, you need to fill out a Maryland Voter Registration Application and submit it to your local Board of Elections office. You must register to vote at least 21 days before elections. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Maryland and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your local MD DMV Office in person with the required documents. You will also have to surrender your out of state license. You can go through the interactive online document guide to help you apply for your new driver’s license. You can also schedule an appointment online beforehand to avoid the long wait times.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Maryland, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with MD DMV within 60 days. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. You will need to title your vehicle at the same time when you apply for registration. Before you register, you should get your safety inspection completed. You can register your vehicle by mail or in person by completing an Application for Certificate of Title (form VR-005) along with some other documents at a MVA tag and title service office.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Maryland proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Maryland as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Depending upon the time of the year, residents in Maryland can experience severe weather conditions. Some common natural disasters in Maryland include thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe winter storms. Therefore, getting home insurance is a must.
3. Best Places to Live in Maryland
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in North Potomac. It offers a sparse suburban feel, a thriving nightlife, affordable housing, a diverse culture and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Columbia. Columbia is family-friendly, it has some of the best schools, a strong job market and plenty of recreational activities such as swimming, skating, golf and more.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Baltimore. Cambridge is home to some of the best universities “John Hopkins University” and “University of Maryland”. In addition, Baltimore offers affordable housing, thriving nightlife and plenty of job opportunities.
4. Housing and Renting in Maryland
How to find an apartment in Maryland?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Maryland, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Maryland?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Maryland?
Electricity, water, and gas in Maryland
Maryland Public Service Commission is responsible for ensuring that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable telecommunication and energy services at reasonable rates. You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The website comprises all the forms, FAQs and other important details. The main purpose of PSC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Maryland
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Maryland has some of the best internet providers and is the 15th most connected state in the USA with 34 internet providers and 98% residents having access to 25 Mbps. Internet providers in Maryland offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Maryland, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Maryland will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Maryland
The average cost of living in Baltimore, Maryland per month is $3225 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Baltimore
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $1200 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $350 |
Groceries | $700 |
Entertainment | $175 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $600 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $200 |
Source: TheZebra, Numbeo, HomeInsuranceKing, BaltimoreGasandElectric