Firstly why Baltimore, Maryland?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Baltimore
• State: Maryland
• Population: 585,708 people
• Baltimore’s quick summary would be Famous for its historic Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and delicious Maryland blue crabs.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 50,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 38,000 annually
• Net Migration: 12000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 5,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers job opportunities and cultural attractions appealing to diverse residents

Perk #1: Baltimore Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 38%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Baltimore is $85,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $27000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Baltimore’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,911
• Property Tax %: 2.06%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Federal Hill
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Baltimore, Towson, Pikesville, Harford, and probably could include Catonsville
• Avg. Age of Homes in Baltimore: 78 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Baltimore’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Baltimore are  Healthcare, Education, and Government
• Baltimore Job Scene: strong job market in healthcare and education
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its healthcare and biotech industries , ,
• Baltimore Resident’s pay $2,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Baltimore: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 400 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 23

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Baltimore

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 and I-695 serve as critical routes through Baltimore
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on I-95
• Transportation Score: 62 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Baltimore: 300,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 20 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Baltimore: mva.maryland.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 75 of 100
• Local Airport: Baltimore/Washington International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Baltimore’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Baltimore is best described as enjoys a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot humid summers mild winters and comfortable transitional seasons with colorful landscapes
• Winter Weather in Baltimore i’d describe as cold with rain
• Spring Weather in Baltimore can be described as mild with rain possible
• Summer’s in Baltimore are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Baltimore is usually cool and partly sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Baltimore below Freezing: 3
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by heavy traffic
• Baltimore Winter Air average air quality often affected by urban factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Baltimore Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Baltimore 20
• While the number of trade schools inside Baltimores’s city limits are 13
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Enoch Pratt Free Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Baltimore Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Baltimore only Doctors is about 1,200
• Local Hospitals here is  12
• Full-time Baltimore only Police Officers is about 4,000
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Baltimore’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Baltimore’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Baltimore’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Baltimore

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 18 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban center with a rich history and cultural diversity
• You might enjoy concerts at the Royal Farms Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Baltimore  has a dynamic nightlife with a mix of bars restaurants and music venues highlighting local culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Baltimore

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a vibrant food scene with diverse international cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Baltimore
• The Popular Sports Team is Baltimore Ravens
• Top Level Political Climate in Baltimore can be described as diverse urban area with a focus on social justice and economic equity
• Baltimore’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Paul Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Baltimore Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Baltimore has 50 Parks?
• Druid Hill Park is Baltimore’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Baltimore Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Historic tours, hiking, and festivals

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Baltimore Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Baltimore can be described as busy urban environment with rich cultural and historical influences
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Baltimore hiking local trails community festivals exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Baltimore are Annapolis 32 miles away Towson 10 miles away Columbia 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Baltimore or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on I-95. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Baltimore’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Federal Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Baltimore are Annapolis 32 miles away Towson 10 miles away Columbia 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Baltimore has 3 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Baltimore people have an average (positive or negative) $27000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   5,000 homeless people living in Baltimore. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse urban area with a focus on social justice and economic equity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Baltimore.

Retiree & Senior Life in Baltimore

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might gain property tax relief through local assistance programs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Pikesville
• Baltimore Senior Center features social programs recreational activities and wellness classes for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Baltimore, Maryland?

If Baltimore, Maryland ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Baltimore, Maryland, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!