Where Are Maryland Residents Moving To (2022 Report)
Things are on the move in 2022, and Maryland residents are no exception. According to a recent report by The United States Census Bureau, Maryland's population growth rate has declined
(0.2%) in recent years. The study performed a survey of people who moved within the state as well as people who left the state, asking them why they moved.
Based on our 2021 Migration Data Study, we analyzed where Maryland residents are moving and why they would choose those locations over others.
In this report, we share our findings with you so that you can determine whether a move might be right for you.
Here are some of the most common destinations for Marylanders who are heading out of town:
Top 5 Destinations Maryland Residents Are Moving
Here are the top five cities that Maryland Residents are moving to:
- Sarasota, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Tampa, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is a beautiful city of just over 59,000 people, located on Florida's west coast that serves as the county seat for Sarasota County. It is known for
its cultural amenities and entertainment options, including many museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy local seafood and other cuisines at restaurants throughout the city.
Sarasota is an excellent choice for retirees who want to live in Florida but not in the same state as their children. It's also a perfect option for anyone who wants to live near a beach.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and Marylanders are taking notice. The city has been on a tear over the past few years, with its population growing by 11% since 2010 and adding over 100,000 residents during that time.
The area's diverse economy (with an emphasis on technology) makes it an excellent spot for job-seekers. Plus, Atlanta has a much lower cost of living than Baltimore, allowing residents to save money and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Los Angeles, CA
Many people who leave Maryland head west—and end up in LA. With more than 12 million,
LA is the second-largest city in the United States, and it's the third most populated city in California. Many businesses and workers are high-tech, making Los Angeles an exciting place to live and work.
Tampa, FL
Rumor has it that Tampa, Florida is one of the best places to live in the South. The estimated population is 397,085, which gives the city a small-town feel without sacrificing
its urban vibes. It's got a thriving downtown area and plenty of character, but most impressive is the city's proximity to the water. Of course, if you're not a fan of the beach, you can always head over to the Hillsborough River and enjoy kayaking
or canoeing.
New home buyers will find plenty of opportunities here. While most of its residential areas are suburban-style neighborhoods with beautiful single-family homes and tree-lined streets, Tampa also has a few downtown skyscraper condos and apartment complexes
where you can live with that fantastic view of the bay.
West Palm Beach, FL
If you're looking for a new place to live, West Palm Beach is one of the most popular destinations for Maryland residents.
The population of West Palm Beach is just over 100,000, which makes it a bustling but not overwhelming place to call home. It boasts over 200 sunny
days per year on average, and the median house value is just over $300,000. The most commonly listed jobs in the area are retail salespersons,
office clerks, and registered nurses—but, whatever your career path may be, there's likely to be an opportunity for you here.
Why would Maryland Residents move to these cities?
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Maryland is 113 compared to the national average of 100. The cost of living indices is based on a US average of 100. An amount below
100 means that the city is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means that the city is more expensive.
Here's how these other cities compare to Maryland:
- Sarasota, FL - 102.7
- Atlanta, GA - 107.5
- Los Angeles, CA - 173.3
- Tampa, FL - 100.1
- West Palm Beach, FL - 108.1
Income Taxes
Income tax is a type of tax that is imposed on your income, and the rate varies depending on where you live. The average rate for Maryland is around 5.75%,
but it can vary quite a bit based on location.
Here's how these cities compare to Maryland:
- Sarasota, FL - 0%
- Atlanta, GA - 1.00% to 5.75%
- Los Angeles, CA - 9.3%
- Tampa, FL - 0%
- West Palm Beach, FL - 0%
- The national average is 4.6%
Quality of Life
One of the main reasons for migration from Maryland is that some want to experience a higher quality of life. According to U.S. News, The Quality of Life Index measures how satisfied residents are with their daily lives in each ranked metro area.
The Quality of Life Index takes into account: crime rates, quality and availability of health care, quality of education, well-being, and commuter index.
Here's how the top destination cities are ranked by U.S. News on a scale of 1-10:
- Sarasota, FL - 7.4
- Atlanta, GA - 5.9
- Los Angeles, CA - 6.5
- Tampa, FL - 6.9
- West Palm Beach, FL - 6.2
Job Opportunities
According to U.S News, the national average annual salary is $53,490, with an unemployment rate of 8.1%. Let's take a look at some of the cities available and how they stack up against each other:
- Sarasota, FL - $46,040 with an unemployment rate of 6.8%
- Atlanta, GA - $54,110 with an unemployment rate of 6.9%
- Los Angeles, CA - $57,373 with an unemployment rate of 11.3%
- Tampa, FL - $49,590 with an unemployment rate of 7.2%.
- West Palm Beach, FL - Job growth has increased by 15.7%, with an unemployment rate of 5.0%
The Bottom Line
If you’re a Maryland Resident and considering an out-of-state move, consider the top five cities listed here. Whether the quality of life, financial or health-related motivations drive your interest, it may be time to start planning a long distance move.