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Maryland to DC Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from state to state represents an incredible journey filled with new opportunities and a thrilling change of scenery. As you transition from Maryland's charm, often celebrated for its crabs and "America in Miniature" landscapes, to the bustling, historic streets of DC, known for its monumental politics and vibrant urban life, you're leaving one iconic space to embrace another. Understanding the significance of this move, it's crucial to ensure you're partnering with trusted and experienced professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses an unbiased ranking algorithm to identify the best movers in the country, making your decision an easier part of this exciting transition.

6 Best Movers for Moving from Maryland to DC

#1
AT Movers Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 1,252+ data points

Potomac, MD
Wrapping, stocking, and relocation, Assembling the uplift desks, The protection of the valuable frames and pictures See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3455533 Verify

About AT Movers

AT Movers is a moving company based in Potomac, with business hours from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. They provide reliab...Read More >>

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#2
Mic's Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 4,108+ data points

Washington DC, DC
Local Move, Long Distance Moving, Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT: 2474176 Verify

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and co...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in gaithersburg 2023 mics moving image
top 10 ranked movers in washington dc 2022 mics moving image
#3
Bookstore Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 6,631+ data points

Hyattsville, MD
Local moving, Long-distance moving, Cross-country moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT: 2005212 Verify

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business ...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in washington dc 2023 bookstore movers image
top ranked movers in washington dc 2022 bookstore movers image
#4
AJ Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional

based on 549+ data points

Germantown, MD
Local Moving Services, Long Distance Move, Office Move See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3866515 Verify

About AJ Moving Services LLC

AJ Moving Services LLC, based in Frederick, MD, has been providing a broad range of moving solutions for both residential and commercial cli...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in hagerstown 2023 aj moving services llc image
#5
Your Moving Men Logo
Exceptional

based on 828+ data points

Rockville, MD
Residential Moving Services, Commercial Moving Services, Long Distance Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3653905 Verify

About Your Moving Men

Your Moving Men is a trusted moving company based in Rockville, MD, serving clients throughout Maryland, DC, and Virginia. This professional...Read More >>

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#6
AB Secure Moving LLC. Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 669+ data points

Bowie, MD
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3900650 Verify

About AB Secure Moving LLC.

AB Secure Moving LLC is a professional moving company with over 10 years of experience in the moving industry. Based in Maryland, they serve...Read More >>

top 10 frederick 2024 ab secure moving llc image
top 10 ranked movers in willards 2023 ab secure moving llc image

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to DC

Deciding to move from Maryland to DC involves weighing various factors to ensure it's the right decision for you. This comparison will show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation from Maryland to DC , helping you see both sides clearly.

CONs
PROs
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Higher property taxes
  • Suburban sprawl
  • Less walkable communities
  • Lower density of restaurants
DC iconDC
  • Richer cultural experiences
  • More public transport options
  • Greater job opportunities
  • Vibrant nightlife
DC iconDC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer parking options
  • More crowded
  • Smaller living spaces
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Quieter neighborhoods
  • More green spaces
  • Lower crime rates
  • Better for raising kids

When considering a move from Maryland to DC, it's important to think beyond the basic pros and cons. For instance, DC's public transport system, including the Metro, offers extensive coverage, making it easy to navigate the city without a car, unlike many parts of Maryland which require you to drive. Additionally, DC's rich cultural scene, featuring landmarks such as the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the thriving nightlife in areas like U Street and Adams Morgan, contrasts with Maryland's more suburban lifestyle. However, the tranquility and spacious parks in Maryland, such as Rock Creek Park, offer a different kind of charm that might be missed in the bustling streets of DC. Whether you value quick access to cultural institutions and job opportunities over larger living spaces and quieter neighborhoods will significantly influence your decision-making process.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Maryland to DC

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding a place's culture and can significantly impact your living experience. By comparing the local cuisine between Maryland & DC , this guide aims to provide you with a clearer picture of the culinary scene awaiting you in your new home.

MarylandDC

Most iconic local food item

Crab CakesHalf-Smoke

Most popular meat dish

Fried ChickenRibeye Steak

Most popular street food item

Smith Island CakeFood Trucks variety

Most popular vegan food

Avocado ToastVegetable Ramen

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state

  • Phillips Seafood
  • Faidley's Seafood
  • Charm City Cakes
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

78

Abundance of Food Trucks

69

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

68

While Maryland is famously known for its crab cakes, especially around the Baltimore Harbor area, DC captivates with its unique half-smoke, best enjoyed in historic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl. The food scene in DC also reflects a high number of food trucks, offering an eclectic mix of international cuisines, particularly around busy areas like Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle. On the vegan front, both regions offer trendy options, but DC's variety in cosmopolitan offerings like vegetable ramen stands out, highlighting its vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Maryland to DC

When planning your move, understanding the real estate market differences between Maryland and DC is crucial. This comparison sheds light on housing costs, styles, and the lifestyle each area supports, helping you make a well-informed decision.

Comparing the two areas, you'll find that while homes in DC tend to be more expensive, they also offer a more urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability scores. This is largely due to DC's dense, urban environment filled with row houses and neighborhoods that are often within walking distance of amenities and public transportation. Meanwhile, Maryland offers a wider variety of home styles, including Colonial and Cape Cod, often with more space and quieter surroundings. The choice between the two depends on your preference for an urban setting close to the hustle and bustle of city life or a more relaxed atmosphere with a bit of extra space.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Maryland to DC

Understanding how the weather will compare when moving is crucial for preparation. This comparison between Maryland and DC aims to highlight the key differences and similarities in climate and weather conditions you might experience, easing your transition.

Summer icon
85/66

Maryland

88/71

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
42/29

Maryland

47/30

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.7

Maryland

39.7

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
20.1

Maryland

15.4

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While Maryland and DC share similar weather patterns, there are subtle but important differences worth noting. Maryland experiences slightly more days of sunshine and a higher average annual humidity than DC, which could influence your daily comfort and activities. The winter temperatures in DC tend to be milder, potentially making winter seasons more tolerable if you're not a fan of the cold. Air quality varies between the two, with DC offering better conditions on average, an essential factor for those with health concerns or who enjoy outdoor activities. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust your lifestyle and expectations as you make the move.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Maryland to DC

When considering a move from Maryland to DC, it’s crucial to grasp how your finances might be affected. The comparison of living costs, taxes, and economic conditions between Maryland and DC aims to provide you with a clearer financial perspective, ensuring you understand the monetary changes to expect.

While the average household income in Maryland and DC is similar, DC’s high cost of living index at 152.1 compared to Maryland’s 120.2 illustrates a significant difference in how much farther your dollar will go in each location. Maryland offers a more variable state income tax rate, possibly benefiting lower-income earners, whereas DC's higher property tax rate might be more favorable for homeowners. Despite these financial intricacies, the top industries in each area indicate strong job markets though in different sectors – with Maryland leaning towards BioHealth and IT, and DC focusing on government and professional services.

Political & Religious Comparison between Maryland and DC

When considering a move from Maryland to DC, it's essential to understand the community you'll be joining. This quick comparison will give you an insight into the politics between Maryland & DC, along with a snapshot of the religious makeup, offering a better understanding of your potential new neighbors.

MarylandDC

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Mixed urban and rural policiesUrban-centric policies

Religion

Christianity predominant, with diverse faith communitiesChristianity major, but higher percentage of non-religious residents

In the transition from Maryland to DC, you'll find yourself moving from a state with a balanced blend of urban and rural political influences to a distinctly urban political landscape. This shift means local politics in DC are primarily focused on urban issues and policies, reflecting the city's unique needs and challenges. Despite both areas leaning Democratic, DC stands out for its stronger Democratic alignment, shaped by its urban demographics and international community. Regarding religion, while Christianity is predominant in both, DC presents a more diverse religious landscape with a noticeable portion of the community identifying as non-religious. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of DC, offering new residents a wide array of perspectives and communities to engage with.

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to DC

When considering a move from Maryland to DC, it's critical to know how the educational opportunities compare. To help you in this journey, we’ve provided a detailed comparison chart focused on various aspects of the schooling system. The primary goal is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Maryland and DC, enabling you to make an informed decision about your family's future.

MarylandDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Maryland
Towson University
Johns Hopkins University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Fulton Elementary (Fulton)
Bannockburn Elementary (Bethesda)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Mann Elementary (Washington)
Eaton Elementary (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Cabin John Middle School (Potomac)
Eastern Middle School (Silver Spring)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Eliot-Hine Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High Schools

Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
Landon School (Bethesda)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
Landon School (Bethesda)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

Montgomery County Public Schools
Howard County Public School System
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools

Moving from Maryland to DC brings a unique set of educational opportunities and challenges. Maryland boasts some of the highest-ranking public schools in the nation, such as Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda and Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville. On the other hand, DC offers prestigious private institutions like the Georgetown Day School and Sidwell Friends School, known for their rigorous academics and notable alumni. If you're considering private education, DC’s options are among the best in the country. However, Maryland offers a broader choice of top-rated public schools across several districts, highlighting the strength and diversity of its public education system.

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