Does any one living in MD feel their personal freedoms are limited by the state laws?? (Baltimore: sales, real estate)

[yasmine4]

As I do my research before relocating to MD, I've read opinions that varies from either end of the spectrum. Some ask why I'd want to move from FL to MD because MD limits personal freedoms. Is it that extreme? Should I be concerned?

What are some of the personal freedoms in which has been compromised?

For instance, on a small scale...the neighborhood that I live in currently in Wellington,FL have strict rules about appearance of the outside of your residence. Such as the color of your house, can't use a clothes line in your yard and a long list of restrictions which I don't really care for. I miss my TN days when I could hang my laundry out to dry in my yard when it was nice and hot out. It was my choice and I appreciated that I had the option.

These are the draw backs with "Planned" communities i figure. But really on a larger scale, I'm speaking on a state level.

[filmsniffer]

HOAs are everywhere in America. I don't choose a HOA-enforced neighborhood.

But speaking about limiting personal freedom, yes, I feel it. I like firearms, and MD is very hard on firearms.

[clintsullivan]

I think if you look up the recent study ranking states by 'freedom' you will find Maryland to be one of the worst. I think the study addressed many different aspects pertaining to freedoms.
I live just across the river in the eastern panhandle of WV (listed near the top of free states) and personally seldom venture into MD, but many residents here give up their freedoms during the day and commute into MD for work. Thankfully my family moved over in the early '70's.

It's not just HOA's that you have to watch out for though, many counties have super restrictive zoning ordinances which regulate more than just buildings: ie. clotheslines, fences, kids playground equip, etc.
You also should think about overall expenses as nothing limits freedom more than not having any money. Expect high costs for things such as real estate, income, personal property & sales taxes. MD even charges a yearly tax to folks who have an onsite septic tank. My brother-in-law is a farmer out in Allegany County and has to deal with the over burdensome regulation from the MD dept of agriculture. He moved from virginia and was also shocked by the diffence in income tax.
Oh, and I'm with filmsniffer on the firearms too. In WV you can still open carry in public.

Be concerned, be very concerned!

[KeyserSoze]

I used to live in Tennessee. Spent some time in Maryland as well. I didn't feel any drastic difference. You have to understand that more people live closer together in a small state, as opposed to a place like West Virginia. If you don't have regulations of any kind, it'll be a mess. And yes, you don't have the right to conceal in the state. But really, would you want one? Places like Baltimore, for example, are rough already as it is. Imagine what it would be like if there were no restriction laws. The only thing I can complain about is taxes and the prices. But that's what comes with benefiting from living near DC.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by clintsullivan

Oh, and I'm with filmsniffer on the firearms too. In WV you can still open carry in public.

Be concerned, be very concerned!

Yeah, it really is disconcerting not being able to open carry in Maryland. I can't tell you how many times I needed a semi-automatic on me while grocery shopping, or eating in a restaurant, or hanging out at the mall. Why, even when walking my dog in the neighborhood on numerous occasions I started to reach for my gun and then remembered that Maryland took that freedom away from me.

I don't know about you, but I'd feel a whole lot safer if everyone was walking around with a firearm strapped to their waist.

Damn those Maryland bureaucrats!

[North Beach Person]

A note about the "septic tax" mentioned by clintsullivan: it's around $30/year for both septic users and those on public sewer. It is a dedicated tax in that it goes back out as capital loans for upgrading public sewers (the Feds just laid some massive new regs on sewage treatment a few years ago dealing with nutrient removal) and as grants to folks who have failing septic systems. There are some restrictions on that and the money is targeted mainly for near the Bay and the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers. Overall I think it was a good idea, septic pollution especially i a problem. And as an elected official I've taken some heat over it even if it wasn't my level of government that approved it, we just have to collect it and turn it over.

[CelticViking]

I live on the Eastern Shore and love the ruralness and conservative politics that are here on the shore...but only to be controlled by a SOCIALIST state govt. Maryland is getting worse then cali and mass. when it comes to liberal politics.

[Regularguy123]

Originally Posted by filmsniffer

HOAs are everywhere in America. I don't choose a HOA-enforced neighborhood.

But speaking about limiting personal freedom, yes, I feel it. I like firearms, and MD is very hard on firearms.

MD has far less restrictive laws on firearms than other states such as NJ and MA, to name a few. If someone wants to carry a concealed firearm in MD, they have to apply through the State Police, so the opportunity is there, but it is not automaticly granted. Luckily, this state requires any secondary transfer of handguns to go through the State Police or firearms dealers. Could you imagine how crazy things would be if you could buy a handgun on Monday, then decide to resell it to anyone later that week without having them go through a background check? Too many guns would end up in the hands of felons.

As far a Home Owner's Associations, they are all somewhat restrictive by design, regardless of which state you reside in. Some are not nearly well run as others and some are unfortunately known to be out of control. These groups have begun to serve in place of the old town/city zoning laws, which often failed to keep things clean and orderly, at the expense of not wanting to limit personal freedoms, regardless of how tacky or sloppy people want to be. Fortunately, if we do not want to live in a development governed by an HOA, then we do not have to buy or rent a home there. Lots of freedom of choice.

Can someone please provide specific examples of how the State of MD is limiting your "personal freedoms." Does anyone have the web site for the above "recent study ranking states by 'freedom'? I would like to see the results and methodology used on this study. I am not convinced by this thread that MD is limiting "personal freedoms." Overall, MD is not that bad a place to live. Taxes being too high, out of control developers in bed with politicians, and a defense attorney dominated state legislature who is way too soft on crime, are some of the biggest complaints about MD that I have heard.

[mikey jam]

Signs of the times. Now your being watched. Cameras everywhere you go now. Better dress nice!

[clintsullivan]

Originally Posted by KeyserSoze

... But really, would you want one? Places like Baltimore, for example, are rough already as it is. Imagine what it would be like if there were no restriction laws....

Hmm, you've answered your own question.
Imagine... WV & VA both permit concealed or open carry, and both have much lower crime rates, even in heavily populated areas or when adjusted for population density. Don't accept the notion that it is better if only the bad guys have the weapons. Maybe that is why Baltimore is rough already.
Not that I intended to sidetrack this into a one issue thread. Just my 2c on freedoms.
Also in ref to the septic tax; yes it's only' $30 a year, but those only's add up after a while and it is one fee that we don't have here in WV, yet. Although the wackos have been trying to get it, and at some point they may. Also I think one may find that on-site septic disposal systems, when properly installed (and inspected ) have far less negative impact on the environment than the mass sewer treatment facilities. I do understand that in high density areas there is no option, but I don't agree with the notion that installing central treatment systems in low density areas, already served by functional on-site systems is somehow a good idea. Or that an individual who may be living in a low cost home and on the edge of making the monthly payments & buying groceries should be hit with another scam tax.