ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - what's the story? (Frederick, Hagerstown: rental, contractors, incomes)

[Tiger Beer]

What's the story on Annapolis?

It looks like a great city...looks actually LIKE a city as well...yet the population is very small. Is this common in Maryland, by the way?

Also, how are the wages for working people? Do most people who live in Annapolis make their money in DC?

Is it affordable for a person of modest incomes - not wealthy and not poor. Basically a working, educated person with a family but seemingly little access to much money...etc.? I'm probably capable of earning around $35,000 if I'm lucky, based on past experiences.

Ultimately looking for a safe enough place for kids...and pedestrian-friendly...with conveniences...which I think in this era, is near impossible.

Would a city like Annapolis work for a person like me?

[beilart]

Annapolis is an expensive city in which to live. A 1 bed room apt here runs from 1200.00 per month up to 2500.00 per month. 35k won't get you an Annapolis lifestyle.

[Tiger Beer]

Thanks...yeah, starting to see more like that, as I research more.

How about a city like Hagerstown?

[beilart]

I don't know much about Hagerstown but no doubt it is less expensive than Annapolis.

[North Beach Person]

Hagerstown has more in common with PA and WVA than it does with the rest of MD. It is in the foothills of the Appalachian/Allegheny Mountains and has a history of mining, farming, manufacturing and logging.

To the OP, $35K in Annapolis would put you in food stamp territory.
Fact Sheet on Resources, Income, and Benefits (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/fs_Res_Ben_Elig.htm - broken link)

Following are stats on per capita and family income. Anne Arundel County (Annapolis) is $86K family and just under $52K per capita.
Income (http://www.choosemaryland.org/factsandfigures/demographics/incomedata.html - broken link)

Believe it or not, where I live in Calvert County has a higher family income but lower per capita income. Housing costs are less here, both rental and purchase.

Many people in the area do work in DC for the government or the various government contractors. There is also a high percentage of trades who work in the city (and locally).

[westsideboy]

Not so much on the mining in Hagerstown, that industry was located further west in Allegany and Garrett County. The rest of the description is accurate.

[Tiger Beer]

Okay, sounds like I'm becoming MUCH less interested in Annapolis.

Actually, what I do like about some of the MD cities I see, is the seemingly density and walkability. The kind of cities that aren't 100% dependent on a car to get everything little thing.

If not Annapolis, Frederick or Hagerstown is looking a bit more interesting...Appalachian mountains seems even more of a plus.