Why I left Maryland (Baltimore, Frederick: condominium, public schools, property tax rates)

[*CountryGirl*]

Originally Posted by engine750wife

Yeah it will cost you several hundred dollars just for one kid in MD to get all of the supplies on the "list" every year and wait until they do to high school and the teachers expect you to go out and buy each of your kids a graphing calculator ($200+ each)...... i'm curious as to where the school tax money actually goes?

Several hundred dollars? I have NEVER spent more than $30 for my sons school supplies. As far as the calculator goes if you shop around you can get one for less than $200. It's a one time purchase. If you truly cannot afford it most schools will provide you with one.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by *CountryGirl*

Several hundred dollars? I have NEVER spent more than $30 for my sons school supplies. As far as the calculator goes if you shop around you can get one for less than $200. It's a one time purchase. If you truly cannot afford it most schools will provide you with one.

The various fees for my High Schooler in MoCo easily topped $200 this year.

[md to nc]

Originally Posted by *CountryGirl*

Several hundred dollars? I have NEVER spent more than $30 for my sons school supplies. As far as the calculator goes if you shop around you can get one for less than $200. It's a one time purchase. If you truly cannot afford it most schools will provide you with one.

Wow I need to go shopping with you. This year alone for two kids I spent $150. And that was just for the basics.

[GJHJ]

My family and I left MoCo because of the cost of living. There was no way that we'd have been able to have my wife stay home with the kids when they started school, which my son did this year. I am a 2nd generation Marylander, and I hated to move, but it was well worth it for my family for me to have to commute 90 miles one way to work.

[terp4ever]

First off, let me say that Maryland is the best state ("America in Miniature"). Maryland is the wealthiest state for 2008, and was for 2007. Maryland also has the lowest poverty rate, and is the highest educated state in the country. It also has more doctoral degree holders than the entire state of Virginia, despite having 2 million less citizens. It relies on its tech sector more than any other state, and after Massachusetts has the second largest biotech hub. 2 of the top ten wealthiest counties are located in Maryland: Howard and Montgomery. Both of these counties have numerous schools on the top 1000 and top 100 high school ranking lists. Maryland communities are almost always on CNN Money's "Best Places to Live" and "Wealthiest communities" lists, with Columbia in Howard Co. the most recent Maryland community to place highly on the "best places" list. In the medical community Maryland is only second to NJ and MA, with numerous institutions like Johns Hopkins, NIH, Bethesda Naval, Humane Genome etc.

Yes, the state is not all perfect (which state is?). Areas like Prince George's County, which has a crime rate isn't something to be proud of. All the wealthiest states have their urban blemishes, for eg. Trenton, NJ; Camden, NJ; Bridgeport, CT; Hartford; CT Springfield, MA; and Newark, NJ. But for those attacking PG County, it's not universally "bad." The fact is that PG is the wealthiest minority-majority county in the nation, and is home to some of the wealthiest communities in the region (Ft. Washington, Mitchelville, Bowie). In fact, the only reason that PG's crime is so high is because of its shared border with Southeast DC. Baltimore, unlike it's nearly as violent neighbor an hour north (Phillie), is undergoing major gentrification. In fact the impoverished minority population in Baltimore has been in sharp decline for the past few years.

The cost-of-living would obviously be expected to be higher in Maryland than in other states, due to the points raised in my first paragraph. Succesful, high-demand areas, with booming economies tend to cost a lot. Try investigating the Cost of living in the Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco Bay areas. You'll find it not much different than the DC area. 350K condos and 600K townhomes are the norm here, especially in the inner counties. For slightly cheaper prices (and a longer commute) try Frederick or Charles County (9th wealthiest in nation with pop. <250K). Hey, I (MoCo resident) don't like paying the extremely high property taxes either, but if the population continues to steadily grow with taxed so high you have to put 2 and 2 together and realize that most people think its worth it.

The fact that Maryland is permanently controlled by Dems doesn't bother me (a true-blue Dem) in the slighest. Yes taxes might be higher, but for what you get in return it's definitely worth it. Not to get too much into politics, but has anyone noticed that the wealthiest and best-educated states in the nation (MD, NJ, CT, MA) are controlled by Democrats, while the much poorer Southern states (MS, KY, AK) are controlled by Republicans. Is there a correlation here?

It seems that many persons love to pick on the most well-off states for some strange reason. If it's not people complaining about how the "fire-breathing liberals" in control of the "People's Republic of Maryland" are stealing the residents' hard-earned money, it's persons calling New Jersey (the second wealthiest state) the "armpit of America" and also complaing about the "super-high" taxes in that state. I've also heard people rattle-off about CT. Fact is, if you don't like Maryland, then it's not for you. Go ahead and move to South Carolina, Mississppi, Virginia, or whatever Southern "trailer park state" where unemployment is 50%; No one's stopping you...

[md to nc]

Originally Posted by terp4ever

First off, let me say that Maryland is the best state ("America in Miniature"). Maryland is the wealthiest state for 2008, and was for 2007. Maryland also has the lowest poverty rate, and is the highest educated state in the country. It also has more doctoral degree holders than the entire state of Virginia, despite having 2 million less citizens. It relies on its tech sector more than any other state, and after Massachusetts has the second largest biotech hub. 2 of the top ten wealthiest counties are located in Maryland: Howard and Montgomery. Both of these counties have numerous schools on the top 1000 and top 100 high school ranking lists. Maryland communities are almost always on CNN Money's "Best Places to Live" and "Wealthiest communities" lists, with Columbia in Howard Co. the most recent Maryland community to place highly on the "best places" list. In the medical community Maryland is only second to NJ and MA, with numerous institutions like Johns Hopkins, NIH, Bethesda Naval, Humane Genome etc.

Yes, the state is not all perfect (which state is?). Areas like Prince George's County, which has a crime rate isn't something to be proud of. All the wealthiest states have their urban blemishes, for eg. Trenton, NJ; Camden, NJ; Bridgeport, CT; Hartford; CT Springfield, MA; and Newark, NJ. But for those attacking PG County, it's not universally "bad." The fact is that PG is the wealthiest minority-majority county in the nation, and is home to some of the wealthiest communities in the region (Ft. Washington, Mitchelville, Bowie). In fact, the only reason that PG's crime is so high is because of its shared border with Southeast DC. Baltimore, unlike it's nearly as violent neighbor an hour north (Phillie), is undergoing major gentrification. In fact the impoverished minority population in Baltimore has been in sharp decline for the past few years.

The cost-of-living would obviously be expected to be higher in Maryland than in other states, due to the points raised in my first paragraph. Succesful, high-demand areas, with booming economies tend to cost a lot. Try investigating the Cost of living in the Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco Bay areas. You'll find it not much different than the DC area. 350K condos and 600K townhomes are the norm here, especially in the inner counties. For slightly cheaper prices (and a longer commute) try Frederick or Charles County (9th wealthiest in nation with pop. <250K). Hey, I (MoCo resident) don't like paying the extremely high property taxes either, but if the population continues to steadily grow with taxed so high you have to put 2 and 2 together and realize that most people think its worth it.

The fact that Maryland is permanently controlled by Dems doesn't bother me (a true-blue Dem) in the slighest. Yes taxes might be higher, but for what you get in return it's definitely worth it. Not to get too much into politics, but has anyone noticed that the wealthiest and best-educated states in the nation (MD, NJ, CT, MA) are controlled by Democrats, while the much poorer Southern states (MS, KY, AK) are controlled by Republicans. Is there a correlation here?

It seems that many persons love to pick on the most well-off states for some strange reason. If it's not people complaining about how the "fire-breathing liberals" in control of the "People's Republic of Maryland" are stealing the residents' hard-earned money, it's persons calling New Jersey (the second wealthiest state) the "armpit of America" and also complaing about the "super-high" taxes in that state. I've also heard people rattle-off about CT. Fact is, if you don't like Maryland, then it's not for you. Go ahead and move to South Carolina, Mississppi, Virginia, or whatever Southern "trailer park state" where unemployment is 50%; No one's stopping you...

In regards to this comment only that is because A LOT of people are moving to the south for cheaper living but WITHOUT A JOB. So majority of the unemployed are moving here unemployed and cannot find jobs. But a lot of the unemployed is due to the factories closing or jobs being relocated out of the country, which has a lot to do with the economy. SOOO to bash us "Southern" trailer trash people, which I believe MD sometimes is considered "southern" if I am not mistaken, for not having jobs is way out of line. I am glad you live in your upper class area of MoCo and have job security???? unfortunately the country needs blue collar workers just the same to make the country liveable. But in today's society, lack of spending means lack of buying which means out of work retailers, production workers, etc. etc.

[Doorway]

Originally Posted by terp4ever

First off, let me say that Maryland is the best state ("America in Miniature"). Maryland is the wealthiest state for 2008, and was for 2007. Maryland also has the lowest poverty rate, and is the highest educated state in the country. It also has more doctoral degree holders than the entire state of Virginia, despite having 2 million less citizens. It relies on its tech sector more than any other state, and after Massachusetts has the second largest biotech hub. 2 of the top ten wealthiest counties are located in Maryland: Howard and Montgomery. Both of these counties have numerous schools on the top 1000 and top 100 high school ranking lists. Maryland communities are almost always on CNN Money's "Best Places to Live" and "Wealthiest communities" lists, with Columbia in Howard Co. the most recent Maryland community to place highly on the "best places" list. In the medical community Maryland is only second to NJ and MA, with numerous institutions like Johns Hopkins, NIH, Bethesda Naval, Humane Genome etc.

Yes, the state is not all perfect (which state is?). Areas like Prince George's County, which has a crime rate isn't something to be proud of. All the wealthiest states have their urban blemishes, for eg. Trenton, NJ; Camden, NJ; Bridgeport, CT; Hartford; CT Springfield, MA; and Newark, NJ. But for those attacking PG County, it's not universally "bad." The fact is that PG is the wealthiest minority-majority county in the nation, and is home to some of the wealthiest communities in the region (Ft. Washington, Mitchelville, Bowie). In fact, the only reason that PG's crime is so high is because of its shared border with Southeast DC. Baltimore, unlike it's nearly as violent neighbor an hour north (Phillie), is undergoing major gentrification. In fact the impoverished minority population in Baltimore has been in sharp decline for the past few years.

The cost-of-living would obviously be expected to be higher in Maryland than in other states, due to the points raised in my first paragraph. Succesful, high-demand areas, with booming economies tend to cost a lot. Try investigating the Cost of living in the Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco Bay areas. You'll find it not much different than the DC area. 350K condos and 600K townhomes are the norm here, especially in the inner counties. For slightly cheaper prices (and a longer commute) try Frederick or Charles County (9th wealthiest in nation with pop. <250K). Hey, I (MoCo resident) don't like paying the extremely high property taxes either, but if the population continues to steadily grow with taxed so high you have to put 2 and 2 together and realize that most people think its worth it.

The fact that Maryland is permanently controlled by Dems doesn't bother me (a true-blue Dem) in the slighest. Yes taxes might be higher, but for what you get in return it's definitely worth it. Not to get too much into politics, but has anyone noticed that the wealthiest and best-educated states in the nation (MD, NJ, CT, MA) are controlled by Democrats, while the much poorer Southern states (MS, KY, AK) are controlled by Republicans. Is there a correlation here?

It seems that many persons love to pick on the most well-off states for some strange reason. If it's not people complaining about how the "fire-breathing liberals" in control of the "People's Republic of Maryland" are stealing the residents' hard-earned money, it's persons calling New Jersey (the second wealthiest state) the "armpit of America" and also complaing about the "super-high" taxes in that state. I've also heard people rattle-off about CT. Fact is, if you don't like Maryland, then it's not for you. Go ahead and move to South Carolina, Mississppi, Virginia, or whatever Southern "trailer park state" where unemployment is 50%; No one's stopping you...

That was such a great post. I don't understand why you slammed the south in your last line. It was just so unnecessary and ruined your otherwise intelliegent and "right on the money" post.

[firefightermom]

[quote=terp4ever;5950542]The fact that Maryland is permanently controlled by Dems doesn't bother me (a true-blue Dem) in the slighest. Yes taxes might be higher, but for what you get in return it's definitely worth it.

Seems like the high taxes I paid in MoCo, MD were all used to cater to the illegals instead of helping the rest of the citizens...more ESOL classes for kids whose parents REFUSE to learn our language, day worker sites, MVA providing interpreters, etc for the driving test, even though all the signs are in English (see link if you don't believe it http://www.marylandmva.com/DriverSer...tTransList.pdf) and more!

I am not against immigration, but I am against illegal immigration and those who come to this country for all it can offer, yet refuse to assimilate in any way. My ancestors came here and learned the language...you don't hear me speaking German or French.

[gbggirl]

I lived in the south for 4 years. Although it had much to offer, I couldn't wait to leave. I felt like they were still fighting the civil war down there! I simply got tired of it.

[annaliisa]

[quote=firefightermom;5975379]

Originally Posted by terp4ever

My ancestors came here and learned the language...you don't hear me speaking German or French.

Too bad they did not keep it up. Just think, instead of being monolingual you could be fluent English, German and French.
Language skill is not something to be dismissed.