Relocating to APG. Need heads up on utilities costs (Aberdeen: real estate, townhome)

[Menolly]

Hi everyone!

Like many on this thread my husband and I are moving from NJ to the Aberdeen area the BRAC way, in the upcoming months. We haven't quite decided where we are going to buy, although my husband has been told that Havre de Grace, Elkton and Bel Air were all nice places to live in the area. But I digress..

Can anyone give me an estimate of monthly utilities costs? Whatever we buy is going to be at least 2000 sq/ft. I am interested in both houses and townhome average montly costs on:

- Electricity
- Gas
- Water/Sewer
- Garbage Removal
- Typical AC influence on electric bill in the hot months of the summer

Any tips on the traps to avoid whenever buying real estate in the area would also be appreciated.

Thank you everyone!

[kjbond]

Hi!
We also are part of the BRAC move from NJ to MD. We chose Havre de Grace and we are absolutely in love with the area and the people. We have been here since mid-August. Part of the reason we chose the house we chose was b/c it had natural gas along with electric. We had heard horror stories about $900 bills on all electric houses and didn't want to experience that.
We have BGE and they are both our gas and electric (a little different from NJ). Our bills the last 2 months were about $160 - $180. This month it was $205 - but remember that's both gas and electric. Our house is 1800 sq ft, 4 br colonial.
We also got our first water/sewer bill about a month or 2 ago (which I think gets billed quarterly). It was approx $180.
Garbage and recycling is included in taxes, and I can't answer about the AC b/c we were only here during the end of Aug and didn't experience a full summer here yet.
Pls feel free to ask any questions you might have - I know exactly how you feel and what you're going through - just did it myself!

[Sandee1213]

We have Delmarva, but I find the gas to be a lot more expensive than the electric. Our bills are much higher in the winter than the summer. We also have one bill for both though, but it is broken down.

[Rennfam]

We have Delmarva power for a 2300 sf home all electric (heat pump) and have a new hot tub outside that is also electric ( of course). We have budget billing which means that we pay the same all year round. We pay $275 per month for 11 months and get the 12th month free. our water averages $35 month. Our garbage etc is included in our taxes BUT within the town limits they also include leaf pickup and bulk pickup at no extra charge or appointment. ( In AA County where we used to live, you had to schedule these things.)

If you see my other posts, I am partial to Elkton for many reasons. Good luckin your move!