I need YOUR ADVICE about Maryland. (income, living, cost of living)

[Darryl D]

Questions. So many questions.
1.Where to live?
There are so many nice places.

2.Who can assist me?
There must be agencies and organizations.

3.What should I expect?
I'm sure it's not like Las Vegas.

4.Why wouldn't I want to live there?
Is there something I should know?

5.When I do finally arrive, what can I do to not just fit-in, but become a part of the community?
I have a lot left to offer.

Look, in a nut-shell...I'm 45(ish), and ecstatically connected to 50-something(ish) Puerto-Rican ring-master who has become very good at securing her reigns, (thank goodness). At any rate, we are coming to Maryland to begin helping others with an idea we've been working on for almost 10 years now. So if you're in a position to offer any advice, or opportunities to a mature, well-meaning couple with plans of helping others learn how to help themselves, this is your chance to help US.

Hopefully...together we can help more than just ourselves.

Thank you in advance, Darryl.

[tercel95]

Lets start with a budget.

[clintsullivan]

1. That depends on where/if you work. Do you like City/Town/Country lifestyle.

2. Assist with what aspect?

3. That really depends on where you end up and your current perceptions.

4. There are a boatload of reasons why not, but many are subjective, and I'm sure many folks here could give a plethora of positives; most, pro or con, are dependent on your POV.
[As an aside I'll give a positive & a negative about dealing with the State Gov.
I was born in MD some 40 odd years ago and although my mother claims to have given me my birth certificate I have been unable to find it. So I went online last Friday and followed the steps to get a replacment. It was a very easy process and I received it yesterday. The negative. I hold a professional certification in three states, MD, VA & WV. The renewal process for MD ranks #2 with VA being #1. But a few years ago when I went through an upgrade procedure MD was the slowest at responding and the worst at customer service (Really, really poor service and rude.) I know these are anecdotal. If I was considering this question personally, first I would review state law, as much as possible, then cost of living and at that point if I still wanted to be in MD and picked a general location within the state I would compare expected income and housing expense.]

5. The community knit varies by location, each with some unique opportunities. But most areas have enough typical community orginizations with opportunities to serve while getting to know your neighbors. I can't imagine that MD is different than where you are now.

[Darryl D]

Thanks...I guess. Of course appreciate ALL responses, but I am really looking for the kind of advice that "Grandpa Walton" would give "John Boy". You know...real...good...pragmatic advice.
I'm just a good, God-fearing, hard-working man with aspirations of trading in what life I have now for the one that will help others reach for theirs.
I like the sound of 100-thousand, (pop), but smaller is fine. Perhaps the fact that some might refer to me as a "liberal" democrat would help in any advice about location.
Also, don't be shy to ask any questions you might have.
Thank you.

[checking out]

You said "I was born in MD some 40 odd years ago..."

Ummm...it's an entirely different place, I've lived here for more than the time that you left.

$100,000 in assets or income ain't getting you very far in this state.

[clintsullivan]

Originally Posted by checking out

You said "I was born in MD some 40 odd years ago..."

Ummm...it's an entirely different place, I've lived here for more than the time that you left.

$100,000 in assets or income ain't getting you very far in this state.

I didn't go far, just about 3 miles across the river to freedom. I still occasion MD as we have friends and family in various places throughout the state, but only rarely because of the changes you speak of.
Yes, I agree $100k assests doesn't get much anywhere within 50miles of DC.

[clintsullivan]

Originally Posted by Darryl D

I'm just a good, God-fearing, hard-working man ... some might refer to me as a "liberal" democrat ....

Looks like MD may be a good fit.

[Darryl D]

Thakns.

[filmsniffer]

Blue collar man?

[Missmeamea]

I think the 100K reference is for population...unless I missed it someplace else.