If you are looking to relocate to the Baltimore area for work, family, or other reasons, there are some things you need to keep in mind before you finalize the move. You want to make this transition as easy as possible, and you should do that with all the facts ahead of time so that you know what you’re getting into. Keep reading for a few tips to prepare you for this upcoming move.
1. Understand Family Laws and Custody
Before you move to Baltimore, you should read the family laws in case you are already a split family making a transition or your family splits once you move. If you have a custody case in Maryland, court orders will determine where your child lives, the parenting custody arrangement, and how each parent gets to make decisions about their child’s life moving forward. This is similar to some states, but they do not automatically side with one parent or the other.
If you currently have a custody agreement in another state, you may want to contact your local family court to see how that will change when you make your move. They can let you know if there will be changes based on Maryland’s law and get you in contact with someone in Baltimore once you move. You will have to let them know once you arrive in the city.
2. Know The Flood Zones in the City
Whether you’re renting or purchasing a home, some areas in Baltimore have undergone significant flooding over the last decade due to infrastructure being unable to manage flash flooding in the area. It is also on the coast and can be hit by major hurricanes and other storms. Flood zones are constantly being added, with about 25% of flood damage occurring in areas that aren’t considered high-risk flood zones. If you’re concerned about potential flooding, add flood insurance to your home or renter’s insurance policy. You can find out if the property where you’ll be living has flooded in the past and if it’s currently considered a flood zone.
3. Experience Lots of Entertainment
Once you move to Baltimore, you won’t be short on things to do. Major league sports in Baltimore include the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. There are also minor league sports to enjoy, with two women’s football teams and college teams playing around the city. In addition to these sports, residents find themselves being able to enjoy golf and other leisurely activities. As of 2017, there are 23.83 million playing golf regularly in the United States, and many of them visit Baltimore annually to play the sport and take on some of the courses.
4. Research School Systems
If you currently have children or plan to have them once you move to Baltimore, you will want to review the local public schools. Historically, they weren’t always the highest rated in the state, but the last decade has shown significant improvement. In addition to public schools, charter, and public schools are available throughout the city if that’s your preference for education.
5. Cost of Living
Baltimore is one of the most expensive places to live in Maryland and is higher than the national average. This means that before you move, you may want to eliminate unnecessary debt like credit card bills and personal loans so that you don’t have to worry about those expenses later on. Depending on what area you move to in Baltimore, the cost of living could be higher if you purchase a home in one of the more upscale neighborhoods.
6. Stay Prepared
If moving to Baltimore is in your future, then you need to be prepared financially, legally, and emotionally. Make sure you know more about the area that you’re moving to, and encourage your family about the different things that are available in the area. If you do your research beforehand, you’ll be prepared and have a successful move in the near future.
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