Constrained supply in Washington DC, compounded by regional growth, is increasing rent and prices for existing housing. Real Estate Broker Jack Cooper offers alternatives for living in Maryland and commuting to preserve the areas future growth.

According to a recent study by the Urban Institute in September 2019, despite the current boom in economic growth in the Washington DC region, the future growth and prosperity in the area is critically challenged by the current housing market. We interviewed Jack Cooper, a real estate attorney, broker and agent with over 30 years experience in the area housing market to discuss a shorter term solution to compliment the longer term targets outlined in the research. "The world doesn't slow down, let alone stop, while we tend to the needs of the regions housing needs" Cooper said openly. As a society, we can do a lot to help ourselves by not overly saturating such a small area with hyper-dense population. Living in Maryland and commuting is one such immediate solution."

The research and publications suggest large scale solutions that will help ease the futures growth needs, such as shrinking the affordability gap and increasing low-cost housing units by over 374,000 by 2030! The impact and ripple effect of this extreme level of development will be felt at both extremes. Cooper went on to give us 8 reasons moving to Maryland instead of DC can help greatly smooth these impacts and provide greater quality of life now and in the future.

1. It’ll be great for your wallet now and in the future.

"Moving to Maryland is cheaper than any other option surrounding it. It makes sense when you realize the Nation’s capital is right around the corner. We aren't talking very long commutes here." He goes on to say "Search for houses for sale in Ellicott City Maryland and you'll see the price to live here or in Columbia are exponentially lower cost per square foot than similar housing in the district" said the Ellicott City Realtor. 

2. A great job market and an even better economy.

"Even if you don’t need a lot of money to move down here, you’ll probably have no problem making loads of it! Maryland has a great job market thanks to its booming economy. There are plenty of job offers from both sides of the fence: whether you are trying to have a career in a federal building or the private sector, Maryland has plenty of jobs to offer."

3. Incredible school districts.

"Maryland’s school district is above average… way above average. Year after year Maryland’s happy to announce they have ranked among the top school districts in America. If you have kids -or if you are thinking about having them- Maryland seems like the right choice."

4. It’s green and gorgeous.

"Believe it or not, almost half of Maryland is covered in trees. 41% of it, to be exact. It’s an astonishing number and something to keep in mind if you love to be outdoors! Plenty of trees, flowers, and grass for you to enjoy… Maryland has its fair share of beaches as well."

5. There’s plenty of things to do here.

"Beaches, mountains, aquariums, historical landmarks, festivals… you name it! Maryland has got it! It’s impossible to get bored in Maryland, there’s always something exciting to do."

6. Crab cakes!

"If you love seafood you will love Maryland. It seems people living down there will never get tired of seafood, especially crabs. And they always find new ways to cook them! You can find this to be true whether you try the world-famous Maryland crab cake or the not-so-well-known (yet still delicious) crab popcorn."

7. You are one drive away from the most important places.

"Maryland might not be home to the biggest cities in the country, but it’s most definitely one drive away from the most important ones. NYC, Philadelphia, and of course Nation’s capital are all one car trip away."

8. It’s home to… well, they are too many to mention!

Maryland has got plenty of history to boot! It was one of the thirteen colonies and many significant event happened here since it was founded. From the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Star Spangled Banner. record holding sports teams to Edgar Allan Poe’s last house, there’s more than enough world-class history here. Oh and let's not forget the areas hospitals! Johns Hopkins and Shock Trauma are two of the best in the world, and they're right here in Baltimore.

As you can see, there are some great reasons to live in Maryland instead of Washington DC, and doing so will greatly assist in alleviating some of the major housing issues the region will be facing in the decade to come. The easiest way to get started is by hopping online and doing some research, starting with tips for buying a home.