Maryland

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Summers in Maryland bring warmth and humidity, while winters offer milder temperatures, with lows rarely dipping below -5°C or rising above 7°C. Though snowfall is possible, it is less frequent and heavy compared to more northern regions.
  
  While Maryland may not get as many named tropical storms as states further south, they do get their share of smaller and medium-sized storms with heavy rain, damaging winds, and flooding. In fact, from coastal flooding on the Eastern Shore to flash floods in Western Maryland rivers, flooding is the top weather-related hazard in Maryland.

• Wildlife & Critters

  Maryland is home to a diverse range of wildlife, most of which pose little to no serious concern for newcomers. However, it's important to be aware of a few common creatures, such as deer, ticks, coyotes, and snakes, which may require some attention.
  
  Noteworthy: Spotted Lanternfly  
  The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest that has become a significant concern in Maryland. Originally from Asia, this pest was first detected in the United States in 2014 and has since spread rapidly. It poses a serious threat to agriculture, feeding on a variety of plants, including grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods, leading to potential economic and ecological damage.

  From September to November, residents are encouraged to take part in the "Stomp It Out" campaign, which urges everyone to kill any lanternflies they encounter. The USDA strongly recommends this action to help control the spread of this destructive species. Additionally, it's important to look for and destroy egg masses to prevent further infestation. By working together, we can help reduce the impact of this invasive species on our environment and local economy.

• Neighbourhoods & Getting Around

  Popular Living Areas: Odenton & Columbia

  Odenton and Columbia are two of the most sought-after living areas for families near Fort Meade. Odenton, located directly south of Fort Meade, offers convenient access to the base, with some families enjoying commutes of less than five minutes. Columbia, situated about 15 to 20 minutes away under normal traffic conditions, provides a slightly longer commute—up to 40 minutes during peak afternoon hours. Despite the longer travel time, many residents appreciate the vibrant, family-friendly communities that Columbia offers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle near Fort Meade.

  Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator: Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more.
  
  Getting Around
  
  Maryland boasts a well-connected public transit network, including buses, light rail, and the MARC train, offering convenient access to major hubs such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. While the MARC train is a great option for traveling between states or commuting within the Baltimore/D.C. region, it is not typically a primary mode of transportation for daily commutes, especially for families living near Fort Meade. Due to the distances between housing communities and job locations, owning at least one car is essential for most families. Even if your job is within the same city, it can still be quite a distance from where you live, making personal transportation a necessity.

• Local Bases & Military Installations
  Click on the link corresponding to your nearest base to discover comprehensive details about the base itself, the surrounding locale, and the array of resources accessible to military personnel and their families.

  • Fort George G. Meade
  • Fort Detrick
  • Naval Air Station Patuxent River
  • U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground

  
  Check out the "Services" tab on each of these pages for information about Child and Youth Services, Education, Health, Support and Leisure Centers, and more.
  
  Remote base members from Patuxent River, Fort Detrick, and Aberdeen Proving Ground are authorized to access Fort Meade with their Department of Defense (DoD) cards. This includes spouses and dependents, who can also access the base as long as they have their DoD card.
   

  On-Base Medical 

  • Fort Meade: Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center
  • Aberdeen Proving Ground: Kirk Army Health Clinic
  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: All military members and dependents have access to Walter Reed in Bethesda, the premier military hospital in the nation.
• Children's Education

  Maryland boasts a highly regarded education system, offering a wide range of educational options, including public, private, and charter schools, to cater to the diverse needs of families. The quality of education throughout the state is generally exceptional, with strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and a focus on student success.

  • Odenton: Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) 
  • Columbia: Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)

  
  Francophone? Rochambeau is the go-to French International School for all grades but is located in Bethesda, Maryland, a neighboring area to Washington, D.C. This prestigious institution attract families who prioritize bilingual education, offering a unique curriculum that blends American and French educational systems.
  
  Age Requirements for School Enrollment
  Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to enroll in Pre-K programs and 5 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible for kindergarten.
• Licensing & Registration
  Maryland requires new residents to exchange their out-of-state driver's license for a Maryland license within 60 days of establishing residency. The process for transferring is straightforward, but it does require the person to go through the steps of getting a Maryland license, which may involve providing identification, proof of residency, and passing a vision test.
  
  For information on licensing and registration in Maryland, visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. For inquiries regarding Out-of-State Vehicle Registration, please refer to the "Titling – Out-of-State Vehicle Moved to MD by Owner" page.