Comparing West Virginia vs. Maryland for Your Next Move: Which Is More Family-Friendly?

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Choosing a place to move to accommodate your growing family can be intimidating. You must weigh several different options, including the quality of education and job security. With so many cities and states to choose from in America, it’s not unusual for parents to struggle with making a final decision. Both West Virginia and Maryland are known for their natural beauty and East Coast charm, but that’s where their similarities end. While both are good choices to start a family, you’ll want to compare them well to ensure you can raise your kids happily.

Overall Safety

West Virginia is known for its Appalachian charm, with elements of Midwestern and Northern influences also present. It shares a smaller town community vibe, even in larger cities like Charleston. Rural areas and small towns generally have the lowest crime rates, particularly in Weirton, Grafton, and Keyser, among others. 

Maryland’s crime rate increases slightly (14%) above the national average, primarily due to the prevalence of large cities like Baltimore, where crime is generally higher due to larger populations. Surrounding suburbs and small towns, such as Laurel, Mount Airy, Hampstead, and Bowie, have lower crime rates and adequate public safety funding. Families should note, however, that in Laurel, lawsuits for sexual abuse have been filed against the Thomas Waxter Detention Center for juveniles. Regardless of where you’re located, due diligence can keep you and your family safe against bad actors.

Job Access

West Virginia, compared to Maryland, has a more limited job diversity. Unemployment is lowering steadily in the state, however, and remote work is gaining popularity. Many enjoy a reasonable commute to larger cities.

Maryland offers quick access to major urban and employment hubs in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., providing numerous opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and government. The commute may be less than desirable for those living near these regions.

Education

Families must consider the school systems they will be sending their children to when they select a place to live. West Virginia’s school systems have scored lower on national rankings than those of many other states, largely due to pandemic-related complications, chronic absenteeism, and a lack of state funding. Rural school districts benefit from helpful community resources, passionate teachers, and smaller class sizes, however.

Maryland consistently ranks among the top in the country for its school systems. Here, K-12 students will have access to advanced placement programs and STEM initiatives. Howard and Montgomery counties, among many others, have competitive public school systems where many students flourish and graduate.

Things to Do and Natural Beauty

West Virginia hosts some incredible natural beauty, particularly in its mountainous regions. While lifestyles here are slower-paced, this can be ideal for families who want to enjoy leisure time. Natural recreation is prominent here, from parks to fishing to hiking. State parks, cave exploration, national forests, and museums are the most notable WV attractions.

Maryland offers a more diverse range of natural beauty and things to do. Beaches, forests, and urban parks provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Washington, D.C. includes access to the Smithsonian Institution museums—the largest in the world. There are also numerous museums in Baltimore, including the National Aquarium.

Cost of Living

If you want to save money on housing and amenities, West Virginia is an excellent choice. It offers some of the lowest housing costs in the nation—27% lower than the national average—allowing families to choose larger homes that better fit their needs, including more land. Utilities are also considered lower than the national average, but you may find some steeper grocery prices.

If you want to save money in Maryland, you’ll want to stick to the southern and western parts of the state. Buying a home near Washington, D.C. can cost you 50% more than the national average cost of living. Throughout the entire state of Maryland, the cost of living is 22% higher than the national average.

Conclusion

When choosing between West Virginia and Maryland, there’s no right or wrong answer. If you prefer natural beauty, outdoor recreation, large homes, friendly communities, and an affordable cost of living, you may want to go with West Virginia. If you prefer access to excellent education, urban amenities, and job security, Maryland could be a good choice for your family