Maryland is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and scenic beauty. However, not all of its towns are equally attractive to live in. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as high crime rates, low incomes, poor education, and lack of opportunities. These factors have led many residents to leave these towns in search of a better life elsewhere. Here are seven Maryland towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest and most populous city in Maryland, but also one of the most dangerous. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 cities with the highest murder rates in the US. In 2020, it recorded 335 homicides, the highest number since 2017. Besides violent crime, Baltimore also struggles with poverty, unemployment, homelessness, drug abuse, and corruption. Many residents have lost faith in the city’s leadership and have opted to move out of the city.
2. Salisbury
Salisbury is the county seat of Wicomico County and the largest city in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland. However, it is also one of the poorest and most crime-ridden cities in the state. According to the FBI, Salisbury had a violent crime rate of 1,174 per 100,000 residents in 2019, more than four times the national average. The city also had a poverty rate of 28.6%, well above the state average of 9.2%. Many residents have left Salisbury for safer and more prosperous areas.
3. Cumberland
Cumberland is a historic city in Allegany County, located in the western part of Maryland. It was once a thriving industrial and transportation hub, but has declined significantly since the mid-20th century. The city has lost more than half of its population since 1950, and now has only about 19,000 residents. Cumberland suffers from a lack of economic opportunities, low educational attainment, and high poverty. The median household income in Cumberland was $35,439 in 2019, less than half of the state median of $86,738.
4. Cambridge
Cambridge is the county seat of Dorchester County and the fourth oldest city in Maryland. It is located on the banks of the Choptank River, and has a rich maritime and cultural heritage. However, it also has a history of racial tension and social unrest, dating back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Today, Cambridge faces many challenges such as high crime, low income, poor education, and drug addiction. The city had a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 residents in 2019, more than three times the national average. The city also had a poverty rate of 22.4%, more than double the state average.
5. Elkton
Elkton is the county seat of Cecil County and the northernmost town in Maryland. It is situated at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, and has a population of about 15,000. Elkton has a reputation for being a drug hotspot, and has been dubbed as the “Heroin Capital of the US” by some media outlets. The town has a high rate of drug overdose deaths, and has been struggling to combat the opioid epidemic. Elkton also has a high crime rate, a low income level, and a low quality of life.
6. Hagerstown
Hagerstown is the county seat of Washington County and the largest city in the western Maryland region. It is known as the “Hub City” for its role as a transportation and commercial center. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, low income level, and low educational attainment. Hagerstown had a violent crime rate of 762 per 100,000 residents in 2019, more than twice the national average. The city also had a poverty rate of 22.5%, more than double the state average. Many residents have left Hagerstown for better opportunities elsewhere.
7. Bladensburg
Bladensburg is a town in Prince George’s County, located near the border with Washington, DC. It has a population of about 9,000, and is one of the oldest towns in Maryland. Bladensburg is known for its historic role in the War of 1812, when it was the site of the Battle of Bladensburg. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, low income level, and low quality of life. Bladensburg had a violent crime rate of 1,038 per 100,000 residents in 2019, more than three times the national average. The town also had a poverty rate of 18.4%, almost twice the state average.
Conclusion
Maryland is a state with many attractions and advantages, but also with many problems and disadvantages. Some of its towns are facing serious issues that have made them unlivable for many residents. These residents have chosen to flee these towns as soon as possible, in search of a better life elsewhere. These are seven Maryland towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.