Anyone care to sell me on Maryland?

[L2M]

Thank you guys for all the input. This is looking more and more likely to go through; so knowing that I can still find a good time on the FJR is good to know.

If anything, after Ashe's comments I now feel almost obligated to give the other coast a chance. While heat an humidity aren't among my favorite things (Nearly felt like expiring while visiting Arlington while back there two weeks ago.) I think I could stand it for two years. Heck, I moved to Seattle two years ago and have managed here nicely despite the moss growing on nearly everything which sits still for an hour or two.

Not sure about bmwhd's quote. Is there something specific you were referring to? Not like I plan on living in DC...and I did have my company raise my pay to compensate for a state income tax and the increase in housing taxes (Although I do not plan on buying a house in the current market).

ChecksWrecks: I would be likely going down 270 every morning unless I can find a nice back way in. I would have the freedom to pick my hours and come in at non-standard times though. Is the traffic that bad at 6:00 AM or 9:00 AM?

Thanks again for all the feedback guys. Who knows, may be seeing some of you sooner than later if this goes through.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Not sure about bmwhd's quote. Is there something specific you were referring to? Not like I plan on living in DC...and I did have my company raise my pay to compensate for a state income tax and the increase in housing taxes (Although I do not plan on buying a house in the current market).
ChecksWrecks: I would be likely going down 270 every morning unless I can find a nice back way in. I would have the freedom to pick my hours and come in at non-standard times though. Is the traffic that bad at 6:00 AM or 9:00 AM?

With respect to BMWHD's line, we sometimes refer to MD as a People's Republic, like the Californian's do. MD is more politically active and Democratic than a lot of other States, which probably has something to do with the heart of it being the bedroom community for all the politicians in DC. Our taxes are higher than Virginia, but when we moved from MD to VA and then back I realized that the total difference was all of $300/yr each time. (YMMV with number of kids, qty of vehicles, how new your vehicles are, etc.)

I-270 depends both on time and what on/off ramps you're going to use. I hit 270 Southbound at about 6:30-6:45 from 370 with seldom a problem. But at the same time, I'm listening to traffic reports from where 80 and 109 get onto 270 and they are starting to back up. If you are working in GTN there can be other ways to get in.

 

[Peter Heiser]

Not sure about bmwhd's quote. Is there something specific you were referring to? Not like I plan on living in DC...and I did have my company raise my pay to compensate for a state income tax and the increase in housing taxes (Although I do not plan on buying a house in the current market).
ChecksWrecks: I would be likely going down 270 every morning unless I can find a nice back way in. I would have the freedom to pick my hours and come in at non-standard times though. Is the traffic that bad at 6:00 AM or 9:00 AM?

With respect to BMWHD's line, we sometimes refer to MD as a People's Republic, like the Californian's do. MD is more politically active and Democratic than a lot of other States, which probably has something to do with the heart of it being the bedroom community for all the politicians in DC. Our taxes are higher than Virginia, but when we moved from MD to VA and then back I realized that the total difference was all of $300/yr each time. (YMMV with number of kids, qty of vehicles, how new your vehicles are, etc.)

I-270 depends both on time and what on/off ramps you're going to use. I hit 270 Southbound at about 6:30-6:45 from 370 with seldom a problem. But at the same time, I'm listening to traffic reports from where 80 and 109 get onto 270 and they are starting to back up. If you are working in GTN there can be other ways to get in.

O my you will be so close to Wv. an some of the best roads on the east, Ok the dragon is nice and you must go but do it during the week not the weekend, do the BRP 460 + miles, if you need a weekend away go to the Brazen Head in Mingo Wv. and have Will and Jill show you the motorcycle maps of the area, and if you get up in Pa. call me I will show you the Big east Mt. Peter

 

[Roadstar]

I say do it , as i think MD has some really nice roads & much better than PA roads. I`m from L.i. N.Y. & if i wanted to go & ride i had to go more upstate to get away from traffic. I find PA roads are a challenge as there not paved very well (poor black top quality) & you must watch out for that damn Amish exhaust (horse crap) on the roads. I would much rather ride in MD than in PA anytime. (sorry don`t mean to offend)

 

[wheatonFJR]

I say do it , as i think MD has some really nice roads & much better than PA roads. I`m from L.i. N.Y. & if i wanted to go & ride i had to go more upstate to get away from traffic. I find PA roads are a challenge as there not paved very well (poor black top quality) & you must watch out for that damn Amish exhaust (horse crap) on the roads. I would much rather ride in MD than in PA anytime. (sorry don`t mean to offend)

This question was asked one year ago...in July of 2008.

 

[dcarver]

I say do it , as i think MD has some really nice roads & much better than PA roads. I`m from L.i. N.Y. & if i wanted to go & ride i had to go more upstate to get away from traffic. I find PA roads are a challenge as there not paved very well (poor black top quality) & you must watch out for that damn Amish exhaust (horse crap) on the roads. I would much rather ride in MD than in PA anytime. (sorry don`t mean to offend)

This question was asked one year ago...in July of 2008.

Darn party pooper. I had my smart-arsed answer at the ready...

 

[Roadstar]

I say do it , as i think MD has some really nice roads & much better than PA roads. I`m from L.i. N.Y. & if i wanted to go & ride i had to go more upstate to get away from traffic. I find PA roads are a challenge as there not paved very well (poor black top quality) & you must watch out for that damn Amish exhaust (horse crap) on the roads. I would much rather ride in MD than in PA anytime. (sorry don`t mean to offend)

This question was asked one year ago...in July of 2008.

Darn party pooper. I had my smart-arsed answer at the ready...

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Maybe i should look at dates (ok i`m a dick for a day)

 

[abqrox]

Ok, the world wants to know. It's a year after your post on moving to Maryland, first, did you make the move to Maryland and secondly, what are your impressions now that you may have had a chance to explore the area for a year?

Burt Q

 

[Frushlorton]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I was afraid of that. When I was out in MD on the exploratory trip I got the feeling that there wasn't much to ride on that would really challenge me in a safe environment (i.e. no hidden driveways). I know that for some it may seem odd, but I seriously work so I can afford my riding habit; so, this is really disappointing. While I do ride long distance on the FJR, I also like going out after work for a 1.5 hour ride often. Sounds like there are options for the weekend but few if any for after work.
El Toro, I didn't ask about firearms laws here as that is a motorcycle forum, but that particular issue would affect me. Know of any good links where I can review the regs for MD? I've Googled it a couple times and ended up with some brief summaries that didn't look bad but were apparently less than comprehensive.

I'll be sure to let you guys know if I end up moving out there. The offer is really good for a financial standpoint, but I would have to commit to stay for two years. Decisions, decisions...

I have lived in MD most of my life. I now call Frederiksburg VA home after a job took me to Uganda. There are a lot of great roads just west of Germantown. Shennendoah and skyline drive are not to the level yuou are used to but good riding none the less.

As far as the firearms, I lived in MD most of my life and have always been an avid hunter. I own shotguns, rifles, and handguns. While yuou can not obtain a concealed carry permit, you should not have much of an issue in owning and there are many opportunities to shoot for sport and competition.

The trafffic is the worst part of living in the DC area. The job opportunities are good. You are 1-3 hours from the beach (warm water and great fishing), snow skiing (not like out west), hunting, fishing, and endless farm land. The tail of the dragon is just over 9 hours south.

In all, I hate the traffic, crime rate (inside the beltway) but love the fact everything is close enough for a weekend run.

PM for my phone number if you want to talk.

 

[Geezer]

Ok, the world wants to know. It's a year after your post on moving to Maryland, first, did you make the move to Maryland and secondly, what are your impressions now that you may have had a chance to explore the area for a year?
Burt Q

Yes L2M, did you make the move? Are you enjoying it?

Personally, I would not like the Maryland traffic on a daily basis, but there is some very good riding nearby in the Smoky and Blueridge mountains.

 

[zenwhipper]

If this comment is out of line, I apologize... but when you move to Maryland, you will want to be sure to check local fire arms laws if this is important to you. My brother-in-law is the rightful heir to his great great grandfather's antique Kennedy lever action rifle, but the paperwork for him to have it in Maryland was considered by him to be sufficiently oppressive that we have the rifle (which was manufactured just after the Civil War) in Tennessee. They don't even make ammunition for this fire arm anymore, so it is strictly an historical and familial curiosity.
Also, I recently thought about taking a gift of 25 pounds of black powder to a friend in PA since he is shooting bp now and I'm not. If I were going to do this, it would be illegal to transport it through Maryland, even in its specially designed and approved storage locker.

Some folks might view these issues as positive traits for Maryland.... but I'm not one of them.

Alright... I see a thread developing on good places to move if you're into guns. One time I read an article about Kennesaw, GA where its illegal if you don't own a gun!! I think that is some place I would not want to move to.

 

[Art FJR]

L2M,

I would recommend living near where you work. Is traffic bad at 6am and 9am? Yes. Where are you working?

I live in Manassas and I travel to jobsites. I am working in DC currently. I want to be rolling down the road at 5:30am or earlier.

Rush "hour" starts before 2pm and lasts until at least 6pm at least. Live near where you work, you will be happier. There was a guy from Damascus MD that mentioned that it takes him about an hour. I generally takes me about an hour too. Sometimes it takes 3 hours. Traffic sucks.

I think it would be difficult to get in a good ride after work if you live in Germantown. Obviously (to me) you will want to head west. But then you have traffic.

But on the weekend, you are within an hour of great riding. Others have mentioned great areas. WV is outstanding. My brief excursions to PA was pretty good too. You are not far from any of it. It is impossible for me to think that you won't be happy with the roads around here.

Art

 

[KOOLBEANZ]

I lived in MD for a good part of my life...not by choice. I like to refer to it as the communist state. They have more laws, regulations and LEOS than any place I have ever seen. Would I live there again..nope. They have some ok roads there but I choose to use them for passing through the state as fast as I can. nuf said.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Holy resurrections!

And btw, we like to refer to it as the PROM State, which of course is for the People's Republik of Maryland.

 

[Roadstar]

Well after over a year the poster could have said if he moved to MD or not !!!

By the way you N.Y. guy`s i forgot to tell you i moved to PA only 11 years ago :lol:

 

[Deacon51]

I know this thread is old as dirt, but any chance I get to bitch about living in Maryland, I'll take.

I eff'ing hate it here. If I could do my work in any other part of the US, I would be out of here in a heartbeat. I hate the traffic, I hate Old Bay, I'm not a fan of blue crabs, I hate my property tax, I hate that my house cost $400,000 and a 1/4th the size of my brother home that he paid $150,000 for. I hate that there is a line for everything. That there is a rule for everything.

The only plus to living here is that, wile I don't have much in range for a afternoon ride, there are a 1000 great day/weekend trips... but even the best of them is nothing compared to the west.

 

[Roadstar]

I know this thread is old as dirt, but any chance I get to bitch about living in Maryland, I'll take.
I eff'ing hate it here. If I could do my work in any other part of the US, I would be out of here in a heartbeat. I hate the traffic, I hate Old Bay, I'm not a fan of blue crabs, I hate my property tax, I hate that my house cost $400,000 and a 1/4th the size of my brother home that he paid $150,000 for. I hate that there is a line for everything. That there is a rule for everything.

The only plus to living here is that, wile I don't have much in range for a afternoon ride, there are a 1000 great day/weekend trips... but even the best of them is nothing compared to the west.

You should get someone from Jersey read this post ,i`m sure he`ll get a good laugh. (talk about taxes & property value)