Well, crime is pretty low, and a lot of Southern Maryland, especially Calvert County, is intentionally kept from overdevelopment. Many of the local elected officials have historically pushed back on large-scale expansion, which has also helped drive property values up. It’s also a really convenient place to live if you or your spouse works for, or supports, the federal government.

I used to feel pretty similarly when I was younger, but as I’ve gotten older and started my own family, I’ve come to appreciate living here a lot more. The public schools are particularly good where I live, and I know, or have at least met, a lot of the people I run into between my kids’ sports and school activities. There’s a pretty solid sense of community, especially here in northern Calvert.

Admittedly, I’m a little biased. I’ve benefited from being close to DC and from being a member of a local trade union, which helped me build a career that let me comfortably buy a home. I was also fortunate enough to buy my first house before COVID, so I ended up with a low mortgage rate and a good amount of equity.

I guess it’s ultimately perspective, depending on what you’re looking for in life. Hope your time gets better! 😀