Maryland vs. Virginia: Which is the better place to live?

Virginia drivers are the worst.” – Maryland driver

“Marylanders don’t know how to drive.” – Virginia driver

“Our Great Falls are better than your Great Falls. I’d never live over there.” – Both drivers

The Potomac River that brushes shores in both Maryland and Virginia often seems like a border between two adversarial countries.

Even college football rivalries have waged and raged since 1919, over a century ago. Terrapins vs. Cavaliers. Brawny collegiate turtles fighting matriculating horseback-riding soldiers.

Those who live on one side of the waters often view the other side as a place to travel to only when necessary. Never for fun or pleasure.

And they certainly never view the “other side” as a place to live.

For those people, we ask the question of the ages: But why, though?

Instead of just accepting and perpetuating this geographic and imaginary competition, we should follow the example of the area’s crustacean champion: the Blue Crab. Though they mate in the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, they actually lay their eggs in the Virginia waters. Without both state’s waters working together, there would be no steamed crabs, crab cakes, and all the other delicious recipes our area is known for.

Even more evidence of the importance of Maryland and Virginia cooperation can be viewed in our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. wouldn’t exist without the teamwork and land provided by both Maryland and Virginia.

And both state insects are butterflies. Butterflies can’t stay mad at each other!

There’s one thing we know at Miller & Smith, proven time and time again: When you are looking for your perfect home, one visit can change everything. Don’t discount one side of the Potomac on your home search due to these playful feuds. Visit every new home you can.

Miller & Smith has built new homes and communities in Maryland AND Virginia since 1964, welcoming home around 20,000 homeowners in over 145 neighborhoods. And we choose to build in both states because we feel the entire DC Metro area is such a dynamically inclusive place to live. There’s just so much to do, so much to taste, and so much to experience.

If you currently reside in Maryland, consider looking into some of our properties in Northern Virginia. Like our Clarion townhome at The Retreat at Westfields in Chantilly, VA. Tucked away among groves of trees, greenspace, and a perimeter pond, the Clarion’s main level with seamless spaces is anchored by a signature Miller & Smith kitchen with an oversized island that immediately becomes the heart of the home. Best of all, coming home to The Retreat at Westfields means you’ll be close to Rt. 50 and easily connected to everything in the area.

Likewise, if you are now in Virginia but looking to upgrade your home, check out The Bradburne single-family home at Patapsco Crossing in Ellicott City, MD. With up to 6 bedrooms, up to 6 full baths, a 2-car garage, and up to 5,000 Sq. Ft. of living space, “roomy” will be your home’s middle name. Plenty of options will let you customize your home with extensions, spa-inspired bathrooms, screened porch and deck combinations, and even a multi-generational suite. And all just two miles from I-70, letting you rocket to historic Ellicott City, Annapolis, Columbia, Washington, D.C., and beyond!

There’s a reason Maryland and Virginia fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. It’s because these BFFs aren’t so different from each other. Their landscapes blend into each other like Bob Ross paintings, and their complementary commerce overlaps to unite the DC Metro area into one exciting place to live.

So, when you’re looking to find your new home, don’t just stay on your current side of the Potomac River. Consider all your options in both Maryland and Virginia, and make an award-winning Miller & Smith home yours!