By Brad Kappel Team
A move to Anne Arundel County comes with a few to-do lists: the paperwork, the commute, and your weekend plans. Our team is led by Brad Kappel, a third-generation Annapolitan, so we know what it takes to get settled here. If you are relocating to Anne Arundel County, a little planning in the first few months makes the transition much smoother. Here is how we recommend getting started.
Key Takeaways
- Relocating to Anne Arundel County starts with getting your Maryland driver's license and vehicle registration within 60 days.
- Homeowners can apply for Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit on their principal residence.
- MARC trains, BWI Marshall Airport, and major highways make commuting and travel straightforward.
- With 533 miles of tidal shoreline, the county offers plenty of ways to get out on the water.
Take Care of Maryland Must-Dos First
The most time-sensitive tasks come from the state. New Maryland residents have 60 days to get a Maryland driver's license and to title and register their vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
The MVA lets you book a "New to Maryland" appointment, which can help you handle your license and vehicle paperwork in one visit if you bring the right documents. Your vehicle will also need a Maryland safety inspection certificate as part of the registration process.
The MVA lets you book a "New to Maryland" appointment, which can help you handle your license and vehicle paperwork in one visit if you bring the right documents. Your vehicle will also need a Maryland safety inspection certificate as part of the registration process.
Your First 60 Days Checklist
- Schedule a "New to Maryland" appointment through MyMVA
- Get your Maryland driver's license or ID card
- Title and register your vehicles, including the safety inspection
- Register to vote at your new Maryland address
Set Up Your New Home the Smart Way
Once the state paperwork is underway, turn your attention to the house itself. If the home is your principal residence, Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit limits how much your taxable assessment can increase each year for state, county, and municipal property taxes.
You apply through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the credit stays in place as long as the home remains your primary residence. We also suggest getting a library card early, since the Anne Arundel County Public Library has 16 branches across the county.
You apply through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the credit stays in place as long as the home remains your primary residence. We also suggest getting a library card early, since the Anne Arundel County Public Library has 16 branches across the county.
Home Setup Tasks to Tackle Early
- Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit on your principal residence
- Check the state's Real Property database to confirm your approval
- Update your address so your license, tax records, and voter registration match
- Sign up for a library card at your nearest branch
Learn How to Get Around
Anne Arundel County sits between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., which gives you plenty of options for commuting and travel. U.S. Route 50 connects Annapolis to Washington and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, while Interstate 97 runs north toward Baltimore.
If you prefer the train, the MARC Penn Line stops at Odenton and the BWI Rail Station on its route between Baltimore's Penn Station and Washington's Union Station. BWI Marshall Airport is also right in the county, with a free shuttle running between the rail station and the terminal.
If you prefer the train, the MARC Penn Line stops at Odenton and the BWI Rail Station on its route between Baltimore's Penn Station and Washington's Union Station. BWI Marshall Airport is also right in the county, with a free shuttle running between the rail station and the terminal.
Commuting Options Worth Knowing
- Take the MARC Penn Line from Odenton or the BWI Rail Station
- Use U.S. Route 50 for trips toward Washington or across the Bay Bridge
- Drive Interstate 97 between Annapolis and the Baltimore area
- Catch the free shuttle from the BWI Rail Station to the airport terminal
Get Out on the Water and Explore
Life in Anne Arundel County is closely tied to the water. The county has 533 miles of tidal shoreline, and its Department of Recreation and Parks maintains public boat ramps, cartop kayak and canoe launches, fishing areas, and dog-friendly beaches.
Spending your first few weekends exploring is one of the best ways to feel at home. Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park near the Bay Bridge, and the B&A Trail between Glen Burnie and Annapolis are all great places to start.
Spending your first few weekends exploring is one of the best ways to feel at home. Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Sandy Point State Park near the Bay Bridge, and the B&A Trail between Glen Burnie and Annapolis are all great places to start.
Ways to Feel at Home Faster
- Launch a kayak or canoe from one of the county's cartop launch sites
- Spend a Saturday at Quiet Waters Park or Sandy Point State Park
- Walk or bike a section of the B&A Trail
- Bring your dog to one of the county's dog-friendly beaches
FAQs
How long do I have to get a Maryland driver's license after relocating to Anne Arundel County?
New Maryland residents have 60 days to get a Maryland driver's license. The same 60-day window applies to titling and registering your vehicle with the MVA.
What is the Maryland Homestead Tax Credit?
The Homestead Tax Credit limits how much the taxable assessment on your principal residence can increase each year. You apply once through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the credit stays in place while the home remains your primary residence.
Can I take the train from Anne Arundel County to Washington, D.C.?
Yes. The MARC Penn Line stops at Odenton and the BWI Rail Station, with service to Washington's Union Station to the south and Baltimore's Penn Station to the north.
Contact the Brad Kappel Team About Relocating to Anne Arundel County
Relocating to Anne Arundel County is easier when you have a local team in your corner. From choosing the right community to understanding what comes after closing, we can help you plan each step of the move.
If you are getting ready for your move, reach out to the Brad Kappel Team, and we'll help you find the right home and settle into life here with confidence.
If you are getting ready for your move, reach out to the Brad Kappel Team, and we'll help you find the right home and settle into life here with confidence.
