Our Community

Relocation Resources

A variety of housing options are available for those moving to Anne Arundel County , with many more developments being constructed. Whether you’re looking for temporary lodging or are interested in building a new home, you’ll find what you need in West Anne Arundel County . Not sure where you want to live? You’ll find descriptions of some of our area’s major communities, and more, on the Chamber’s website at www.westcountychamber.org under “Our Community – Communities.”

Temporary Lodging, Short or Long term – consult the Business Directory on the Chamber’s website at www.westcountychamber.org for listings of extended stay hotels and other properties, or consult Annapolis Accommodations, a specialist in temporary and corporate housing, at www.stayannapolis.com.

Home Purchase or Construction – The Chamber’s Business Directory includes listings for many local realtors who will be happy to help you find properties available for purchase or guide you to new homebuilders. The average purchase price of a single family home in Anne Arundel County in 2008 was $499,641; for a townhome or similar unit it was $316,492.

Rentals – Realtors also have listings for rental properties, including single family homes, condos, and townhomes. Local papers such as The Capital (available online at www.hometownannapolis.com) can be a source of listings as well. Apartments for rent can be found on the Chamber’s online directory or through major online sites such as www.apartments.com.

Moving and Storage – On your way? Be sure to check the Chamber’s directory for moving companies and storage facilities!

UTILITIES

Gas and Electric – BGE is the primary supplier of energy in Anne Arundel County . For service, call 800-685-0123. Because Maryland deregulated energy service in 2000, other companies will continue to enter the market and you can expect to be contacted regarding competing rates. BGE has established a toll-free number to help customers assess their energy choices: call 877-746-6243 or contact the Maryland Public Service Commission at 800-800-4491.

Water and Sewer – Some areas of western Anne Arundel County are still served by septic systems and wells, while more developed areas offer public water and sewer systems. Be sure you know which you have before you purchase, as strict regulations govern well and septic systems in our coastal region. For public water and sewer service, contact Anne Arundel County ’s Billing Department at 410-222-1144.

Trash Service/Recycling – Anne Arundel County offers twice-weekly trash service, with one day designated for recyclables. To find out what days your trash is collected, ask a neighbor or call 410-222-6100. County goals are to achieve 50% recycling of all trash, so do your part by recycling all the paper, plastic, metal, and glass that comes into your home. Visit www.RecycleMoreOften.com for detailed information.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Phone Service – Verizon provides a variety of local and long distance plans. You can arrange service online at www.verizon.com or by calling 1-800-VERIZON (837-4966). They also offer packages including wireless, phone, and internet services.

Cable Television – Comcast offers cable television service throughout most of western Anne Arundel County – call 1-800-COMCAST (266-2278) or visit www.comcast.com to arrange service. Some areas are covered by Broadstripe – for more information visit www.broadstripe.com or call 877-882-7623. And much of western Anne Arundel County is covered by Verizon’s FiOS TV, with Verizon DIRECTV (Satellite) another option. Call 1-888-881-8161 or visit www.verizon.com for more information on these services.

Internet Connections – A wide range of internet service possibilities are available in technology-oriented western Anne Arundel County . Comcast, Verizon, and Broadstripe all offer a variety of plans which include cable and internet services – visit their websites to find the plan which best suits your needs.

RESIDENT REGISTRATION

Vehicle Registration – New residents from out-of-state should register their vehicles in Maryland within the first 60 days of establishing residency. A certificate of title will be required along with a current Maryland certificate of inspection (available at most automotive service stations and car dealers – see the Chamber directory for recommended locations). For a complete list of requirements and forms, visit their website at www.mva.maryland.gov or call the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) at 800-950-1682. From out-of-state, call 301-729-4550.

Identification – Drivers licenses and Maryland identification cards are also issued by the MVA. Call to locate a full-service office near you and to ensure you bring proper documentation ( Maryland requires proof of your complete identity including middle name, if you use one). In Anne Arundel County , there are offices located at 160 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis and at 6601 Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie .

Voter Registration – If eligible, you can register to vote when you apply for your drivers license. For more information on voter registration, visit the website of the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections at www.aacounty.org/elections, or call 410-222-6600.