Settling In

Getting settled in your new home can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to Baltimore City. Here is a list of resources for your move to Baltimore and settling into your new home. Want more resources? Check out our Baltimore City Living Relocation Kit, the kit with everything you need to know about moving to Baltimore City!

Getting the Homestead Tax Exemption

The State of Maryland's Department of Assessments and Taxation will assess your property every three years.  The City of Baltimore sets its residential property tax rate on an annual basis.  This rate is applied to the assessment.  While many jurisdictions have a 10% annual assessment increase cap, the City of Baltimore has a 4% cap for residential homeowners.  In order to make sure this "Homestead Tax Credit" cap is applied to your bill, you must fill-out a one-time application.  As a new homeowner, the State will mail you an application or you can fill it out online.  You must file this application within 120 days of your closing date.  Go to: www.dat.state.md.us and click on the "Homestead Eligiblity Application" link.  To learn more about the Homestead Tax Credit, check this out: http://www.livebaltimore.com/resources/incentives/taxincentives/

Find Movers

A quick yellow-book search is the best way to find moving companies, whether you are moving within the region or from outside of Maryland.  Request and in-person estimate from more than one company if you can, and make sure you get a firm bid in writing. 

Energy (Electricty and Gas)

The local utility in Baltimore City is Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE). Now you can choose to purchase gas and/or electricity supply from any energy supplier that is licensed by the Maryland PSC and registered with BGE, or you can choose to continue receiving your energy supply from BGE.  No matter who you purchase your gas and/or electricity supply from, BGE will deliver the natural gas or electricity to your home, organization or business through BGE's pipes and wires.  To find a list of gas and electricity suppliers, go to www.psc.state.md.us

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE)
39 W Lexington St
Baltimore, MD 21201
New Service: 410.685.0123 or 800.685.0123
www.bge.com

Water Bill

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works Bureau of Water and Wastewater is in charge of the City's residential water supply.  When you move to Baltimore, it is recommended that you call their customer service department at 410.396.5398 to start a water bill account.  Water meters are read and water bills are sent on a quarterly basis.  The bureau's website is www.baltimorecity.gov/government/dpw/water.

Trash Collection

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works Bureau of Solid Waste provides semi-weekly residential trash collection.  There is also twice-weekly single-stream recycling pick-ups.  This department also coordinates bulk trash pickups.  To learn when your residential trash collection is scheduled, call 311 or check out I-Map, an online resource tool that allows you to type in your address and find our your trash schedule among other neighborhood designations. http://maps.baltimorecity.gov/imap/

Recycling

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works Bureau of Solid Waste provides bi-weekly curbside recycling. In 2008, Baltimore City began Single Stream Recycling so instead of separating yourbottles, cans, jars and paper, you can now place all these items in one container for collection.  To learn when your recycling collection is scheduled, call 311 or go to www.baltimorecity.gov/government/dpw/waste.php and look for the recycling calendar.

Parking Permits

Some neighborhoods require parking permits, the parking decals are distributed through individual neighborhood organizations. To inquire about Residential Parking Permits call the City of Baltimore Parking Authority at 443.573.2800 or go to www.baltimorecity.gov/government/parking/residential.php.

Mail

U.S. Postal Office
Baltimore Main Office Window Service
900 E. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21233
800.ASK.USPS (275.8777)
Visit  www.usps.gov to find your local post office to request a change of address.

Other Helpful Resources

Automobile & Driver's Registration
Motor Vehicle Administration
Baltimore City Full Service Branch
2500 Gywnns Falls Parkway
8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri)
8:30am-Noon (Sat/Driver License Services only)
www.mva.state.md.us