Maryland might be a small state, but it carries a lot of personality. Sadly, it also comes with its fair share of stereotypes — some funny, some annoying, and some just plain wrong.
From crabs to accents, people outside Maryland often make assumptions that don’t show the full picture. Let’s break down 12 common stereotypes about Maryland and explain why it’s time to leave them behind.
1. “Everyone in Maryland eats crabs every day.”
Yes, Maryland is famous for its blue crabs, but that doesn’t mean people are cracking crab shells daily. Crab is special — more like a weekend treat or something you enjoy with family during summer, not an everyday meal.
2. “People from Maryland all have weird accents.”
Some say Marylanders have an unusual way of talking — especially around Baltimore. But in reality, most people don’t even notice it. Like anywhere else, accents vary by region and aren’t as strong as people think.
3. “It’s always cold and rainy in Maryland.”
Maryland does have chilly winters and some rain, but it also enjoys all four seasons. You’ll get hot summers, colourful autumns, snowy winters, and blooming springs. The weather is actually pretty balanced.
4. “Everyone supports the Ravens or the Orioles.”
Sports are big in Maryland, but not everyone is a die-hard Ravens or Orioles fan. Plenty of people like other teams, or don’t care much about sports at all.
5. “Maryland is just Baltimore.”
Many outsiders think Maryland begins and ends with Baltimore. But the state has much more — from beautiful beaches like Ocean City to peaceful mountains in the west. Baltimore is just one part of the story.
6. “Marylanders are rude drivers.”
Sure, some drivers in Maryland might be in a rush (especially near D.C.), but calling them rude is a stretch. Like in any busy area, driving can get intense — but most people follow the rules and stay polite.
7. “There’s nothing to do in Maryland.”
Far from the truth! Maryland offers beaches, hiking trails, museums, historical sites, and great food. Whether you love nature, history, or nightlife — there’s always something happening.
8. “People in Maryland are obsessed with Old Bay.”
Old Bay is a local favourite seasoning — especially with seafood — but not everyone puts it on everything. Some people love it, some just use it occasionally.
9. “Maryland is super expensive to live in.”
Some areas like Montgomery County and Annapolis can be pricey, but other parts of Maryland are very affordable. Like most states, cost of living depends on where you stay.
10. “Everyone works in politics or government.”
Being close to Washington, D.C., people assume all Marylanders are into politics or government jobs. While many do work in those fields, the state also has teachers, artists, tech workers, farmers, and so much more.
11. “Maryland is a boring state.”
This is simply not true. With events like the Maryland State Fair, crab feasts, art festivals, and a rich mix of cultures, life in Maryland is far from boring.
12. “People from Maryland think they’re better than everyone else.”
This stereotype probably comes from pride. Marylanders do love their state, but that doesn’t mean they look down on others. It’s just home pride — and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Every state has its own personality, and Maryland is no different. But stereotypes often hide the truth. People in Maryland are diverse, friendly, and full of local pride.
Whether you’re from a small town or a big city, there’s much more to Maryland than crab cakes and football. So the next time someone brings up a tired old stereotype, you’ll know what to say — and why it’s time to move on.
SOURCES
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFV_Ew6FeBY)
- (https://reclamationmagazine.com/2021/01/05/maryland-and-d-c-are-100-part-of-the-south-but-we-should-talk-about-it/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkT-05bMVVY)
