#14: Maryland
Maryland, known as the Free State, has slipped five positions in the annual migration rankings, affirming that more people are heading out than coming in. According to United Van Lines, 39% of Marylanders who departed in 2021 did so in pursuit of superior job prospects.
![](https://petsreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/14-maryland.jpg)
As Redditor Consistent-Sample880, a teacher in a comparatively well-paying district, notes, the cost of living presents a formidable obstacle to home ownership, even within a reasonable distance of work. The landscape is evolving, with remote work shifting the dynamics. Many are now seeking states that provide greater opportunities for remote employment, offering the flexibility to work from the comfort of home.