Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West River, MD
Considering a move to West River, MD? This close-knit community of around 2,100 residents offers a relaxed, rural feel with a median home price of $502,000 and average rents at $1,750. The area boasts a high rate of homeownership, excellent educational attainment (over half of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher), and low crime rates compared to national averages. Residents enjoy mild Chesapeake Bay climate, easy access to Annapolis, and a peaceful lifestyle—all within a reasonable 38.5-minute average commute.
Demographics - West River, MD
Demographics - West River, MD
West River is a small community of about 2,100 residents, with a median age of 47.2, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, and nearly all residents speak English at home, making for a close-knit, homogenous environment.
Population:
2,100
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West River, MD?
West River has a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $502,000 and monthly rents around $1,750. Utilities and groceries are also above national averages, reflecting the area's desirable Chesapeake Bay location.
Median House Value:
$502,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
2.00%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
129.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
140.5
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
122.0
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
113.0
Crime
Is West River, MD a safe place to live?
West River experiences low crime rates, with just 138 violent crimes and 1,170 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime, contributing to the town's peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
138
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,170
Crime Index:
1,308
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 725
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in West River, MD year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging lows of 28°F and warm summers with highs near 87°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Households in West River have a strong economic profile, with a median family income of $138,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.9%. The community is well-educated—over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and most residents commute about 38.5 minutes to work.
Median Income:
$57,000
Household Income:
$130,200
Family Income:
$138,000
Per Capita Income:
$54,400
Income Male:
$66,000
Income Female:
$53,000
Poverty Rate:
4.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
38.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
52.8%
Education
How are the schools in West River, MD?
West River families have access to well-rated public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios below 16:1 and several options nearby. Higher education opportunities are close at hand, including Anne Arundel Community College and St. John's College, both within a 20-mile radius.
Public Schools
Name:
Shady Side Elementary School
Street:
4859 Atwell Rd
Phone:
410-222-1621
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Central Middle School
Street:
221 Central Ave E
Phone:
410-956-5800
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School
Street:
4 Wallace Manor Rd
Phone:
410-867-2956
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Anne Arundel Community College
City:
Arnold
State:
MD
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
St. John's College
City:
Annapolis
State:
MD
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
430
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with major hospitals like Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center nearby and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 95% of locals have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive care for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
Address:
2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone:
(443) 481-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Address:
7503 Surratts Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
Phone:
(301) 868-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West River, MD?
West River's housing market features a high homeownership rate of 80% and a median home price of $502,000, with home values appreciating by over 6% in the past year. Rental availability is limited, reflecting the area's stability and desirability.
Median Home Price:
$502,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, located in Glen Burnie, with services available online and by phone. The DMV provides all standard vehicle registration and licensing needs for West River locals.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.