Ridge, MD Utility & Living Guide

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Ridge, MD Utility & Living Guide

Living in Ridge, MD offers a tranquil and scenic experience with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: October 7, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Ridge
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🌤️ Live Weather — Ridge
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The current financial trend in Ridge is driven by a growing demand for housing and services, fueled by the area's popularity among retirees and families. However, this growth also poses challenges for local infrastructure and environmental conservation.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ridge
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

SMECO (Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative)
🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

St. Mary's County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.15%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Ridge is characterized by a mix of single-family homes and rural properties, with a moderate pace of new construction. Home prices have been steadily increasing due to the area’s natural beauty and proximity to Washington, D.C. Rentals are relatively scarce, but available.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.15%
<p>State 6% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Maryland state income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%, with a progressive tax structure

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, environmental conservation, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Ridge is limited, but the area is relatively flat and walkable, with some sidewalks and bike paths

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    St. Mary's River State Park
  • 🎯
    Patuxent Research Refuge
  • 🎯
    St. Mary's County Fairgrounds

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around St. Mary's River and the town center offer a mix of old and new homes, with easy access to amenities and outdoor recreation. Other popular neighborhoods include the rural subdivisions along Route 235 and the waterfront communities along the Patuxent River.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Ridge based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Ridge is subject to St. Mary’s County zoning regulations and building codes, which aim to preserve the area’s rural character

Financial Tools

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📊 Ridge — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Ridge tend to peak in summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% between June and August. In winter, heating costs are relatively moderate, with natural gas not being a primary heating source in the area.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 20680 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, due to the area's relatively flat terrain, some sidewalks, and bike paths, but limited public transit and some roads without pedestrian infrastructure

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