Moving From DC to Harford County, MD

by Josh Tessier

The short answer: Yes, people live in Harford County and work in DC. The MARC Penn Line runs from Aberdeen and Edgewood to Washington Union Station. On the MTA timetable in effect through November 15, 2026, the 4:33 AM train from Aberdeen reaches Union Station at 6:10 AM. It's a long ride, so it works best for hybrid workers or people who work near Union Station.

By Josh Tessier, Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty. 500+ homes sold personally (5,800+ for the Lee Tessier Team)

Here's a common story. Someone has a DC job, maybe two or three days in the office, and wants more house for the money. Harford can work. But you need to see the real train times first. Here they are.

The Train From Harford to DC

These times come from the MTA's MARC Penn Line timetable. The current schedule took effect October 12, 2026, and the MTA says it changes again on November 16, 2026. Check the MTA site the week you plan your move.

Morning, to DC (train 505):

Stop	Time
Aberdeen	4:33 AM
Edgewood	4:43 AM
Baltimore Penn Station	5:10 AM
BWI Rail Station	5:32 AM
Washington Union Station	6:10 AM

Other morning trains to DC stop at Aberdeen at 5:13, 6:38 and 8:53 AM, per the same timetable.

Evening, home from DC (train 532): Leaves Union Station at 4:10 PM, reaches Edgewood at 5:27 PM and Aberdeen at 5:37 PM.

Not every train stops at every station. The timetable marks which ones do. Amtrak's Northeast Regional also stops at Aberdeen on some trips, per Amtrak's timetable.

For bus routes and more times, see my Harford County commute times page.

What Changes When You Move From DC

Your income tax changes. DC has its own income tax. In Maryland you pay state tax plus a county tax. Harford County's rate is 3.06% for 2026, per the Comptroller of Maryland. If you live in Maryland and work in DC, ask a tax pro how your withholding should change.

Your property tax bill has layers. In Harford you pay a state rate ($0.112 per $100), a county rate, and in three towns a town rate. Full breakdown in my cost of living guide.

Your car matters more. The MARC stations are in Aberdeen and Edgewood. Most homes in the county are a drive from either one. Harford Transit LINK, run by the county, has seven local bus routes.

Your schools change to one county system. Harford County Public Schools runs all 55 public schools. See my schools overview.

Towns Close to the MARC Stations

If the train is your plan, start your search near a station.

Aberdeen: home of the Aberdeen MARC and Amtrak station at 18 East Bel Air Avenue.
Edgewood: home of the Edgewood MARC station.
Havre de Grace: just north of Aberdeen.
Abingdon: between Bel Air and Edgewood.

Compare more towns in my best places to live guide.

My Advice

Ride the train once before you buy. Do it on a real workday, both ways. If you're in the office five days a week, 3 hours a day on a train is a lot. If you're hybrid, Harford can give you a yard and a quieter street for the trade.

Moving From DC FAQ

How long is the MARC train from Aberdeen to DC?

On the MTA timetable in effect through November 15, 2026, train 505 leaves Aberdeen at 4:33 AM and reaches Washington Union Station at 6:10 AM. That's 1 hour 37 minutes. Times change on November 16, 2026, so check the MTA site.

Is commuting from Harford County to DC realistic?

It can be for hybrid workers or people who work near Union Station. It's a long daily ride. Try it on a workday before you buy.

Does the MARC Penn Line stop in Harford County?

Yes. It stops in Aberdeen and Edgewood, per the MTA timetable. Perryville, the end of the line, is just across the river in Cecil County.

What is the Harford County income tax rate?

3.06% of Maryland taxable income for 2026, per the Comptroller of Maryland. It's on top of Maryland's state income tax.

Start Your Move From DC

Call or text me at (443) 617-2099 or email Joshua@leetessier.com. We'll talk by phone, and I'll walk you through how buying works in Maryland. Start with my full Moving to Harford County guide or browse homes for sale. Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTalksHarford