Moving From Philadelphia to Harford County, MD

by Josh Tessier

The short answer: Harford County is in Maryland, about halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore on I-95. There is no commuter rail link between SEPTA and MARC. To ride a train to Philly, you take Amtrak from Aberdeen. On Amtrak's early November 2026 timetable, a weekday train leaves Aberdeen at 7:39 AM and reaches Philadelphia's 30th Street Station at 8:34 AM.

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

Many people who move here from the Philly area keep family up north. Some keep a job there too. Here is what changes when you move south, with facts you can check.

Trains Between Harford and Philadelphia

SEPTA does not reach Maryland. SEPTA's Wilmington/Newark Line ends in Newark, Delaware. MARC's Penn Line ends in Perryville, Maryland. News reports from Delaware Online and Greater Greater Washington describe the gap between them. Maryland has studied closing it, but it is not open today.

Amtrak does. The Northeast Regional stops at Aberdeen on some trips. On Amtrak's timetable for early November 2026, a weekday morning train leaves Aberdeen at 7:39 AM and reaches Philadelphia 30th Street at 8:34 AM. In the evening, a train leaves Aberdeen at 9:30 PM, stops at Newark, Delaware at 9:49 PM and Wilmington at 10:02 PM, and reaches 30th Street at 10:27 PM Monday to Thursday. Only a few trips stop at Aberdeen each day, and Amtrak is changing schedules for track work, so check Amtrak before you count on one.

Amtrak says the Aberdeen station is unstaffed, with ticket kiosks.

What Changes When You Move From Philly

Your income taxes change. Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have their own income and wage taxes. In Maryland you pay state income tax plus a county rate. Harford's rate is 3.06% for 2026, per the Comptroller of Maryland. If you keep a Pennsylvania job, talk to a tax pro about which state taxes what.

Property tax works by town. Harford's county rate is $0.9779 per $100 of assessed value outside the towns, for July 2026 bills, per Maryland SDAT and DLS. Aberdeen, Bel Air and Havre de Grace add a town rate but get a lower county rate. Dollar examples are in my cost of living guide.

Home costs. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Harford was $386,400 (ACS 2020 to 2024). That's an average over five years, not a sale price.

Towns Closest to the Philly Side

If you drive north often, look at the east side of the county near I-95.

Havre de Grace: the last Harford town before the Susquehanna River bridges.
Aberdeen: the Amtrak and MARC station is here.
Bel Air: the county seat, inland from I-95.

See how towns compare in my best places to live guide and my commute times page.

My Advice

If you commute to Philly every day, plan on driving. The train option is thin. If you visit Philly on weekends or work hybrid, living in Aberdeen or Havre de Grace keeps I-95 and the Amtrak station close.

Moving From Philadelphia FAQ

Can I take SEPTA to Harford County?

No. SEPTA's line ends in Newark, Delaware, and MARC ends in Perryville, Maryland. There is no commuter rail link between them today.

Is there a train from Aberdeen, MD to Philadelphia?

Yes, Amtrak's Northeast Regional. On the early November 2026 timetable, a weekday train leaves Aberdeen at 7:39 AM and reaches 30th Street Station at 8:34 AM. Few trips stop at Aberdeen, so check Amtrak first.

What is the income tax in Harford County?

Harford County's local income tax is 3.06% of Maryland taxable income for 2026, per the Comptroller of Maryland. That's on top of the Maryland state income tax.

Which Harford towns are closest to Pennsylvania?

Harford County's northern edge borders Pennsylvania. Communities near the state line include Whiteford, Pylesville, Street and Darlington. Jarrettsville is a bit farther south. Havre de Grace and Aberdeen are closest to I-95 north.

Start Your Move From Philly

Call or text me at (443) 617-2099 or email Joshua@leetessier.com. We'll talk by phone to get you qualified, 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