Why can't Baltimore city government perform basic and important services? Trash pickup, recycling, water meters and billing, sewers, timed traffic lights, you name it it is a shit show.

That seems way high for an apartment, but it is a 6 week period and you keep temp a bit high. I have gas heat, water heater and stove in a SF home and used about 120 therms on the last bill. Heat usually 65 - 67, well insulated house. If you are ground level apt, your bill will also be higher since no heat rising from unit below. In summer, a/c would be less though.

Not really, there are a few exceptions like Giant in White Oak in MoCo that are grandfathered in and some Eastern shore stores that are exempt , but chain stores are prohibited in most of MD. If you see it in PG, likely not a chain store.

Stupid MD laws not allowing chain stores to sell alcohol. Most places at least allow beer and wine sales.