Discover Frederick, MD
Frederick, MD is the #17 Best City to Live in the USA

Frederick, MD Quality of Life Liv Score 644 How We Calculate Our Data |
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Civics | 54 |
Demographics | 72 |
Economy | 82 |
Education | 65 |
Health | 49 |
Housing | 67 |
Infrastructure | 40 |
Amenities | 49 |
Why Frederick is one of the best cities to live in
Less than a one-hour drive from Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Frederick, MD, the growing city of almost 75,000, is both steeped in history yet enviously trendy. Here, you’ll find the final resting place of Francis Scott Key, author of the national anthem, hundreds of years’ worth of Black history, and much more. Plus, the area is awash with public art and galleries, delicious cuisine and must-visit breweries, distilleries and wineries. And when it comes to job opportunities, Frederick delivers, making it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Everyone can find their niche here, as the city is home to solid life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism and film sectors. And when it comes to outdoor activities, options abound (think camping, hiking, water recreation and more).
Major industries include life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism and film. Additionally, Frederick is home to Fort Detrick, so a large military presence is here to bolster the economy.
Frederick Community College, Hood College & Mount St. Mary’s University – Frederick Campus.
Experience all four seasons – cold winters, fresh springs, toasty summers, and warm-to-moderate autumns.
Hop on your two-wheeler and start pedaling along the Frederick History Bicycle Loop, where you can see much of the historic district and get some fresh air.
Frederick, MD is Remote-Ready
With high average wages, steady job growth and a sizeable presence of remote workers, Frederick is a great option for relocation. Frederick provides abundant resources for business owners and managers to help them create company and workplace environments that are remote-work friendly and aim to establish a healthy and happy workforce. At the statewide level, Maryland’s telework policy helps to encourage remote work with goals of healthier work-life balance, lighter urban traffic and fewer carbon emissions.
What Locals Love in Frederick, MD
The Curious Iguana is the literary hub of Frederick. The store is both a community gathering space and a store on a mission, donating portions of its proceeds to international nonprofits.
Walk around downtown with a friend, explore the unique shops and savor a cup of joe from Gravel & Grind.
Grab a canoe or kayak and float down the Monocacy River.
Meet up for a beer and a slice of pizza (heaven, really) at Brewer’s Alley.
Head to Carroll Creek Amphitheater every Thursday from May through September for the city’s Alive @ 5, an epic outdoor happy hour.
A strong economy paired with a vibrant arts scene and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities make Frederick a best place to live in Maryland.
Thinking of Moving to Frederick?
Frederick, MD real estate has everything from 19th century townhomes near the city center to large suburban houses with backyard pools to the north. Homes for sale in Frederick, MD list higher than both the state and national averages. If you’re a young professional looking for small-city living not far from D.C., local real estate agents will most likely tell you to live in the tree-shaded residential areas in and around downtown Frederick, where you can find plenty of coffee shops, niche restaurants, and historical relics of Frederick’s past.
Quick Facts About Frederick, MD
- Average Commute
- 32.3
- Median Home Value
- $429,994
- Med. Household Income
- $69,884
- Total Population
- 74,032
- Median Property Tax
- $1,806