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Best Places To Live in Maryland

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Best Places To Live in Maryland

Maryland is a small state that lives large, with thriving industries, cosmopolitan cities and coastal vistas. Here are the top cities to call home.

By Livability on January 16, 2024

More than 6 million people make their home in Maryland, and many are quick to appreciate its blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With vibrant cities like Baltimore and Annapolis, which provide a wealth of cultural attractions, dining experiences and job opportunities, and several smaller coastal towns that offer a slower pace of life along the scenic shoreline, it’s no surprise the area attracts a multitude of professionals, families and retirees. The proximity to Washington, D.C., opens doors to government positions and other thriving industries, and stunning landscapes such as Chesapeake Bay entice outdoor enthusiasts to boat, hike, fish and more. The combination of heritage, community and scenery make Maryland a remarkable and fulfilling place to live.

Annapolis

Aerial shot of Annapolis at sunrise on a hazy morning in the Fall, looking past the dome of the Maryland State House towards the campus of the US Naval Academy, with the Chesapeake Bay beyond. Annapolis is one of the best cities to live in Maryland.
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Nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, MD, offers shopping, culture and world-class seafood in a historic setting.

Why Annapolis is one of the best cities to live in Maryland.

Ever wondered what makes Annapolis, Maryland, a great place to live? For starters, this historic waterfront city is bursting with charm. Nestled along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis boasts a rich maritime heritage and an unmatched cultural scene. Residents and tourists alike are quick to notice the postcard-worthy downtown with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and bustling boutiques. While you could easily get lost among the scenic cityscapes, it’s also worth noting that this is the place to be if you want to enjoy world-class seafood. From crab feasts and oysters to waterfront dining at highly regarded restaurants such as The Chart House, you will never want for quality coastal dishes when you make your home in Annapolis. 

Families will find plenty to do here as well, especially considering how many festivals and events are put on by the city. One of the most popular is the renowned Annapolis Sailboat Show, which features everything from on-water demonstrations and educational seminars to scavenger hunts and interactive exhibits. Locals also get to enjoy the Annapolis Film Festival, S.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week, Annapolis Irish Festival, Military Bowl and countless other annual celebrations.

Is it expensive to live in Annapolis?

Life in Annapolis admittedly comes at a price. The cost of living ranks around 125.6 on the LivScore scale — it’s more affordable than Washington D.C., which comes in around 152. This makes Annapolis an attractive home base for those commuting into the capital during the week, especially considering homes are around 20% cheaper in Annapolis than in D.C. Median home prices run the gamut, with some areas listing homes in the $300,000-$400,000 range and others, particularly near the coast, coming in above $1 million. 

Learn more about living in Annapolis, MD.

Baltimore

The Baltimore, Maryland, skyline at sunset. Baltimore is one of the best cities to live in Maryland.
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Baltimore, Maryland, offers an impressive cultural scene, with world-class museums like the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum, as well as a burgeoning theatrical and musical community.

Why is Baltimore one of the best cities to live in Maryland?

Anyone interested in putting down roots in a place that combines historic charm with an active and vibrant culture will appreciate living in Baltimore, Maryland. The city’s rich history can be seen in its well-preserved neighborhoods, especially the beloved Federal Hill and Fells Point, where cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Baltimore’s cultural scene is equally impressive, with world-class museums like the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum, as well as a burgeoning theatrical and musical community. And thanks to the city’s proximity to Chesapeake Bay, locals have plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and all manner of water sports. 

Baltimore’s strategic location within the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area adds to its appeal as a place to live. Residents have access to a wide range of job offerings, educational institutions and cultural attractions in both Baltimore and nearby Washington, D.C. The city is also home to the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, both of which are known for their top-tier educational opportunities. Paired with its excellent dining and shopping, it’s easy enough to see why Baltimore is a great place to live for anyone craving an urban lifestyle with a touch of charm and character.

Is the Baltimore economy growing?

Historically speaking, the economy in Baltimore has been tied to industries such as health care, education and government. John Hopkins University and its affiliated institutions are understandably influential in the local economy. The city has also seen a rise in finance and technology, which has created more jobs and led to economic expansion. 

Learn more about living in Baltimore, MD.

Bethesda

Bethesda, MD, is located just northwest of Washington, D.C., and offers robust job opportunities. Bethesda is one of the best places to live in Maryland.
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Bethesda, MD, is located just northwest of Washington, D.C., and offers robust job opportunities.

What makes Bethesda one of the best places to live in Maryland.

Around 66,000 people live in Bethesda, Maryland, and you better bet most of them love where they live. Located in Montgomery County and just northwest of Washington, D.C., Bethesda is home to numerous restaurants, coffee shops and green spaces. From the scenic trails of Cabin John Regional Park to the prime picnicking spots in Norwood Local Park, there are plenty of places for individuals and families to gather, linger and play. Biking along the Capital Crescent Trail and boating or kayaking in the nearby C&O Canal are other treasured pastimes of outdoor enthusiasts, while downtown dwellers explore local favorites like the Strathmore Music Center or Round House Theatre. You can even find a multitude of residents attending the Bethesda Art Walk each month.

As far as job opportunities are concerned, Bethesda puts locals in proximity to Washington, D.C., which is easily accessible by car or public transportation in less than half an hour. The economy is considered robust, with primary industries in health care, defense, finance and software. You can also find Fortune 500 companies in the city including Walker & Dunlop and Digital Management. Because of its desirability for D.C. commuters, life here is more expensive than the national average. Median home prices often hover above $1 million, and median rent is around $2,700 per month. 

How is the Bethesda education system?

Residents in Bethesda fall under the Montgomery County Public School System, which is known for its diversity in opportunities for elementary, middle and high schools. Landon School and Georgetown Preparatory School are among two of the most prestigious private schools in the country, and Sidwell Friends School is known for its myriad famous former students, including Presidents Roosevelt, Nixon, Clinton and Obama. You won’t find any universities in the city, but nearby D.C. is home to several higher learning institutions. 

Learn more about living in Bethesda, MD.

Columbia

Columbia, MD, is located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and offers charm, natural beauty and a solid economy. Columbia is one of the best cities to live in Maryland.
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Columbia, MD, located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offers charm, natural beauty and a solid economy.

Why is Columbia one of the best cities in Maryland?

Boasting a vibrant job market, numerous entertainment and educational opportunities, beautiful weather and easy access to the capital and Baltimore, is it any wonder Columbia, Maryland, is considered one of the best places to live in the Southeast? Residents adore the easy access to nearby lakes and the water sports that naturally follow, and the convenience of life in a meticulously planned community can’t be overlooked. The cost of living is more upscale, with homes running the gamut from around $265,000 to well over $1.5 million. On the bright side, health care costs are below the national average and utilities are usually on par. 

Naturally the draw of lake life is enticing to outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to activities such as kayaking, boating and fishing, you can run rampant on around 3,600 acres of open spaces in the community. Fitness clubs are popular, and there are a multitude of local restaurants and bars. Sapwood Cellars and Frisco Taphouse are among the many local gems, as well as Toby’s Dinner Theatre for anyone wanting to savor a meal and a show. If charm, natural beauty and a solid local economy are what you seek, you’re guaranteed to find it in Columbia.

What can you do outside Columbia?

Columbia is conveniently tucked between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., both of which offer a wealth of cultural, historical and recreational opportunities. A short drive 20 miles northeast gives locals the chance to explore the Inner Harbor, visit the National Aquarium, attend a Baltimore Orioles baseball game or peruse the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Take a drive 25 miles southwest and you’ll find renowned museums like the Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial and, of course, The White House.

Learn more about living in Columbia.

Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg, MD, is known as “Science City” because of its concentration of research and technology-based institutions.

Why Gaithersburg is a best place to live in Maryland.

Marching to the beat of its own drum, Gaithersburg, Maryland, is often described as a dynamic city with a vibrant economy and friendly residents, which make it an enticing place to put down roots for individuals and families alike. Located smack-dab in the heart of Montgomery County, Gaithersburg presents locals with a wealth of job opportunities in skilled industries such as biotechnology and health care, as well as several positions with various government agencies. You’ll find a diversity in population, which lends itself to a dynamic arts and culture scene, as well as a thrilling display of cuisine at local restaurants and markets, and annual festivals and events. Paired with its numerous parks and green spaces, such as the treasured Seneca Creek State Park, and its top-notch schools, it’s easy to see why families in particular are drawn to the community. 

It’s worth noting that Gaithersburg is part of the broader Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, which means it generally costs more to live here than many other places around the country. But the cost of living varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. Kentlands, Lakelands, West Riding and Observatory Heights are a few of the popular neighborhoods for newcomers. 

What is Gaithersburg best known for?

It’s hard to narrow down one specific thing Gaithersburg is known for. Biotechnology and research are important to the community since the city is home to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Gaithersburg has actually been nicknamed “Science City” because of its concentration of research and technology-based institutions. You can even find the famous Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory here, which played a role in mapping the Earth’s rotation. Science and technology aside, locals often cite perks like quality schools, beautiful parks and a multitude of local events like Gaithersburg Book Festival and the Kentlands Oktoberfest as reasons to call this beautiful city home. 

Learn more about living in Gaithersburg.

Frederick

Frederick is one the best places to live in Maryland thanks to its picturesque mountain views, access to local vineyards and its compelling Civil War history.
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Frederick is one the best places to live in Maryland thanks to its picturesque mountain views, access to local vineyards and its compelling Civil War history.

What makes Frederick a best place to live in Maryland?

If you want to live in a place that boasts rich urban amenities without sacrificing small town charm and a neighborly community, get ready to settle in Frederick, Maryland. Nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County, this delightful city combines heritage with modernity, complete with well-preserved historic districts and architecture that harkens back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Shop and stroll among vibrant shops and award-winning restaurants, attend lively gatherings like In the Street and the Great Frederick Fair, or spend a leisurely weekend hiking and unwinding in the nearby Catoctin Mountains. Paired with its excellent schools, low crime rates and easy access to nearby job markets, Frederick is inarguably one of the most desirable places in the state for individuals and families to put down roots. 

You won’t find many people who would say Washington, D.C. is an affordable market, but Frederick offers a much more realistic cost of living for anyone who commutes into the capital for work. The houses range in size and price, from charming historic bungalows to contemporary downtown flats, but the median house prices tend to run lower than the state average. Combined with the multitude of activities and events in the city, it’s easy to see why Frederick, MD, has been named a best place to live

What outdoor activities are available in Frederick?

Frederick, Maryland, is surrounded by natural landscapes, which presents locals with plenty of outdoor activities throughout the seasons. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park are home to many hiking trails, while the C&O Canal Towpath and the Frederick Watershed are popular biking spots. Monocacy River and the lakes within Cunningham Falls State Park are great for fishing and boating, while camping at Greenbrier State Park in autumn is a must for any new resident. Other popular outdoor activities include golfing at Clustered Spires, rock climbing at The Rocks State Park, or horseback riding at Frederick Watershed and Gambrill State Park. 

Learn more about living in Frederick, MD.

Rockville

A view of downtown Rockville, Maryland, during sunset.
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Rockville, Maryland, offers an array of parks, trails and green spaces.

Why Rockville is a great place to live in Maryland.

Rockville, Maryland, is one of the largest cities in the state and an appealing place to put down roots for families and career-minded individuals alike. Formally established in 1801, Rockville began as a veritable watering hole for patriots during the American Revolution. While its most popular tavern no longer stands, many local breweries have taken its place. Craft breweries are one of the many reasons people flock to this beautiful community, but the list certainly doesn’t stop with a good pint. With a reputation for being business-friendly thanks to its wealth of biomedical and tech companies, this vibrant community is also home to a multitude of outdoor recreation, quality dining, local shopping and a full events calendar featuring activities like Rockville Arts Festival, Rocktobierfest, Hometown Holidays, and Rockville Science Day.

Outdoor enthusiasts are generally pleased to call Rockville home. Because the city is located within the scenic Montgomery County, residents enjoy an array of parks, trails and green spaces. Whether it’s hiking along the paths at Rock Creek Regional Park, picnicking in Woodley Gardens Park, or gathering with friends for water sports at Lake Needwood, outdoor lovers enjoy life here. Cyclists can also explore the city via its extensive network of bike lanes, and golfers can tee off at one of the area’s beautiful golf courses. From quiet nature trails to lively water sports, the variety of opportunities to get outdoors ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Is Rockville a family-friendly place to live?

With top-rated schools, a welcoming community and a multitude of manicured parks and recreational facilities, many locals would agree that Rockville, Maryland, is a family-friendly city. Safety and cleanliness are important to the community, and the events calendar is often full to bursting with family-oriented events and celebrations that provide entertainment and education. Children enjoy the interactive exhibits and trails at Croydon Creek Nature Center, skating year-round at the Rockville Ice Arena, participating in programs at the Rockville Public Library, and exploring and picnicking at Glenview Mansion and Gardens.

Learn more about living in Rockville, MD.

Silver Spring

The downtown area of Silver Spring, Maryland, with a shopping mall, restaurants, and shops.
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Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, is lined with shops, restaurants and a mall.

Why is Silver Spring a great place to live in Maryland?

Silver Spring, Maryland, is just a hop, skip and a jump from Washington, D.C., but this vibrant little community stands out as a great place to live without any help from its neighboring cities. Its balanced cost of living alongside a diverse range of housing options makes it an attractive destination for families and individuals working with a variety of budgets. The thriving economy and abundance of job opportunities locally and nearby, paired with its highly rated schools and beautiful green spaces, are a few of the many indicators that Silver Spring is a great place to put down roots. 

Life here makes it easy to socialize. The wealth of events and activities available year-round begin in the heart of downtown with its abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Peruse the farmers’ markets, attend a cultural festival or enjoy performances at Fillmore or AFI Silver Theatre. Locals also enjoy spending time at Wheaton Regional Park’s Brookside Nature Center and hiking along the Sligo Creek Trail. Cyclists also appreciate the multitude of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around town on two wheels. 

Is Silver Spring affordable? 

Compared to the cost of living in nearby Washington, D.C., Silver Spring is a more affordable place to call home. When compared to the rest of the country, however, the cost of living in Silver Spring comes in above average. Housing is understandably higher than many places in the state because of its proximity to D.C. and the vast array of amenities, entertainment and outdoor recreation available within the community. Median home prices are around $406,000, and the average rent for a two-bedroom is just over $1,700 per month.

Learn more about living in Silver Spring, MD.

Considering moving to Maryland?

Choosing a great place to live in Maryland doesn’t have to be a chore. We have plenty of resources for moving to Maryland as well as other best places to live in Northeast. No matter where you want to live, we are here to help you decide where to move and uncover the best places to live in the U.S.

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