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This state has it all, from bustling cities to cozy small towns, from beaches to mountains.
Looking for the best place to live in Maryland? You’re in luck. With its close proximity to Washington, D.C., and an ample coastline, Maryland offers something for everyone. Stick around as we dive into the best places to call home in this diverse state.
- Population: 65,092
- Average age: 42.8
- Median household income: $178,370
- Average commute time: 29.3 minutes
- Walk score: 45
- Studio average rent: $1,889
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,631
- Two-bedroom average rent: $3,501
In Bethesda, sleek office buildings stand like polite giants nodding at the encircling trees, while award-winning public schools promise futures written in Pulitzer ink. Within close proximity of the nation’s political pulse, jobs in consulting, biotechnology and the not-so-small universe of NGOs flourish like dandelions after a spring rain. This is a town where lab coats and pant suits sip fair-trade coffee side-by-side, leafing through the latest policy white papers or engrossed in a new bestseller.
Dine globally without a passport; sushi bars and tapas joints are almost as commonplace as the strip of art galleries flaunting color like defiant peacocks. Walk the Capital Crescent Trail where nature seems to wink, uninterrupted, at the hurried lives just a few miles away. It’s a place for the young, the seasoned and the young-at-heart — because a social calendar here is as likely to brim with farmers markets and antique fairs as with indie film festivals. An orchestra of lives harmonizing in pursuit of personal crescendos, Bethesda stands as one of the best places to live in Maryland.
- Population: 105,412
- Average age: 38.7
- Median household income: $111,278
- Average commute time: 30.6 minutes
- Walk score: 33
- Studio average rent: $1,800
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,691
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,947
In Columbia, winding pathways connecting neighborhoods feel like arteries of communal ambition. The schools are fortresses of academia, where young minds are not so much filled as they are ignited. The economy? It has enough horsepower to make a muscle car purr, driven by a gamut of industries from healthcare to cybersecurity.
Juxtapositions flourish in Columbia. Lakes and parks are as abundant as shopping centers and eateries, each offering solace or spectacle, depending on your mood. It’s where people kayak under the same sky that office buildings stretch toward. Cultural festivals mingle with farmers markets—life here is a curated menu of perpetual discovery.
- Population: 67,139
- Average age: 39.5
- Median household income: $111,797
- Average commute time: 30.3 minutes
- Walk score: 56
Rockville residents understand the beauty of balance. The red and yellow lines of the Metro whisk them into the heart of D.C. in minutes, while the corridors of Rock Creek Park offer an immediate escape from the 9-to-5 grind. The job market isn’t just robust; it’s a kaleidoscope of potential, with opportunities ranging from biotech and software development to healthcare and federal services.
Rockville is a place where international grocery stores and boutiques stand unassumingly next to American big-box retailers. The town puts on cultural events that range from summer concerts to holiday parades, each inviting every strata of the community to mingle in shared celebration. In Rockville, you’ll find a gathering of people who aren’t just living but composing a narrative where ambition and relaxation co-author every chapter.
- Population: 73,272
- Average age: 41.5
- Median household income: $136,234
- Average commute time: 29.4 minutes
- Walk score: 23
- Studio average rent: $1,588
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,207
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,545
In Ellicott City, historic landmarks sit comfortably beside modern retail spaces, like a multigenerational family enjoying a holiday feast. Consistently considered one of the best places to live in Maryland, Ellicott City offers not just exceptional quality of life but also an array of job opportunities in industries like information technology, healthcare and education, just to name a few.
Now, let’s talk nature. Patapsco Valley State Park is more than a lungful of fresh air; it’s an entire respiratory system of scenic trails, waterfalls and wildlife. But Ellicott City isn’t just a looker; it’s a doer. Community events like art festivals and outdoor concerts fill the calendar, drawing together a diverse and open-minded populace. Here, camaraderie doesn’t take a backseat: It rides shotgun, guiding both newcomers and long-time locals through a life that’s as rich in opportunity as it is in character.
- Population: 40,687
- Average age: 38.3
- Median household income: $92,026
- Average commute time: 29.7 minutes
- Walk score: 48
- Studio average rent: $1,698
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,432
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,670
Annapolis is a unique city in that maritime culture and political pomp walk hand in hand to the beat of their own marching drum. This Maryland gem packs a punch with its waterfront ambiance, captivating history and modern-day amenities, making it one of the best places to live in Maryland. A haven for both boat enthusiasts and power-suit-wearing policymakers, the employment landscape is a diverse mix of opportunities in government, education, healthcare and maritime industries.
Life in Annapolis is scenic and social. It seems pulled from the pages of a well-written novel. You can enjoy a day by the Chesapeake Bay and then head downtown to meet friends at a café or catch live music at a local venue. From the red-bricked charm of its historic district to the energetic buzz of its contemporary lifestyle, Annapolis is both a tribute to its rich past and a living testament to the concept of one of the best places to live in Maryland.
- Population: 57,542
- Average age: 32.8
- Median household income: $90,951
- Average commute time: 26.3 minutes
- Walk score: 50
- Studio average rent: $1,599
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,765
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,053
Think of Towson as the cosmopolitan cousin to Baltimore that’s carved its own distinct identity on Maryland’s cultural map. It’s like a dynamic, multifaceted character in a compelling novel, always ready for the next twist in the plot. A haven for students and seasoned professionals, this community stands tall as one of the best places to live in Maryland. Renowned educational institutions, including Towson University, provide a young, energetic vibe, while a robust job market in healthcare, law and information technology makes the town a magnet for qualified job seekers.
Life in Towson isn’t just about achieving, it’s also about relishing. Let’s talk natural beauty; think Loch Raven Reservoir and Cromwell Valley Park, where you can experience the great outdoors with the same convenience as grabbing a latte from the corner café. Speaking of which, Towson’s dining scene offers an international smorgasbord, from sushi spots to Italian bistros. The community pulse here is dynamic, too, defined by seasonal events like the Towson Farmers Market and the Festival of Trees.
- Population: 79,588
- Average age: 36.4
- Median household income: $78,400
- Average commute time: 31.9 minutes
- Walk score: 47
- Studio average rent: $1,800
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,882
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,062
Acting as a savvy entrepreneur and a seasoned historian, Frederick emerges as one of the best places to live in Maryland. Job opportunities abound across sectors like healthcare, biotech and logistics. Meanwhile, education is equally ambitious, with schools that inspire students to look beyond the textbook, offering programs that harness creativity and analytical thinking alike.
But there’s more to Frederick than a well-rounded resume; this city knows how to kick back and enjoy the scenery. The great outdoors is right at Frederick’s doorstep, with the Catoctin Mountains offering a green expanse for hiking, picnicking and some good old-fashioned reflection.
Downtown Frederick is perfect for a leisurely Saturday stroll or a culinary journey through global cuisines. Throw in a dash of arts and culture and you’ve got a city that provides the best of what Maryland has to offer.
- Population: 81,069
- Average age: 34.6
- Median household income: $91,970
- Average commute time: 34.9 minutes
- Walk score: 63
- Studio average rent: $1,790
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,963
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,248
Silver Spring is situated just a stone’s throw from D.C. This coveted enclave is on everybody’s lips when discussing the best places to live in Maryland or in the greater DMV area. A robust job market fueled by healthcare, media and technology provides plentiful opportunities for professionals of every stripe. Add to that a parade of excellent schools, where innovative teaching styles are the norm, and you’ve got an environment that molds future leaders as easily as it crafts neighborhood potlucks.
Silver Spring knows the art of balancing work and play like a tightrope walker knows the thrill of the high wire. The great outdoors beckon, whether it’s the nearby Rock Creek Park or the various local trails and green spaces perfect for a weekend jaunt.
And let’s not overlook the town’s eclectic palate; from food trucks to high-end dining, it’s a culinary carnival that tempts taste buds in all the right ways. Festivals, farmers markets and live performances add layers to the local color, making Silver Spring not just a place to live, but a place to live life to the fullest.
- Population: 29,490
- Average age: 36.0
- Median household income: $80,255
- Average commute time: 35.9 minutes
- Walk score: 53
- Studio average rent: $1,651
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,817
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,112
Midway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Laurel unfurls a red carpet of opportunities in fields like healthcare, government and education. A cluster of top-notch schools underscores the community’s commitment to academic excellence, cultivating young minds with both rigor and compassion.
Yet Laurel isn’t merely a grindstone against which to sharpen one’s professional and educational blades; it’s a banquet hall of experiences. Eateries and cafes serve a cornucopia of flavors, drawing inspiration from around the globe, while local shops sprinkle personality into every purchase.
- Population: 9,801
- Average age: 48.3
- Median household income: $228,986
- Average commute time: 30.0 minutes
- Walk score: 62
- Studio average rent: $1,550
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,758
- Two-bedroom average rent: $3,666
Chevy Chase is a destination worth your real estate dreams and categorically one of the best places to live in Maryland. On the edge of Washington, D.C., this suburban jewel attracts a cadre of professionals from industries as varied as law, healthcare and government. Educational aspirations are met with schools that not only excel in academia but also emphasize well-rounded growth, thereby churning out young minds equipped for the complexities of the modern world.
But life in Chevy Chase is not all spreadsheets and lesson plans. Think of it as a well-curated gallery of experiences. Tree-lined streets pave the way to an array of recreation options, from meticulously maintained parks to high-end shopping destinations. Imagine dining in restaurants where each dish seems to be plucked from a culinary magazine, or attending cultural events that resonate with intellect and soul.
Make your way to Maryland
So there you have it — a list of some of the top places to live in Maryland. Whether you’re a career-driven professional, actively raising a young family or just looking for a place that has a good mix of everything, Maryland has a spot for you.
The towns featured above aren’t just places to live; they’re communities where anyone can thrive. Now the ball’s in your court. Maryland’s got options; it’s up to you to choose your perfect fit. Find your Maryland apartment today.
Source: rent.com