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6 Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025!
Find Your Home In Maryland!
Table of Content
Are you wondering where to live in Maryland? From suburban living for families or vibrant towns, we have some of the best places to live in Maryland.
Maryland is a combination of coastal charm and suburban comfort. With easy access to major cities, like Washington, D.C., it’s no surprise that many people search for the best places to live in Maryland. If you’re looking for affordable places to live, great schools or universities, or just a quiet neighborhood, Maryland has you covered.
In fact, U.S. News rated Maryland as one of the top 10 states for education in 2024, along with a median income of over $90,000, making it one of the best states to move to! It also has some of the best universities in the USA!
1. Columbia, Maryland
If you are looking for one of the best places to live in Maryland, Columbia is the place to start. Columbia is known as a planned community that accounts for one's desire for peaceful suburbia (i.e., a safe place with good schools, etc.) with ease of access to urban amenities. You'll find that Columbia has everything from popular coffee shop chains and local establishments, to beautiful parks and walkable town centers. Neighborhoods like Wilde Lake, Hickory Ridge, and King's Contrivance are always family favorites!
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 105,000–108,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Columbia | Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Howard Community College |
Average Rent (1BR) | $1,800–$2,100/month. |
Perfect For | Families, professionals, and students seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 28% higher than the U.S. average. |
Columbia is home to Howard Community College, has access to major universities like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, and appeals to both families and young professionals who desire a good education, a safe neighborhood, and access to Baltimore and Washington D.C. As one of the best small cities to live in, Columbia prides itself on being a close-knit community with neighbors who value living responsibly and safely, all around the same ideals. Over the years, more people have discovered that the best places to live in Maryland aren’t just near D.C. , they’re all across the state!
2. Bethesda, Maryland
If you're looking for luxury living and colorful culture, Bethesda is certainly one of the best places to live in Maryland. Just outside D.C. you enter a vibrant city with world-class healthcare, dining, and shopping all within a tight radius. Edgemoor, Battery Park, and Woodmont Triangle are some of the top neighborhoods to live in Maryland.
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 65,000–68,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Bethesda | Montgomery College, American University |
Average Rent (1BR) | $2,800–$3,100/month. |
Perfect For | Affluent professionals and families seeking top-tier schools and urban amenities. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 31% higher than the national average. |
Quick fact: The Maryland Gazette, founded in 1727, is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States.
Bethesda is home to the National Institute of Health and is near Montgomery College and American University, both prestigious schools. Perfect for professionals or families looking for a safe, polished, and connected community, Bethesda balances base lifestyle choices with the glamour of the area. Bethesda isn't just about shopping, dining, and arts venues. It also has bike trails!
3. Rockville, Maryland
Rockville is among the best places to live in Maryland that are frequently underappreciated and ignored, which is a shame. Rockville has a prominent tech presence and a strong school system, making for a great living experience for young professionals and growing families. Rockville has some of the top neighborhoods, such as King Farm, Twinbrook, and West End, which offer community events, walkability, and green space.
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 65,000–68,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Rockville | Montgomery College |
Average Rent (1BR) | $2,100–$2,300/month. |
Perfect For | Young professionals and tech workers seeking a suburban-urban blend. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 38% higher than the U.S. average. |
Rockville's proximity to D.C. makes it easy to work in the nation's capital, especially with the Metro serving the area as well.
P.s Honestly, once you start exploring the best places to live in Maryland, it’s hard to pick just one—they all have their own unique charm!
Montgomery College is located in Rockville, along with several parks and recreation opportunities to explore on weekends. Rockville has a lot to offer in terms of both suburban development and a city lifestyle that can positively impact your quality of life for family, career, or just comfortable suburban living.
4. Ellicott City, Maryland
For historic charm, Ellicott City in Maryland is near unbeatable. It's consistently ranked one of the best places to live in Maryland for its charm, successful schools, and overall vibe. Neighborhoods like Dorsey Search, Centennial, and Turf Valley are perfect for families looking to settle in a peaceful area with access to some of the state’s best schools.
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 75,000–76,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Ellicott City | Howard Community College |
Average Rent (1BR) | $1,900–$2,100/month. |
Perfect For | Families and history enthusiasts seeking a charming suburban environment. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 25% higher than the national average. |
Ellicott City might have a small-town feel, but there are amenities galore. It’s close to Howard Community College, and you're just a short drive away from either Baltimore or Columbia when you want to do some commuting. This city is full of warm, lived-in charm, and whether you’re attracted to historic buildings or weekend farmers' markets, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
5. Frederick, Maryland
Frederick is one of the best affordable places to live in Maryland without losing the way of life you want. With its downtown full of breweries, boutiques, and art galleries, its neighborhoods, like Baker Park, Downtown Frederick, and Whittier, have a community feel, and it has the perfect combination of rural peace and city access.
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 78,000–91,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Frederick | Hood College, Frederick Community College, Mount St. Mary’s University |
Average Rent (1BR) | $1,500–$1,800/month. |
Perfect For | Budget-conscious families and professionals seeking a vibrant community. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 10% higher than the national average. |
Frederick has Hood College and is an easy commute to either Baltimore or D.C. With its lower cost of living and higher quality of life, it is especially appealing to local first-time homebuyers and young families. With low crime rates, great amenities, and excellent schools, it’s easy to see why these neighborhoods are considered the best areas to live in Maryland.
6. Annapolis, Maryland
Not only is Annapolis the capital of Maryland, but it is also one of the best places to live in Maryland for anyone who appreciates waterfront living. Known mostly for the area’s sailing culture and maritime history, Annapolis has an easygoing coastal vibe that is hard to ignore. Eastport, Murray Hill, and the Historic District are only a small sampling of the neighborhoods in this port city, complete with scenic views and rich local life.
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Population | 40,000–41,000 residents. |
Universities in/near Annapolis | U.S. Naval Academy, St. John’s College, University of Maryland Medical |
Average Rent (1BR) | $1,800–$2,200/month. |
Perfect For | Sailing enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a coastal lifestyle. |
Cost of Living | Approximately 20% higher than the national average. |
Quick fact: Annapolis is known as the sailing capital of the world.
Home to the famous U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis is not just a pretty waterfront town. The city is full of academic excellence and rich history. From strolling the docks to enjoying seafood at a waterfront café, living in Annapolis feels like an endless vacation.
Whether you're raising a family, launching a career, or planning your retirement, these are some of the best places to live in Maryland.
Final thoughts
Maryland has something for everyone - whether you are looking for great schools, family-friendly suburbs, or bustling cities with new careers! What makes the best places to live in Maryland stand out is the balance of community, safety, and convenience, especially for anyone new to the state.
The historic Ellicott City to modern Rockville, Maryland, it is hard to argue that these are the best places to live in Maryland. If you are looking for the safest places to live in Maryland or the cheapest Maryland cities, you can find the perfect place to match your lifestyle.
Check out Amber to discover student-friendly accommodations in some of Maryland’s best cities today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the safest place to live in Maryland?
Columbia is frequently named the safest place to live in Maryland. Due to its low crime rate, well laid out neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, it is easy to see why!
Where is the cheapest place to live in Maryland?
Frederick is a great option for affordable housing because it has affordable housing without sacrificing good schools, history, and a growing job market.
Where are the best schools in Maryland?
Bethesda is a good choice because it has some of the best public schools and high performing academic programs for families that are interested in education.
Is Maryland a good state to live in?
Yes! Maryland is a good state to live in because it has all the conveniences of an urban life while maintaining the beauty of the surrounding natural area, great health care systems and hospitals, strong schools, and a variety of communities to choose from.
Where is the best place to live in Maryland for families?
Ellicott City is a popular place for families because of its great schools, low crime, open parks and scenery, and the overall suburban feel.
Where is the best place to live in Maryland for young professionals?
Rockville is a great option for young professionals because it is a tech driven job market, a vibrant place to live downtown, and 30 minutes to Washington D.C. as well.