Best Places to Live in Maryland - Top 7 Cities

In spite of being the 9th smallest state, Maryland ranks just behind MA for highest % of residents with graduate level or higher degrees & boasts several high ranked educational institutions such as John Hopkins, Towson and the U.S. Naval Academy. It also offers an abundance of natural beauty, scenic landscapes, historic and nautical backgrounds and community pride. Both large and small cities provide the lifestyle you may have been dreaming of for you and your family.

Choosing the best place to live in Maryland - this unique and historic state - will be determined by your preferences for population, education, affordability and the type of community life you desire. Check out Maryland state pages to see more cities:

Some of the Best Small Towns in Maryland Offer Charm, Natural Beauty and the Ability to Slow Down, Plant Roots & Stay Awhile!

“Historic Charm, Nautical Adventure, Romantic Spaces.”

ST MICHAELS, home to the 19th Century Hooper Strait Light, one of only four Chesapeake Bay, iconic screw pile design lighthouses, has the motto; “Historic Charm, Nautical Adventure, Romantic Spaces.” Enjoy beautiful river views as you stroll around the harbor or the old fashioned houses, boutiques and restaurants of the quaint downtown area. With a population of only 625, this is one of Maryland’s smallest towns, offering lots of community activities for kids and families while delivering a large punch of Americana. The average price of homes sold is $557,000 and so considered one of Maryland’s moderately affordable cities. Being on the east side of the bay, it’s less than 100 miles to Philadelphia’s urban offerings and 99 miles across the bridge to Annapolis. St Michaels might be the best place to live for you and your family.

St Michaels Homes for Sale

Chesapeake City has retained many of its 19th Century buildings and houses

CHESAPEAKE CITY is another of Maryland’s charming, idyllic small towns filled with history and natural beauty. One of the smallest in Maryland, with a population of 694, it is nestled right on the edge of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal and bordered by fields and trees providing a chameleon like color show as the seasons change. If you love history, you’ll appreciate that Chesapeake City has retained many of its 19th Century buildings and houses. Many of the community activities here revolve around its history so a great place to raise a family while enjoying the opportunity to for some hands on history lessons. You may want to stay in one of the converted B & Bs and restaurants when you begin your home search. Average price of homes sold is $360,000 making it even more family friendly and affordable.

Chesapeake City Homes for Sale

Coolest Small Town (2014) Berlin

BERLIN offers buildings and traditional homes dating from Victorian, Federal and early 20th Century periods. Once voted the Coolest Small Town (2014) Berlin is considered one of Maryland’s most vibrant and charming towns. As you wander around, you may recognize it as the fictional town of Hale from the film Runaway Bride. The entire downtown area, known as the Commercial District, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stunning Sycamore, Poplars and an abundance of flowers creates a beautiful and breathtaking ambiance. Isn’t it a good place to live for nature lovers? With the blend of old and new, a smaller population of 5064 and an average home sales price of $394,500, Berlin boasts residents of diverse age groups… a great place to start out or retire.

Berlin Homes for Sale

LARGE...GROWING Yet still charming with abundant Historic And Modern Amenities

CHESTERTOWN, on the banks of Chester River boasts a strong maritime heritage and an amazing benefits plan for artists. Effective January 1, 2016, the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District started to offer artists, entrepreneurs and landlords several place based tax abatements such as property tax credits plus admission and amusement tax exemptions in order to create a vibrant cultural downtown. Adding to the city’s ambiance are the numerous boats and sailing ships that still fill the port which remains in operation today where you’ll see featured a beautiful replica of the 18th Century British navy ship, the Schooner Sultana. You can also explore Chestertown’s Colonial heritage in the many galleries, museums and buildings dating back to that era. With a population of 5015 and average home sales price of $289,000, Chestertown offers a great opportunity to live, create, grow a business and/or family in an historic location with beauty all around!

Maryland’s Best Large Cities still offer abundant charm, history plus modern amenities & opportunities.

ELLICOTT CITY is one of Maryland’s most Historic and Largest cities with a population of 72,665. As a hot tourist attraction, it offers much in the way of business, shopping, restaurants and investment opportunities. Like so many of Maryland’s cities and towns, history exudes here and is home to Ellicott City Station, the country’s oldest surviving railway station which is now a museum exposing its old world charm composed of locally quarried granite and a gable roof. The town’s entire main district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street has been preserved with more than 200 18th & 19th Century buildings, now local shops and picturesque homes. Median Sales Price is $562,500 though there is a wide variety of lower, more affordable homes AND many luxury offerings.

Frederick it's historic downtown area

FREDERICK, a perfect blend of contemporary with historic, is one of Maryland’s largest towns with a population of 73.141, yet offers an abundance of serene parks, beautiful landscapes, colorful meadows and babbling creeks. With many walking trails, parks, a historic downtown area AND a very reasonable median home sales price of $390,000, this is a great city to grow your family. Clustered spires of the numerous churches throughout add to the town’s drama and character. If you’re a history buff, the Monocacy National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine make this town a must on your bucket list to visit or a definite future place to put down roots!

Columbia second largest city in Maryland

COLUMBIA, one of the best cities to live in MD and the second largest city in Maryland with a population of a little more than 104,000. Columbia was ranked by Niche.com the 4th best place to live in America in 2017 and 3rd best place to raise a family. It is also considered one of the most successful planned communities in the entire nation! Crime rates are low and good schools rank high! With over 200 specialty stores, restaurants and movie theaters, the Mall of Columbia is an amazing shopping mall! There are also numerous nature trails & walkways along Wilde Lake. As much as it has grown, Columbia is also a place that still draws new businesses, new restaurants and people looking to realize the American dream! Median home sales are $452,738.

Frequently asked questions

Question: What is Maryland most known for?

Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, the birthplace of the national anthem, is home to the major historic trading port of Baltimore, blue crabs and baseball.

Question: What is the population of Maryland?

Ranked 18th in the US, according to the 2020 census, Maryland’s population is 6,177,224 showing a 7% growth since the last census in 2010.

Question: What are some fun things to do in Maryland?

Fun for kids and adults alike can be found throughout the state of Maryland. Enjoy historic sites, museums (including the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore), state parks, amusement parks, pirate adventures and a relaxing day on the sandy beaches of Chesapeake Bay.

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