The Best Places to Live in Maryland

Trying to decide where to live in Maryland? We understand—our beautiful state has so many great options. To help you choose, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite cities below. Check it out.

Bethesda is a suburb of Washington D.C. with a population of about 65,000 people. Niche.com ranks it the 5th best place to live in Maryland, and the majority of surveyed residents rated it “excellent” or “very good.” In Bethesda, you have access to a rapidly growing job market and incredible educational opportunities. For leisure, you’ll love Bethesda’s own world-class restaurants and entertainment as well as plenty of access to parks, trails, and outdoor activities. Can’t get enough? A quick 20-minute drive or 30-minute Metro ride will get you to D.C., where you can find even more job opportunities and more things to do.

Sound like the place for you?

A few miles north of Bethesda, you’ll find Rockville, a city of about 67,000 people. Though similar in population, Rockville feels more suburban than Bethesda. Real estate is cheaper, too. Rockville’s median home sale price last month was $590,000, while Bethesda’s was $1,150,000. The trip from Rockville to D.C. is only 10 minutes longer than Bethesda’s by car, so if you need an easy commute but want to save big on your home purchase, Rockville is worth considering. 

Rockville earns an A+ grade from Niche.com and is ranked one of the best places to live in Maryland. In this city, you’ll find many coffee shops, art galleries, and public parks. If you like grabbing a drink at the brewery and or trying a new independent restaurant every week, Rockville is for you.

With a population of around 81,000, Silver Spring is larger than both Bethesda and Rockville. The vibe is more urban here, and residents enjoy the convenience of walkable neighborhoods and some bike infrastructure. Niche.com gives Silver Spring several top rankings, including the #2 Suburb for Young Professionals in Maryland and the #5 Most Diverse Suburb in Maryland. Nightlife is highly rated, so if it’s high on your list of must-haves, Silver Spring is right for you.

Real estate in Silver Spring is comparable to Rockville's. The median sale price last month was $525,000, and the market is considered “somewhat competitive” due to the number of offers homes receive and the number of days they spend on the market. If you want to find a great deal on your dream home, check out Silver Spring.

If you’re looking for a small city a little further from the beaten path, try Gaithersburg. With a population of around 69,000, it's large enough to provide the amenities you need, but far enough from the main hub of D.C. that you’ll enjoy a little more peace and quiet. Popular attractions include the RIO Lakefront—a waterfront shopping mall with paddle boats, a movie theater, a walking trail, the Gaithersburg Community Museum, and a variety of outdoor parks. The area is also popular for its independent breweries and is just a 15-minute drive to Germantown, where you can visit Butler’s Orchard and the Lancaster County Dutch Market.

Real estate in Gaithersburg is the most affordable of all the locations on our list so far. Last month’s median home price was $420,000, down 5.6% since last year. Even so, the market is considered very competitive, with houses selling in less than 30 days often with multiple offers. 

Interested in a home in Gaithersburg?

If so, let us know. Our team is dedicated to finding you exactly what you’re looking for—even if it seems impossible. Just give us that must-have list, and we’ll turn it into your dream home.

If you haven’t decided just yet, get in touch and tell us your needs. We live, work, and play in the Greater D.C. area, and our local experts will help you select the perfect location for you and your household. Fill out the form below to get started.

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