The 4 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Maryland

Maryland is one of the most unique states in the U.S., covering over half of the Washington, DC, metro. Home to the legendary city of Baltimore, it has an undeniably beautiful seaside landscape, and residents of Maryland have many reasons to love their home state. Whether you are a native Marylander or you're moving to Maryland in the near future, you will find an attractive balance of service-rich suburbs and secluded small towns to call home.

Where are the best neighborhoods in Maryland? It depends on what you're looking for. As an expert in Maryland real estate, William Weeks can help you find the perfect place to settle down. Let's explore the best neighborhoods that Maryland has to offer.

If you're looking for a charming city just outside of Washington, DC, Bethesda is a hotspot you'll want to consider. Embedded in the DC metropolitan spread, Bethesda has become renowned for destination shopping, dining, arts, and culture. For those who want to immerse themselves in the refined and bustling lifestyle close to our nation's capital, Bethesda is a wonderful destination.

Residential communities in Bethesda are ranked as some of the best places to live in Maryland, and they also feature upscale amenities and excellent schools.

Bethesda is a hub of trendy shopping and is rich in artistic opportunities. You will find many art galleries, museums, and performance venues that will keep you entertained between stylish shopping sprees throughout the metro. However, the relaxed nature of the neighborhood is also embodied in the Cabin John Regional Park, where you will find nature trails, paddle boats, and tai chi lessons to help you unwind.

Bethesda schools come with high marks, featuring higher-than-average proficiency in math and reading compared to greater Maryland statistics. There is a comfortable blend of public and private schools with a 70-30 ratio of student attendance. This makes Bethesda a welcoming neighborhood for parents of school-aged children.

Bethesda neighborhoods feature single-family home suburbs and condos, with home prices primarily ranging from $850,000 to $1,200,000. As with most other areas, home values in Bethesda have been on the rise.

Columbia is a well-organized neighborhood that began as a planned community and has become a magnet for local businesses. Since its establishment, Columbia has grown into an attractive town in its own right, with a robust economy and a variety of housing options for families. Because of its planned start, Columbia has something for everyone, from outdoor parks and sports fields to arts and entertainment venues, along with some very good schools.

Columbia has many different attractions depending on your preferred lifestyle. The Mall in Columbia is a high-end shopping destination with department stores and more than 200 specialty shops. It's a great place to meet friends, enjoy some retail therapy, and grab lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants.

If outdoor recreation is your joy, explore Lake Kittamaqundi, a breathtaking 27-acre lake surrounded by a hiking trail. You will find natural views, endless park amenities, and nearby shops and restaurants a short walk from anywhere along the western bank.

Columbia is home to several schools ranking 8/10, which puts Columbia schools within Maryland's top 30%. Columbia schools produce a high proficiency in math and reading, and 87% of students attend public schools as opposed to private schools.

Homes in Columbia are in a welcoming price range, with a median home value of $459,308. Single-family homes make up the majority of the suburbs, but there is also a selection of condos, townhomes, and apartments throughout the community. Home prices are appreciating over time, but they do so at a modest pace compared to U.S. averages.

Rockville is just 30 minutes north of Washington, DC, and is at the heart of the I-260 Technology Corridor. This high-tech community is home to many software and biotechnology companies, along with federal government headquarters. Rockville's residents are often highly educated and high-salary earners due to these economic trends. Paired with top-notch public schools, this has made Rockville one of the fastest-growing cities in Maryland.

In addition to high-tech trends, Rockville is known for its parks, recreation areas, and family-friendly community with many town amenities.

Rockville is well-appointed, delighting a growing population with its many local attractions. For shopping and fine-dining restaurants, head to the Rockville Town Square, where you can also find an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter. If you're looking for outdoor activities, try Woodley Gardens or Maryvale Park. As for family recreation, try the Lincoln Park Community Center, a 12,500-square-foot hub of activity with a library, a computer lab, a multipurpose room, indoor basketball courts, a fitness room with training equipment, and an always-friendly staff.

Because Rockville is also a center of transportation, you can easily catch a bus or metro to other nearby attractions and shopping centers.

Rockville is home to 12 National Blue Ribbon Schools, making it a beacon for families with educational aspirations. Rockville sports excellent math and reading proficiency compared to state averages, and though there are 34 private schools in the city, 81% of children attend public schools.

Rockville's median home value is $633,844 and rising. This puts Rockville homes in an affordable range for an increasingly affluent community. Now is a good time to buy into one of the lovely suburbs or condos in Rockville if you have long-term plans for living in Maryland.

If you're looking for a small-town feel, look into the quaint neighborhood of North Potomac. While officially a suburb of Washington, DC, North Potomac sits at a bucolic remove from the urban grid. With its vista of country clubs and golf courses, you can enjoy a quiet life of both family and leisure, possibly making it one of the ideal neighborhoods in Maryland to settle down. All the hustle of urban life is tucked behind the rolling tree-lined hills, but the town is still only a short drive from the city's many entertainments and conveniences.

At the heart of North Potomac is the Muddy Branch river, which runs straight through the center. Around this green belt, you will find many park spaces, fishing spots, and exclusive golf courses. To meet your neighbors, try the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Recreation Center or the Westleigh Recreation Club pool. You can also join the equestrian club at the Potomac Horse Center or plan a picnic at Big Pines Local Park.

If you want trendy shopping, restaurant adventures, or urban entertainment, all of these things are a short drive from this quiet, family-oriented neighborhood.

Students and parents love the schools in North Potomac. Due to the nature of the neighborhood, classroom sizes are typically small, with a focus on children's personal growth.

The North Potomac median home price is $742,577, which is higher than that of other nearby Maryland communities. Homes are on the larger side, typically between three- and five-bedroom single-family homes and townhomes.

Finding a home in Maryland is all about finding the right neighborhood. With every destination just a short drive or train ride from everywhere else, where you settle is a matter of personal preference. Whether you are here to do business in the capital, live outside of Baltimore, or just enjoy the climate, a Maryland real estate expert such as William Weeks can help you find the perfect neighborhood and home to put down your Maryland roots.

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