For 2021, Niche.com data crunchers have come up w a list of the best places to live in Maryland.
To arrive at the rankings, Niche took several factors into consideration, such as the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics and access to amenities.
So, let’s go through the top 10 and I’ll weigh in on my opinion as well!
Number 10: Travilah
Travilah is a neighborhood in Montgomery County that is counted as part of Potomac. It is known for it luxury homes and large lots. The population of Travilah is 11,301 people. The feeling in Travilah is more rural as its not super close to any public restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for lots of greenery and private driveways, Travilah is a great choice. The public schools in Travilah are very highly rated. As of today, the high schools are either Winston Churchill or Wootton High School.
Median Home Value: $1,081,200
Median Household Income: $241,369
Number 9: Columbia
Columbia is in Howard County and lies southwest of Baltimore and northeast of Washington, D.C.. The population of Columbia is approx 103,000. Columbia has tons to do and is riddled with shops, restaurants, a beautiful amphitheater as well as some great parks and a gorgeous lake. CBS Baltimore reported that Columbia was named as one of the the happiest US Cities. Located 30 minutes from Baltimore, Columbia is made up of 10 villages and has strong schools and robust economic growth.
Median Home Value
$378,300
Median Household Income
$108,352
Number 8: Rockville
With over 260 reviews, of which 220 of them are 4 and 5 stars, Rockville earns an A+ Rating from nIche.com. Rockville is located in Montgomery County, 30 minutes from Washington D.C. With a vibrant population of approx 67,000 people, Rockville offers its residents a great mix of both urban and suburban feel with Rockville Town Center at its hub. RTC has a plethora of shops and restaurants, a movie theater and an outdoor ice skating rink. Top rated Wootton and Richard Montgomery high schools are located in Rockville as well as its own metro station that takes you straight into D.C.
Median Home Value
$540,000
Median Household Income
$106,576
Number 7: Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 9,622 located in Montgomery County. It is one of the more expensive suburbs of D.C. where you will find a mix of older stately homes with an influx of new construction. Living in Chevy Chase offers residents an urban suburban mix and depending on where you are in Chevy chase, you may be able to walk to restaurants and the metro. If you choose a more suburban prt o f Chevy Chase, expect rolling hills and plenty of foliage.
Median Home Value
$944,700
Median Household Income
$181,929
Number 6: Bethesda
Bethesda is located in Montgomery County and also borders Washington D.C. Bethesda has its own downtown which has streets lined with shops and restaurants as well as its own movie theater. The houses in Bethesda are definitely a mix of the old and the new and the lots tend to be on the smaller side since it is one of the older neighborhoods. The population of Bethesda is 63,000. The public and private schools in Bethesda are very highly ranked with Walt Whitman high school landing in the top public high schools of the county time and time again. The famous NIH is located in Bethesda as well as Walter Reed Medical Center. I’ve done several videos on Bethesda, so please check them out!
Median Home Value
$911,000
Median Household Income
$164,142
Number 5: Potomac
Potomac was once known as horse country but today its a bustling suburb of D.C. With a population of 46,000 people, Potomac offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Potomac Village boasts loads of restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and more. Great Falls National park and the Billy Goat Trail are both located in Potomac and should not be missed. The public high school, Winston Churchill, in Potomac is very highly rated. In Potomac, you can still find 2 acre lots so its a great place to live if you want more land.
Median Home Value
$893,800
Median Household Income
$195,884
Number 4: Ellicot City
Ellicott City is a charming historic suburb of Baltimore n Howard County with a population of 72,665. Founded in 1772, the town has an old world charm and offers unique shopping and dining destinations. Historic Ellicott City is also home to the oldest railroad station in the U.S., the last operating grist mill in Maryland and the first federally funded highway. Ellicot city showcases delicious restaurants, antique stores, and unique purportedly haunted attractions. Nearby parks include Patapsco Valley State Park which offers opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking and fishing and Centennial Park, a delightful 337-acre park located in Ellicott City, surrounding the banks of picturesque Centennial Lake. The public schools are very highly rated in Ellicot City.
Median Home Value
$537,400
Median Household Income
$131,534
Number 3: South Kensington
South Kensington is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 8,763 is located in Montgomery County. South Kensington is an older suburb and offers its residents a mix of Vicorian homes and historic buildings as well as the old train station with the influx of new construction, There is an amazing farmers market in Kensington and rows oflocal shops. There is a great sense of community in Kensington and its residents have a lot of pride of ownership. With it being an older part of Montgomery County, Kensington still has neighborhoods with more affordable housing as well as luxury living at its finest.
Median Home Value
$754,200
Median Household Income
$180,000
Number 2: North Bethesda
North Bethesda is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 49,872,located in Montgomery County. North Bethesda is located between Rockville and Bethesda (it’s literally Rockille) and has a more urban feel to it. Close to 355 and Old Georgetown roads, North Bethesda has access to restaurants, shops, bowling alleys, gyms and more. North Bethesda is a great gateway for people moving out of DC but still wanting an urban feel. The Public highschool in North Bethesda, Walter Johnson, is very highly rated as is Georgetown Prep, a private school for boys located in North Bethesda.
Median Home Value
$567,500
Median Household Income
$107,220
Number 1: North Potomac
North Potomac is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 23,914 located in Montgomery County. North Potomac is located between Gaithersburg and Potomac. It is literally part of Gaithersburg. While North Bethesda is more urban, North Potomac is more suburban. Just 40 minutes outside of D.C, North Potomac is a great choice for people wanting a more suburban feel while still being able to commute to the city. The home values in North Potomac are better as well since its farther out than its neighbors, Potomac and Rockville.
Median Home Value
$672,900
Median Household Income
$171,066