What’s up everyone!
Well, it’s that time of year when niche.com releases their new 2023 rankings for the BEST place to live in Maryland.
The Best Places to Live ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall livability of an area. This grade takes into account several key factors of a location, including the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics, and access to amenities in an attempt to measure the overall quality of an area.
They get their data from the Department of education, US Census and FBI. They also gather over 100 million reviews and survey responses from students, parents, and residents to help better understand what a school or neighborhood is really like.
They’ve ranked the top 279 places to live in Maryland but for today, we’ll stick to the top 10.
So, let’s dive right in!
- Four Corners, MD
Four Corners is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 8,131. Four Corners is in Montgomery County, it’s actually a subdivision of Silver Spring MD, and is very sought after because it is close to downtown Silver Spring, several parks, and the Forest Glen Metro. You are very close to Washington DC so this is a great place to live if you’re looking for a quick commute into the city.
Four Corners has tree lined streets, summer block parties and a real sense of community.
Niche.com gave Four Corners an A+ rating with A’s for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity, and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $521,700, the median rent is $2422 and the median Household income is $168,393.
The schools today in March of 2023 for Four Corners are Forest Knolls Elementary or Montgomery Knolls & Pine Crest Elementary , Silver Spring International or Sligo Middle School and Montgomery Blair or Northwood High School.
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- Fulton, MD
Fulton is a suburb of Baltimore with a population of 5,230. Fulton is in Howard County and is about 20 miles south west from Baltimore so can get to Baltimore in about 30 minutes where you can take advantage of the Baltimore aquarium, the waterfront and all that Baltimore has to offer. It is also approx 25 miles north of Washington DC
Fulton itself has a suburban rural mix feel and is home to several parks and natural areas, including Rocky Gorge Reservoir and Patuxent Branch Trail. These outdoor spaces offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities. One of the most notable features of Fulton is Maple Lawn, a mixed-use development that includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and offices, as well as residential properties.
Niche.com gave Fulton an A+ rating with A’s for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $656,500, median rent is $2401 and the median household income is $202,143. I do have to say I’ve seen new construction in Fulton for up to 2.8 million dollars.
The schools today in March of 2023 for Fulton are Fulton or Pointers Run Elementary, Lime Kiln or Clarksville middle and Atholton or Reservoir High School.
Always check with HCPS before buying.
- Rockville, MD
Rockville is a town in Maryland with a population of 67,095. Rockville is in Montgomery County, and is approx 20 miles north of Washington DC.
Rockville is one of the largest cities in Montgomery County and a major commercial and cultural center for the region. The city is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and diverse community.
Rockville features a vibrant downtown area, Rockville Town Square, with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as a number of parks and recreational areas. You also have 2 metros in Rockville, Rockville metro and Twinbrook Metro.
The city is also home to several important government agencies and businesses, including the headquarters of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Niche gave Rockville an A+ ranking with A’s for public schools, good for families, nightlife, diversity, health and fitness and outdoor activities.
Side note- Rockville was ranked #8 for diversity by wallethub among 501 cities nationwide.
The median home value according to niche.com is $554,800, median rent is $1994 and the median household income is $116,031.
There are many schools in Rockville since it is so huge but the highest ranked schools in Rockville today in March of 2023 for according to Niche.com are Lakewood, Fallsmead or Farmland Elem, Robert Frost or Tilden Middle school and Thomas Wootton, Walter Johnson or Richard Montgomery High school
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- Potomac, MD
Potomac is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 46,891. It is located in Montgomery County and is approx 14 miles northwest of Washington DC.
Potomac is known for its large, luxurious homes, picturesque landscapes, and high standard of living. The community features a mix of old and new homes, with many of the older properties being preserved and renovated.
Potomac is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and nature reserves in the area, including the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls Park & the Billygoat trail, and Glenstone Museum.
As far as amenities, Potomac has Potomac Village with shops, grocery stores, gas stations, gourmet neighborhood shops, restaurants and bars. You also have Park Potomac with a plethora of shops, restaurants and a Harris Teeter grocery store.
Niche.com gave Potomac an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $937,000, median rent is $2340 and the median household income is $198,870.
There are many schools in Potomac since it is so big but the highest rated according to niche.com for March 2023 are Potomac, Wayside or Cold Spring elementary, Cabin John or Hoover middle school and Winston Churchill, Thomas Wootton or Walt Whitman High School.
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- Ellicott City, MD
Ellicott City is a suburb of Baltimore with a population of 74,432. Ellicott City is in Howard County and is situated approximately 10 miles west of Baltimore, and 20 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
Ellicott City is known for its rich history and charming, historic downtown area. The community features many beautifully restored buildings, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
In addition to its historic downtown, Ellicott City is also home to a number of outdoor recreational areas, including the Patapsco Valley State Park, which offers hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing opportunities.
Niche.com gave Ellicot City an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $564,900, median rent is $1727 and the median household income is $136,234.
The top public schools serving Ellicott City according to niche.com are Waverly or West Friendship Elementary, Mount View or Burleigh Manor Middle, and Marritotts Ridge, Centennial or Mount Hebron High School
Always check with HCPS before buying.
- Bethesda, MD
Bethesda is a town in Maryland with a population of 66,294. Bethesda is in Montgomery County and is one of the best suburbs of Washington DC. It actually borders DC.
Bethesda is super fun whether you’re going out in downtown Bethesda and Bethesda Row where you have many amazing restaurants, shops and an Art House movie theater or if you want to head into DC. You also have the NIH, national institute of health and the Walter Reed medical center right here in Bethesda.
There are several parks and nature trails, including the popular Capital Crescent Trail, which connects Bethesda to Georgetown in Washington, D.C.
There are 2 metro stops in Bethesda which head straight into DC- Bethesda Metro and NIH or medical center metro.
Niche.com gave Bethesda an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, nightlife, commute and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $958,400 and the median rent is $2208 and the median household income is $178,370.
The top public schools serving Bethesda according to niche.com are Burning Tree or Bannockburn Elementary, Thomas Pyle Middle, and Walt Whitman and Walter Johnson High school
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- Chevy Chase, MD
Chevy Chase is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 9,889. Chevy Chase is in Montgomery County and borders D.C. so it’s a really easy commute into the city.
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 part of Chevy Chase, expect rolling hills and plenty of foliage.
Chevy Chase offers a charming and sophisticated lifestyle for those who value convenience, luxury, and community.
Niche.com gave Chevy Chase an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, commute and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $999,200, median rent is $2361 and the median household income is $207,971.
The top public schools serving Chevy Chase according to niche.com are Chevy Chase Elementary, Westland or Silver Creek Middle, and Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- South Kensington, MD
South Kensington is a suburb of Washington, D.C. located in Montgomery County with a population of 8,566.
South Kensington is an older suburb and offers its residents a mix of Victorian 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 of local 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.
Niche.com gave Chevy Chase an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, nightlife and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $806,700, median rent is $2447 and the median household income is $197,500
The top public schools serving South Kensington according to niche.com are Kensington Parkwood Elementary, North Bethesda or Silver Creek Middle, and Bethesda Chevy Chase High School or Walter Johnson High school
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- North Potomac, MD
North Potomac is a suburb of Washington, D.C. located in Montgomery County with a population of 24,449.
North Potomac is located between Gaithersburg and Potomac. It is literally part of Gaithersburg.
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.
The area is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the 28-acre Dufief Mill Park, which features athletic fields, playgrounds, and nature trails.
You’re also very close to the Kentlands Square shopping center, which offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Niche.com gave North Potomac an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity and health & fitness.
The median home value according to niche.com is $686,800, median rent is $2323 and the median household income is $174,591
The top public schools serving North Potomac according to niche.com are Stone Mill or Travilah Elementary, Robert Frost Middle, and Thomas Wootton or Quince Orchard High school
Always check with MCPS before buying.
- North Bethesda, MD
North Bethesda is a suburb of Washington, D.C. with a population of 50,695,located in Montgomery County.
North Bethesda is located between Rockville and Bethesda (it’s literally Rockville) and has a more urban feel to it than North Potomac.
There are a lot of shopping and dining options, including the Pike & Rose development, which features a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You also have an Ipic movie theater there.
North Bethesda is also home to several parks and recreational areas, including Rock Creek Park and the Cabin John Regional Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Strathmore Music Center is also located in North Bethesda and offers a variety of cultural events, including music and dance performances.
North Bethesda is a great gateway for people moving out of DC but still wanting an urban feel.
Niche.com gave North Bethesda an A+ grade with A’s for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, diversity, nightlife, commute and health & fitness.
It’s worth noting that niche.com ranked North Bethesda #1 for Best place to live in Maryland, Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Maryland and #1 For Best Suburbs to live in Maryland and #1 for Best Suburbs to Live in Washington DC Area!
The median home value according to niche.com is $596,100, median rent is $2013 and the median household income is $120,261
The top public schools serving North Bethesda according to niche.com are Farmland or Luxmanor Elementary, Tilden Middle, and Walter Johnson High school
Always check with MCPS before buying.