Maryland moving guide

Where should I move in Maryland?

We ranked 69 Maryland cities with 20,000+ residents on home affordability (income vs. home value), unemployment, education and population growth. Here are the top 15.

1. 1

   Ilchester

   Home $498,500 · Rent $1,963 · Income $150,783 · Unemployment 2.3%
   82/100
2. 2

   North Laurel

   Home $442,800 · Rent $1,913 · Income $119,533 · Unemployment 2.7%
   82/100
3. 3

   Bel Air North

   Home $422,700 · Rent $1,651 · Income $137,995 · Unemployment 3.2%
   81/100
4. 4

   Eldersburg

   Home $478,800 · Rent $1,655 · Income $146,598 · Unemployment 3.0%
   81/100
5. 5

   Odenton

   Home $408,400 · Rent $2,174 · Income $126,455 · Unemployment 2.8%
   80/100
6. 6

   Ballenger Creek

   Home $369,800 · Rent $1,913 · Income $108,385 · Unemployment 3.7%
   79/100
7. 7

   Bel Air South

   Home $384,000 · Rent $1,666 · Income $120,721 · Unemployment 3.4%
   78/100
8. 8

   Clarksburg

   Home $646,200 · Rent $2,298 · Income $178,641 · Unemployment 4.2%
   78/100
9. 9

   Crofton

   Home $507,000 · Rent $2,193 · Income $147,250 · Unemployment 3.8%
   78/100
10. 10

    Elkridge

    Home $438,200 · Rent $2,206 · Income $135,412 · Unemployment 5.2%
    78/100
11. 11

    Arbutus

    Home $296,800 · Rent $1,238 · Income $97,215 · Unemployment 4.3%
    75/100
12. 12

    Olney

    Home $632,400 · Rent $2,409 · Income $171,766 · Unemployment 4.0%
    72/100
13. 13

    Pasadena

    Home $406,900 · Rent $2,247 · Income $119,393 · Unemployment 3.0%
    69/100
14. 14

    Ellicott City

    Home $644,300 · Rent $2,001 · Income $157,891 · Unemployment 2.9%
    67/100
15. 15

    Perry Hall

    Home $332,000 · Rent $1,604 · Income $104,709 · Unemployment 2.2%
    66/100

Statewide, Maryland recorded 2,218 crimes per 100,000 people in 2025 — #11 highest of 50 states (FBI).

Also see: Best counties in Maryland to live

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates (2023); FBI Crime Data Explorer.