2019 Best Counties to Live in MarylandAbout this List

Howard County

• County in Maryland
• 97 reviews

Current Resident: Howard County is a dynamic, diverse community that has something to offer for everyone. The opportunities are seemingly endless and the residents are supportive of each other and their individual interests. This encompasses all ages, from infants to senior citizens, and everyone in between. The school system is highly rated and offers a quality education for whatever path your life leads you. I feel that is has prepared me to be a respectable candidate for college admission or as an employee or as a volunteer. I have had the privilege to live in two very different parts of Howard County, one suburban and one rural, and have been able to experience the diversity that abounds here firsthand. There is a moto that is on the car magnets to advertise Howard County saying "CHOOSE CIVILITY" which sums it up perfectly!
Read 97 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 312,495 Population

Montgomery County

• County in Maryland
• 99 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in Montgomery county in the part thats called Gaithersburg for most of my childhood. Growing up here was pretty average, I guess you can say its your typical suburban area. What makes it so great is that it pretty safe and anything you can think of doing you could probably find in a one hour driving distance at most, plus your a short metro ride to Washington DC.
Read 99 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• 1,039,198 Population

Baltimore County

• County in Maryland
• 362 reviews

Current Resident: Baltimore County gives its residents access to a high standard of living. Geographically, its location is equidistant from downtown Baltimore and the more rural parts of Maryland, allowing residents the opportunity to participate in a multitude of diverse activities. Baltimore County is a very family oriented area with top-rated public schools, shops and restaurants, and a safe environment. Schools are safe and diverse. George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology is a nationally acclaimed public magnet high school in Baltimore County that offers students the opportunity to study art or a trade at the highest level alongside standard high school courses. Baltimore County's proximity to Baltimore City offers access to arts and cultural experiences and world class museums. It is easy to be politically and socially engaged here, and there are ample volunteering and charitable causes to give back to the community.
Read 362 Reviews

• A

• B

• 828,637 Population

Frederick County

• County in Maryland
• 208 reviews

Former Resident: Flanked by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the ambling waters of the Nation's River, the Potomac, to the south, bounded by the infamous Mason-Dixon Line to the north, and surrounded by a patchwork of pristine farmland to the east, Frederick County, Maryland has it all. It's the perfect mix of hip, urban, trendiness with relaxed country living. Fresh, organic, foods are raised locally, and transformed into culinary creations at Frederick's lively downtown scene. Its public schools ranked 5 years in a row with Maryland schools as #1 in the nation! Jobs are diverse and plentiful in Frederick, but D.C. and Baltimore are a close commute, helping protect the local economy from recessional downturns. Catch a concert, visit a winery or hike a national park here. Discover why Francis Scott Key, the Star Spangled Banner writer, called Frederick his home. With few crimes, about 50% ethnic diversity, and so many things going for it, Frederick County is living at it's finest!
Read 208 Reviews

• A

• A+

• 246,105 Population

Anne Arundel County

• County in Maryland
• 133 reviews

Current Resident: Anne Arundel County is a nice and diverse area. There's lots to do and the location is convenient to other County - PG and Howard. There are multiple eateries and movie theaters, and an outlet mall and casino for those who like to hang out. The schools are great. Crime is very low. You rarely hear about it. There is a great hospital close by. You also have easy access to multiple highways - 32, 295, 95, 100, and many more. I have been living in Anne Arundel for five years. I'm happy here. My part-time job is in walking distance and it only takes me 5-8 minutes to drive to school. Anne Arundel has really flourished since I've lived here.
Read 133 Reviews

• A

• A-

• 564,600 Population

Harford County

• County in Maryland
• 277 reviews

Niche User: Harford County is a great place. The people are friendly and you make new friends all the time. There are great public and private schools, so parents can take there pick. There are parks and hiking trails but also malls, shops, and movie theaters. Downtown Bel Air is a cute little town with great restaurants, and a welcoming small town vibe. Or if you do not like being around people all the time, you can move out to where there are rolling hills and deep forests. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about Harford County. It is such a desirable place to live and it only gets better everyday. New people move in all the time which is great for making new friends. I could not imagine living anywhere else. HArford County is a beautiful haven.
Read 277 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 250,132 Population

Talbot County

• County in Maryland
• 10 reviews

Current Resident: The community is very close. Everyone knows one another and like to get to residents that come to the area.
Read 10 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 37,461 Population

Worcester County

• County in Maryland
• 11 reviews

Niche User: Sure things happen, but not big things. The police are always around and helpful when needed.
Read 11 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• 51,559 Population

St. Mary's County

• County in Maryland
• 89 reviews

Current Resident: What I like about St. marys county is its small town feelings and charm. We all know that feeling of connectivity through the agriculture, good food, and interesting characters. I was born and raised here and it is an amazing place to grow up. There is so many community, family orientated activities available, good schools, and great food places. I would like it to become a little bit more exciting. For example add some more activities/ places for teens to go and hang out.
Read 89 Reviews

• A-

• B+

• 110,979 Population

Queen Anne's County

• County in Maryland
• 29 reviews

Current Resident: Queen Anne's County is a very scenic county that is close to the Chesapeake Bay. I've been here for quite some time and loving every minute of it. Everyone is nice here as well. For the most part, the residents here have quite a bit of money. Could be considered as a retirement county. There is also plenty of golf courses towards the bay bridge. It also features an outlets located in Queenstown.
Read 29 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• 49,071 Population

Carroll County

• County in Maryland
• 162 reviews

Niche User: It's the country, not much happens here that I know about. There are a lot of meth addicts and alcoholics, who probably got into that because there's nothing to do here and they couldn't stand it. Police are very responsive but because there's not much going on, they are more concerned with traffic issues out here, which makes driving around here suck because they are always around. Recently, we have seen rude drivers passing stopped school buses that are letting children off. This is something that I had never seen before. This is very disconcerting.
Read 162 Reviews

• B+

• A

• 167,319 Population

Calvert County

• County in Maryland
• 63 reviews

Current Resident: I have grown up in this area, and have always loved it. It’s moderately close to a metro, and major shopping centers in Annapolis. The community itself is generally friendly, especially during Farmer’s Market season.
Read 63 Reviews

• B+

• A

• 90,824 Population

Charles County

• County in Maryland
• 109 reviews

Current Resident: Laid back and relaxing. It offers several things to do and is a short drive to major cities like Washington, DC. It is a commuter town with many people who do many different things.
Read 109 Reviews

• B

• B

• 156,021 Population

Kent County

• County in Maryland
• 13 reviews

Current Resident: Kent County is a gorgeous rural county with beautiful sunsets. The rivers and Chesapeake Bay make summers on the water a prime location with tourists coming in to see all of its beauty. Winters bring moderate snow fall. The Public School system has provided me with an education that allowed me to get accepted into top schools with top programs.
Read 13 Reviews

• B

• C+

• 19,666 Population

Wicomico County

• County in Maryland
• 52 reviews

Niche User: The area is very small and can quickly become secluded when leaving city limits (which happens very fast). There is not really many things for youth to go enjoy in the area, but there are definitely some cool restaurants. Neat how close it is to the beach (half hour or so from Ocean City, MD) and how accessible some major cities on the Northern East Coast are--places like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are only a matter of a few hours drive from here. You get to experience the full range of seasons here also. Great area for creative people that enjoy finding things outdoors to do.
Read 52 Reviews

• B

• B

• 102,014 Population

Garrett County

• County in Maryland
• 21 reviews

Current Resident: I like parts of Garrett county, it is a nice place to grow up. There are lots of things to do outside but if the outdoors is not something you enjoy, its probably not a fun place. There is not much diversity but we are getting better, the biggest thing is that there is a meth problem and no one really talks about it because they do not want to hurt tourism.
Read 21 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 29,516 Population

Washington County

• County in Maryland
• 83 reviews

Niche User: Crime in Hagerstown isn't as bad as neighboring cities such as Baltimore or DC. We have our problems with drugs being brought in from the cities around us and that is probably the biggest thing. Washington County is becoming more influenced with heroine and it is very sad. Unlike other cities we don't have much gang violence which is great. Our police officers are doing a great job protecting the city from much harm. They are quick to respond to calls, they catch a lot of the drug dealers in town fairly quickly and they have a lot of respect from the rest of the community unlike some cities. They treat everyone with respect and don't abuse their power which is a big relief.
Read 83 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 149,546 Population

Allegany County

• County in Maryland
• 25 reviews

Niche User: I would choose to live here for the rest of my life because I enjoy being in the peace and quiet. There are neighbors around, but I am still able to have privacy. Not much happens here which is good because crime is included in that. It's far away from stores or activities, which may be a downside, but I would rather be far from it and live here.
Read 25 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 72,591 Population

Prince George's County

• County in Maryland
• 220 reviews

Current Resident: As someone who has been immersed in the community of PG County, being able to be apart of a thriving, growing family is a treasure. There is a lot of work to be done definitely, but the growth I've seen in my community where I grew up in has truly made me want to make a difference in the lives of those who want to contribute their talents and experiences to the world. There are many opportunities within Prince George's County that are very important to the growth of the family. I would love to see more community outreach opportunities and meetings with communities to help bridge barriers and create successful pathways for students like myself to succeed.
Read 220 Reviews

• C+

• D+

• 905,161 Population

Caroline County

• County in Maryland
• 45 reviews

Current Resident: Caroline County is mostly farm and hunting land, but it's a nice spot. About 30 minutes away from Dover, Queenstown, and Chesapeake Community College. Plenty of privacy and fresh air. Can be very scenic.
Read 45 Reviews

• C+

• B+

• 32,785 Population

Somerset County

• County in Maryland
• 22 reviews

• C

• C

• 25,801 Population

Cecil County

• County in Maryland
• 82 reviews

Niche User: I love my home and my neighborhood! It's very quiet, but not isolated. We are within 20 minutes of most everyday activities and conveniences (the mall, post office, grocery stores, etc.) The neighborhood is also full of nature, and is very green. The neighbors are conscientious of their yards and often have very well tended gardens.
Read 82 Reviews

• C

• C+

• 102,416 Population

Dorchester County

• County in Maryland
• 18 reviews

• C

• C

• 32,386 Population