Skip to Main Content

Find

In

Find Places to Live
Rankings
Schools Near You
Find Places to Work

Review Your ...
K-12 School
College
Graduate School
Town or Neighborhood
Company

School Search
District Search
School Rankings
Schools Near You
K-12 Quiz
Compare Schools
Review Your School
Parent Resources

College Search
Online College Search
College Rankings
College Quiz
Scholarships
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Student Loans
Admissions Calculator
Compare Colleges
Review Your College
College Guidance

GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Grad School Search
Graduate Programs
$1,000 Graduate Survey Scholarship
Review Your Grad School

Find Places to Live
Rankings
Review Your Area
Find Places to Work
Review Your Company
Home Buying Tips

About Niche
Niche Data
Careers
Blog
Claim Your School
Contact Niche

2021 Best Places to Raise a Family in MarylandAbout this List

Explore the best places to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

loading indicator

1 – 25 of 683

Showing results 1 through 25 of 683

Best for Families

Best Places to Live
Most Diverse
Best to Buy a House

683 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

North Potomac
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4.04 out of 5 78 reviews
#1 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: The environment created within the North Potomac area is very welcoming and safe. The atmosphere in the neighborhood is friendly as all neighbor experiences I have had, have been positive. Furthermore, it is very close to grocery stores and main attractions, in fact it is less than a ten minute drive to the nearest CVS. I would recommend living in North Potomac to anyone, as the homes are beautiful and it is in an amazing school district.
Read 78 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
23,914 Population
View Nearby Homes
South Kensington
Suburb in Maryland
#2 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
8,763 Population
View Nearby Homes
Potomac
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4.23 out of 5 75 reviews
#3 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Potomac is a small village within the greater confines of Montgomery County Maryland. The village center has everything you need for daily life - grocery stores, drug stores, Starbucks, specialty market and hairdresser/barber and several restaurants. It's not far to a major mall (Montgomery Mall) or very high end shops (Saks, Chanel, etc in either Bethesda or Tyson's Corner), as well as being close to job centers. It's mostly a residential community of high-end homes.
Read 75 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
45,940 Population
View Nearby Homes
Brookmont
Suburb in Maryland
#4 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
3,921 Population
View Nearby Homes
Urbana
Town in Maryland
Rating 4.1 out of 5 40 reviews
#5 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Nearby Resident: Urbana is a growing town in Maryland. What once was farmland is now a hustling town filling with townhomes, single family homes, and apartments. It’s very popular due to the location in Southern Frederick County. It’s a great place for those with government jobs since it’s a little over an hour to our Nation’s Capital. If that commute is too long for you then what might get you to stay is the public school systems. They are one of the best in the state. This charming town still is perfect for an active couple and has the option to be close to the city and close to the middle of nowhere. With the Application Mountain’s to the west and D.C. to the east, it’s very easy to find something to do and experience the four distinct seasons of nature!
Read 40 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
12,587 Population
View Nearby Homes
Ellicott City
Suburb of Baltimore, MD
Rating 4.26 out of 5 255 reviews
#6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: The best part about living in Ellicott City is visiting Old Ellicott City! I love it there; It has many little shops and restaurants. I go there quite often. Howard County, the school county that resides in Ellicott City, is also wonderful. In fact, it's one of the best counties in aMERICA. Although the work can be challenging, the challenge is what I love the most about it.
Read 255 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
72,665 Population
View Nearby Homes
Travilah
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 11 reviews
#7 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Nearby Resident: Travilah is the classic American suburban neighborhood. The town is surrounded by some of the best learning centers in America, from John Hopkins University, which is down the street, from a combination of 13 top universities in Maryland molded together to become, The universities of Shady Grove.
Read 11 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
11,301 Population
View Nearby Homes
North Bethesda
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4.2 out of 5 40 reviews
#8 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: While the area is generally pretty expensive, I think it's a great fit for my family. Montgomery County as a whole has a good amount of top-rated schools, and North Bethesda in particular is great because they are always building and renovating, bringing lots of new businesses and places to go to our area. I love that I always feel safe, whatever hour I go for a walk; I also love the amount of trails we have around here that I can ride my bicycle. With 270 and 495 right here, the commute to work is extremely accessible.
Read 40 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
49,872 Population
View Nearby Homes
Bethesda
Town in Maryland
Rating 4.2 out of 5 122 reviews
#9 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: As a teenager living in Bethesda, I love it! I feel so safe walking around alone or at night. There's so many restaurants and entertainment options. I am in public school, and it's really good. I live my school. All the teachers and students are amazing. My friends and I love going on bike rides around the town. It's the perfect mix of city and town. There's both urban and residential areas. The only issue I'd say is that that everything is very expensive, like gas and real estate. Regardless, it's. a. great area to live and raise a family.
Read 122 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
63,195 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chevy Chase
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 26 reviews
#10 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: I love living in Chevy Chase! Wouldn't move anywhere else. It's safe, fun, family friendly, and I feel totally OK walking around at night on my nightly walks. The community is tight knit, and there are neighborhood parties and events to attend if that's your kind of thing. I lived in DC for years and bought a property in Martin's Additions and have not looked back!
Read 26 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
9,622 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chevy Chase View
Suburb in Maryland
#11 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
1,017 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kensington
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4.47 out of 5 17 reviews
#12 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: I have lived in Kensington since 2005 and I have loved it. It is a very safe, family-friendly neighborhood.
It has many parks and small stores in the area, great places typically within walking distance.
Read 17 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
2,098 Population
View Nearby Homes
Fulton
Suburb of Baltimore, MD
Rating 4.67 out of 5 9 reviews
#13 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: This is a wonderful community to raise a family in. The local parks, schools and restaurants are all fantastic. The neighbors are mostly friendly and this is a very safe community. Maple Lawn in particular is an ideal location for raising children and I highly recommend it!
Read 9 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
4,326 Population
View Nearby Homes
Rockville
Town in Maryland
Rating 4.23 out of 5 260 reviews
#14 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Most of my experiences I found to be enjoyable in Rockville came from activities hosted in the Rockville town centre and fallsgrove shopping center. In the Rockville town centre you can find outdoor movies being hosted during the summer, concerts, as well as festivals! There is also an arrange of places you can eat at, including five guys and California tortilla! There is also a movie theater in Rockville town centre with the Rockville Metro Station (Red Line) right by it.
Read 260 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
67,542 Population
View Nearby Homes
Scaggsville
Suburb of Baltimore, MD
Rating 3.71 out of 5 21 reviews
#15 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Safe neighborhood, with the new shopping center provides lots of necessities. From fast food restaurant, grocery store, convenience stores, gas stations, doctors offices, classy restaurants, and many more!
Read 21 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
9,751 Population
View Nearby Homes
Somerset
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
#16 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Somerset is an excellent place to live and raise a family. Real estate is expensive, however the local schools are excellent and the neighborhood had a more friendly and laid back feel than some of the surrounding sections of Bethesda-Chevy Chase. The Halloween party is the best the DMV.
Read 1 Review
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
1,090 Population
View Nearby Homes
Martin's Additions
Suburb in Maryland
#17 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
1,043 Population
View Nearby Homes
Ilchester
Suburb of Baltimore, MD
Rating 3.62 out of 5 42 reviews
#18 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Niche User: I am partial to this area because it is my hometown, but I can objectively say that it is a great place to raise a family. I generally feel safe, and the public school system is decent by national standards. It also allows easy access to cities including DC and Annapolis as well as more rural areas and mountains.
Read 42 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
26,974 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chevy Chase Village
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4.4 out of 5 5 reviews
#19 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Chevy Chase Village is very welcoming with a strong sense of community. The friendly neighbors, canopy lined streets, and diverse architectural house designs brings a deep sense of tranquility. The schools are great, the village services are perfect. This is our forever home and neighborhood!
Read 5 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
1,937 Population
View Nearby Homes
Highland
Suburb of Baltimore, MD
Rating 4.5 out of 5 2 reviews
#20 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: The town is fairly small, every body knows every body. There are multiple family owned shops and it is close to all major highways.
Read 2 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
1,206 Population
View Nearby Homes
Four Corners
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 12 reviews
#21 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Niche User: It's pretty safe. You do have a few crimes here and there, but nothing to be too concerned about.
Read 12 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
8,246 Population
View Nearby Homes
Clarksburg
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 61 reviews
#22 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: The ethnic diversity is a draw to Clarksburg, MD. Individual families participate in hosting activities that help their children grow and acknowledge other cultures, religions and ethnicities. The community has events for all ages and throughout the year. A few changes I would like to see implemented are having a larger high school and a more efficient traffic pattern in and out of school during drop off and pick up. I would also like to see more involvement from the Board of Education and Montgomery County Council to understand the residents concerns. I would like to see additional joint activities with the schools and community.
Read 61 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
24,767 Population
View Nearby Homes
Darnestown
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 3.88 out of 5 16 reviews
#23 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Great area. Quiet and friendly. Really enjoy nature and everything that the suburbs has to offer! Great food, great people and great schools.
Read 16 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
6,462 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chevy Chase Town
Suburb in Maryland
#24 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
2,973 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cabin John
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 5 reviews
#25 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland
Current Resident: Cabin John is the little area in between Potomac and Bethesda. You've probably never really heard of it. It's an amazing place to live for people with a family. However, diversity is extremely low. Most of the people around you are white and affluent people. Some of whom can be nice, but a lot of the times people seem to keep to themselves. The schools here are very good, whether that be private or public school. I've attended both the private schools and public and personally I found that my experience at private school was much better than that of public school. Night life, well, there is not much to do around here for night life. There are restaurants, but everything will be 15 minutes or more away. Overall, if you're trying to start a family in a really safe area this is the place for you. Otherwise, this might not be a place to call home.
Read 5 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A+
Good for Families
2,121 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
Key School
Private School
Annapolis, MD
PK, K-12
Rating 4.52 out of 5 131 reviews
Parent: If you are looking for a school that will help your child grow into a critical thinker, problem solver, environmental steward, and kind citizen… Key is the school for you! Key offers a challenging learning environment that is a blend of classroom and experiential learning. There are many schools in this area that claim to have excellent academics but the instruction is lecture/memorization. The Key School values deep thinking and communication. Students learn to listen to a diverse range of thought and contribute meaningfully to the dialogue. The teachers are amazing and care deeply for the children. The outdoor education program has challenged our children and helped build their confidence. They have gone places and done things they could never do outside of Key. In addition to the excellent academics and outdoor education program, the Key school fosters a community of kind and caring young people. Our children have made many friends and are truly happy at Key.
Read 131 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
650 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Virtual Tour
- 2021 Best Places to Live
- 2021 Most Diverse Places to Live
- 2021 Places with the Best Public Schools
Review Your Area
Sponsored
KIPP DC - Discover Public Charter School
PK, K
354 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
George Washington University Online High School
Online School
Ashburn, VA
8-12
Rating 4.33 out of 5 24 reviews
Senior: I have been attending GWUOHS since 7th grade. I am now in 12th, so that's 6 whole years with them! Personally, I'm someone who likes to be challenged, so I have loved the rigorous education system that they've provided throughout the years. I also like having the freedom to go to school without the need to leave the house (of course, that's the situation for the majority of us now during this pandemic). Nevertheless, I appreciate having a much more flexible schedule due to this school's platform.

I've had a slight issue with this school, however. I would recommend that GWUOHS provides better counseling from advisors regarding courses. I was unaware that the courses I was taking had caused me to advance by 1 year ahead of the other students who were in my same grade. I didn't learn until last year that I was required to return for my senior year for only 2 electives and my final Journeys Symposium class in order to fulfill the missing credits I needed in order to graduate.
Read 24 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
147 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes

current page for search
1 of 28

About This List

Explore the best places to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

More From Niche

2021 Best Places to Live
2021 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family
2021 Places with the Best Public Schools
2021 Best Cities to Retire
2021 Most Diverse Places to Live

2021 Best Places for Young Professionals
2021 Best Places to Buy a House
2021 Best Counties to Live
2021 Best ZIP Codes to Live

About Us
Niche For Schools
Niche For Colleges
Blog
Resource Center
Contact Niche
Data
Careers
Partnerships
Press
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Privacy Policy
User Agreement
Web Accessibility
Cookie Policy

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Tiktok

©2021 Niche.com Inc.

Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you.

K-12
Colleges
Graduate Schools
Places to Live

Do you work for a school or college? Claim Your School

Cities

Best Cities in America
Best Cities to Raise a Family
Best Cities to Buy a House
Best Cities for Young Professionals
Best Cities to Retire
Alexandria, VA
Arlington, VA
Boulder, CO
Charlotte, NC
Naperville, IL
Oakland, CA
Plano, TX
Queens, NY
Raleigh, NC
Stamford, CT

Places

Best Places in America
Best Places to Raise a Family
Best Places to Buy a House
Best College Towns
Best Places to Retire
Beaverton, OR
Bozeman, MT
Evanston, IL
Mountain View, CA
Newton, MA
Pleasanton, CA
Redmond, WA
Sugar Land, TX
Walnut Creek,CA
White Plains, NY

Suburbs

Best Suburbs in America
Best Suburbs to Raise a Family
Best Suburbs to Buy a House
Best Atlanta Suburbs
Best Austin Suburbs
Best Boston Suburbs
Best Chicago Suburbs
Best Denver Suburbs
Best Houston Suburbs
Best Los Angeles Suburbs
Best Miami Suburbs
Best New York City Suburbs
Best Philadelphia Suburbs
Best Seattle Suburbs
Best San Francisco Suburbs