2023 Best Places to Live in the Baltimore Area

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  285 reviews

Current Resident: Ellicott City is a community that celebrates diversity. My friends and neighbors come from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, which makes us a well-rounded bunch who continue to learn from each other. The schools in Ellicott City are fantastic, it's a safe place to live, and there are a lot of great opportunities for recreation, such as state park hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, skateboarding and lots of other great outdoor fun. There's a little something for everyone in my hometown! Downtown Main Street is one of my favorite places to visit, for the unique shops and restaurants with passionate owners. If you're looking for a job opportunity--try here for a cool place to work! There are many historic sites to see too. Come check it out! Finally, Ellicott City is in a convenient location. It's a very short trip to other great destinations, including Annapolis, St. Michael's, Baltimore, and DC, not to mention winter fun in Western MD, and summer fun in Eastern MD!... Read 285 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 74,432

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: A heartwarming memory in my neighborhood was our "Kindness Day" initiative. Residents united to perform acts of generosity, from helping elderly neighbors with yard work to hosting a food drive. The day culminated in a lively street fair, fostering connections and sharing stories. The event epitomized our strong community spirit and left a lasting feeling of unity and goodwill among us.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 5,230

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: Lutherville is a suburb of Baltimore. It has a quiet, rural atmosphere and I think it makes me feel at home. I have only lived here for over a year but I believe my house is very pretty. There are a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, and shops in Lutherville which I really like. I like how Lutherville has preserved some of its colonial history. For example, even my home has preserved some of the wood used. My neighbors' house actually used to be a carriage house in the olden days. In addition, I do believe that there are some great schools nearby. I have looked up some statistics about Lutherville and a few include that it is one of the best places to buy a house in Maryland, one of the best suburbs in Maryland, and it is in the top places for retiring in Maryland.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 6,755

• City in Maryland

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  408 reviews

Current Resident: THE BEST PLACE TO LIFE. As a senior in high school I have never wished to live anywhere else. The ability to walk where ever I please is amazing! The small community allows me to bond with my neighbors and grow life long friendships. The schools in the area never fail to amaze me because of the strong community bond. The schools are always finding new ways to keep the community and students involved. Even from kindergarten to seniors in high school are always connected in community service with one another. Growing up in Columbia the convenience has allowed me to grow my individuality. I was able to walk to my friends house or even just to Dunkin to hang out. This gave me a sense of self awareness, individuality, responsibilty, and freedom to grow.... Read 408 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 105,086

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  42 reviews

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+

• grade A+

• Population 27,513

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  21 reviews

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+

• grade A+

• Population 10,658

• Town in Maryland

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  Rating 4 out of 5  230 reviews

Current Resident: There are great restaurants, stores, and safe neighborhoods. The towson towne center has many stores leaving. It used to be a very nice mall, but many stores have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The town itself has many great schools, both public and private, a university, many libraries, many different grocery stores and gas stations. There are great restaurants, stores, and safe neighborhoods. The towson towne center has many stores leaving. It used to be a very nice mall, but many stores have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The town itself has many great schools, both public and private, a university, many libraries, many different grocery stores and gas stations. There are great restaurants, stores, and safe neighborhoods. The towson towne center has many stores leaving. It used to be a very nice mall, but many stores have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic.... Read 230 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 59,014

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Timonium has lots of nice stores and restaurants and is generally easy to get around. It lacks some of the charm of a town though. There’s no town square and most of the stores around are chains. It makes for convenience though. It is very close to Baltimore and DC, which is another perk.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 11,136

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: I love North Laurel! It has a great community center and a lot of residential area. It's super close to I-95 and one can even walk on the overpass above the huge highway. There are a lot of amazing schools nearby. The library system is one of the best in the country. Because of its close proximity to DC and Baltimore, the opportunities are ENDLESS! Grocery is easily accessible – a short drive or even walking distance. Overall, I highly recommend this area.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 24,233

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Mays Chapel for 8 years. I feel safe. The community is clean. The local schools are fine. Close enough to major roads, but also nice community for walking and riding bike. Glad I found this place.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 12,428

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  83 reviews

Current Resident: I've actually been out of the country for some years but coming back coming after so long and seeing that not much has changed, that feeling of nostalgia just felt so amazing! I love how friendly the people in this community are which means a lot to me. Although it might be small compared to it's surrounding neighbors that's what makes it all the better. Everything someone might need is close, I can actually walk to most of the places I need to go to without stress. It is also a very safe place to live in as well. Knowing I can walk around knowing nothing will happen to me unlike other places is extremely reliving. And because of that it is a very diverse community of lots of people from different backgrounds. So if you want to to live in a safe, loving , and fun community I would totally recommend living in Elkridge!... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 24,115

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

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+

• grade A+

• Population 1,017

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.14 out of 5  7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 5,055

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  100 reviews

Current Resident: When I first moved to Crofton, I thought that me and my family would not be accepted here because of our race and social class. However, as time went by, I started to notice how everyone treated us just the same as any person who lived and worked in Crofton. It's a great area to raise your children in as I've made some lifelong friendships from people in Crofton. The streets are clean, and the neighborhoods are very scenic. Although it's the most diverse place I've lived it's also a mostly white area so what I would like to see is more people from different backgrounds and races coming to live here and enjoy the same opportunities and friendships as I have while living here.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 29,812

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.14 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: All the neighbors are well-acquainted, and I always feel safe in my neighborhood. It is also located conveniently close to Hopkins Homewood Campus and several parks.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• grade C

• Population 3,297

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

• grade A+

• grade C minus

• Population 1,166

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Former Resident: Butcher’s Hill is a great neighborhood near Patterson Park and walking distance to Fells Point, Canton, Harbor East and Downtown. Lots of families with kids. Very eclectic. Big beautiful row homes many with off street parking. Walking distance to coffee shops and restaurants.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade C minus

• Population 1,823

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful and clean neighborhoods. Good public transportation, plenty of stores and walking areas. Neighbors are friendly and good mannered.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• grade C minus

• Population 2,566

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  75 reviews

Current Resident: Pikesville is a very diverse community. I grew up going to elementary and middle school in Pikesville and it has been an overall positive experience. I live in the suburbs so there isn’t much to be distracted by, this way I am more focused on my school work. As far as schools, I was opened up to a very diverse community which has widened my view of the world!... Read 75 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 33,549

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  148 reviews

Current Resident: Catonsville, Baltimore, MD, is a charming community with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Its well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks take you back in time. The residents are friendly and welcoming, fostering a strong sense of belonging. The town's natural beauty, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, is complemented by the nearby Patapsco Valley State Park. Traffic congestion is an issue that needs attention, and diversifying the culinary scene would be a great addition. With improvements in traffic and more diverse dining options, Catonsville can become an even more desirable destination.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 42,789

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Canton is a boisterous neighborhood near the inner harbor of Baltimore City. It is a relatively young community consisting of many young professionals as well as recent college graduates... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• grade C minus

• Population 10,873

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Fed Hill is a super cute neighborhood south of the city, still close enough to the city to get to a beautiful dinner or head to Fells Point for drinks by the water. Fed Hill has tons of great restaurants and bars. Relatively safe and well lit on most streets. Very close to the ramp for 95, that's a huuuge plus. Always events going on.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade C minus

• Population 2,105

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Sykesville for roughly six months, and have a had a great experience so far. Nice people and a beautiful, clean environment make for a calm and relaxing lifestyle!... Read 52 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 4,260

• Neighborhood in Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Upper Fells Point is a great neighborhood that’s close to Fells Point and Harbor East and just minutes away from the famed “Charm’tastic Mile”. There’s plenty of businesses nearby and a Safeway 10 minutes away. Nice brownstone-type houses and very nice neighbors. I highly recommend Upper Fells Point.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• grade C minus

• Population 3,467

• Suburb of Baltimore, MD

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  Rating 3.74 out of 5  66 reviews

Nearby Resident: Always something fun and creative to get into! Great area for families and fun. Plenty of restaurants, and places to entertain.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 23,803