Best Places to Live in Maryland

Some of the best places to live in Maryland are built by DRB Homes.

And why do we build in Maryland? Because Maryland is a state that has it all.

Proximity to big cities like Baltimore and Washington DC might be the first reason most people think about when deciding to move to Maryland, but there’s so much more.

From the mountains in the west to the central Chesapeake Bay to the beaches on the East Coast, the variety of landscapes is wonderfully diverse. And the landscapes help flavor the many great towns in Maryland.

The award-winning DRB Homes team has been building new construction homes throughout the state for over 30 years. As such, we know the lay of the land, so to speak, and what makes this such a great state to live in.

Let’s go on a little tour of the state, and identify and explore some of the best places to live in Maryland.

How We Decided on the Best Places to Live in Maryland

Because it surrounds most of Washington DC, the average cost of living in Maryland is higher than the national average. However, this prime location does come with benefits. The minimum wage in Maryland is almost 83% higher than the national minimum wage and the state is ranked number 10 in the country for access and affordability of health care. 

To compile this list, we looked at not only the affordability of the area, but also the quality of life, including schools, employment opportunities, recreational activities, and other factors. Here they are, in alphabetical order.

Brunswick in Frederick County

Surrounding Rt. 17 as it crosses the Potomac River on a 2-lane bridge into the countryside of Virginia, is the charming town of Brunswick. The natural beauty around this historic town cannot be understated. Parks abound and the Potomac River and C&O Canal are right down the road. Railroads have always been an important part of Brunswick. Not only does it have a heritage museum with one of the largest model trains on the East Coast, but it also is a major stop on the MARC Train line which can take you straight into Washington DC should you need to commute (or just for fun).

When you are looking for a new home in Brunswick, make sure to visit our new construction, luxury single family homes at Brunswick Crossing. With a community center, outdoor pool, fitness facility, tot lot, community garden, and dog park, your home will be surrounded by greatness in a small town surrounded by nature!

Clarksburg in Montgomery County

Clarksburg is one of those perfect towns when you want to live near everything, but not right in the middle of everything. Though being close to I-270 lets you easily commute to anywhere in the area (you’re just 17 miles to Frederick, 31 miles to Washington DC, and 45 miles to Baltimore), Clarksburg is a prime location for nature lovers who can enjoy nearby Little Bennett Park, Black Hill Regional Park, Dowdon’s Ordinary Special Park, and Ridge Road Recreational Park. Clarksburg has recently been expanding with opportunities the whole family will enjoy, including Clarksburg Premium Outlets: over 90 stores with savings up to 65% off!

And right down the road from the outlets is The Village at Cabin Branch. This 55+ Active Adult community offers spacious villas and an array of amenities, such as a clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, cozy café, pickleball courts, and scenic walking paths. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, The Village at Cabin Branch is the epitome of stress-free living.

Glenn Dale in Prince George’s County

East of Washington DC and south of the extensive Patuxent Research Refuge, is Glen Dale. This community thrives on its proximity to the Nation’s Capital, while being distant enough to enjoy a charming suburban lifestyle. Full of plentiful green spaces in which to relax and recharge, like Glen Dale Park, this is where you like to feel connected to everything you desire most. It’s convenience and serenity all rolled into one.

Single family homes in Glen Dale don’t get better than our new construction homes at Fairway Estates. The homes here are a modern take on luxury, with spacious design that has all the rooms your family needs AND wants. Plus, in mere moments you can be on I-495 or Rt. 50, making commuting to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington DC a breeze!

Jefferson in Frederick County

In the rolling hills of Frederick County, Jefferson is your rural destination right around the corner. Just a short drive on Jefferson Pike will bring you to everything you need: dining, shopping, entertainment, Historic Downtown Frederick, and Harper’s Ferry. You’ll also be close to I-270, US-15, US-340, and I-70 for commuting to the cities. But you may never want to leave your land of local farmers markets, an old-fashioned butcher, and ice cream served in a restored 100-year-old barn. Jefferson, in a word, is beautiful.

And you can call Jefferson home when you live in in Woodbourne Manor. With home site up to half an acre, you’ll see breathtaking views of the mountains in every direction. Full of every convenience and luxury you could ever desire, four home plans and many personalization options will let you create the home of your dreams. You’ll also love the community's amenities, including walking trails, a central community park, soccer fields, a tot lot, and a picnic area.

Lanham in Prince George’s County

Slightly closer to DC than Glenn Dale, Lanham offers even more urban convenience. Of course you have easy access to the Capital, but you also get quickly reach other large cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. You’re also near local destinations like National Harbor, Ritchie Station Marketplace, Woodmore Town Center, and Navy Yard. With so many shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the area, you’ll never be without something fun to do living here.

It gets even better when you live in a DRB Homes luxury townhome in Vista Gardens West. These new construction townhomes showcase thoughtful designs and features that are sure to fit your needs. Four different floor plans will give you choice in your new home, with many options available including a fourth-floor loft level with private balcony!

Temple Hills in Prince George’s County

Temple Hills in is a unique place in Maryland. It’s close to Washington DC but it’s also almost as close to the waterfront, historical city of Alexandria, Virginia, just across the Woodrow Wilson bridge. This puts so many wonderful places and experiences at your fingertips that it’s impossible to count! From Rosecroft Raceway to the National Harbor in Maryland to Old Town Alexandria and Potomac Yard in Virginia, Temple Hills is a gateway to the entire Metro area. But that doesn’t mean it’s just an urban location. With Henson Creek Park, Tinkers Creek Stream Valley Park, and Henson Creek Golf Course all down the road, you can connect with nature too.

At Tinker’s Preserve, DRB Homes has built a stunning collection of single family estate homes—and as of this writing, only one home remains! The homes here are packed with space, features, and loads of natural light. Living here puts you 5 minutes from I-95 making commuting to anywhere in the area a breeze, including Joint Base Andrews just 10 minutes away.

Thurmont in Frederick County

About 16 miles north of the City of Frederick, lies the picturesque town of Thurmont. At the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, Thurmont is a vibrant little town full of outdoor adventure and surprises. Here, you can enjoy the epic views of Catoctin Mountain Park, the beach at Cunningham Falls State Park, exotic animals at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, and being just a short drive to historic Gettysburg, PA. Thurmont also hosts an annual arts and crafts festival called Catoctin Colorfest which is a fantastic way to spend an autumn weekend.

Live amongst all this natural splendor, not to mention all the specialty shops and restaurants of Thurmont, in a stunning new single family home at Hammaker Hills. Four home plans offer you a variety of personalization options and up to 2,980 Sq. Ft. of living space. And with postcard-worthy vistas in every direction, Thurmont will reward your life at every turn.

Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County

Upper Marlboro is a little farther east of Washington DC than Temple Hills, but still has the same ease of access to the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You also gain everything Upper Marlboro, too, like the area’s rich historical architecture (check out Darnall’s Chance, a home dating back to 1742 that now houses a museum) and trout fishing at the 12-acre School House Pond. And as the administrative center of Prince George’s County, the additional employment options are many.

Come home to Upper Marlboro with a new construction single family home at Westphalia Town Center. Have the excitement of being close to the city and the convenience of having everything you need close to home. With an outdoor pool, clubhouse, parks, trails, playground and future retail, Westphalia Town Center has something for everyone. Easy access to I-495, Branch Ave Metro Station, Andrews Air Force Base, and the entire DC area means commuting and exploring the region has never been easier!

Factors to Consider When Moving

With its mountains and its forests, its stadiums and its museums, Maryland has something for everyone. But with all those varied places to live all in one state, you really need to consider where it makes the most sense for you to call your home. Some of the main things to consider is your new home’s proximity to work and play. That is, commuting in the area can be tough, so you might want to live closer to where your work—or closer to major commuting routes. If you work at home, however, that’s not as much of a concern.

And if play is important to you, you might choose to live closer to the mountains and parks, or nightlife and entertainment venues. But looking over our list of the best places to live in Maryland, one thing is certain: There’s a home by DRB Homes waiting for you to discover in every one!

Final Words…

Maryland is truly a state that offers a wide variety of unique and charming places to live. Whether you are looking to live near the big city with fast-paced opportunities or a small town that entices with its enchanting laid-back charm, you’ll find your home here. And whether you prefer picnics by the water or attending classes at prestigious universities, Maryland has it all.

Don't miss out on the chance to experience the best that this state has to offer. Plan a visit today and explore the world-class museums, bathe in the breathtaking vistas around the state, enjoy picnics by the scenic riverside, spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the many parks, and head into Baltimore or DC for a taste of the big city.

Maryland welcomes all with open arms, ready to showcase its beauty and uniqueness. Don't miss out on experiencing the best places to live in Maryland. Find your new home by DRB Homes today!