Best Affordable Places to Live in Maryland in 2024

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Located in the western part of the state, Hagerstown has become a popular place to live, thanks to its affordability, scenic location near the Appalachian Trail, and numerous outdoor and indoor things to do. The city’s downtown boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment district that includes the historic Maryland Theatre, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. For nature lovers, in addition to the Appalachians, there are more than a dozen parks in the area. Hagerstown sits near major highways, making it easy to get to Washington, D.C. or Baltimore in less than 90 minutes.

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The largest city on the Eastern Shore, Salisbury has an urban vibe in the middle of the rural area where it’s located, giving it a best of both worlds appeal. The home of Salisbury University, the city has a dynamic culture and arts scene with galleries, theaters, and performance spaces, along with a symphony orchestra. Perched on the Wicomico River, Salisbury has a scenic Riverwalk and several parks, as well as boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Many beautiful beaches are just minutes away, including those of Ocean City and Assateague Island.

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This charming city sits along the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, about 40 miles north of Baltimore. The downtown area is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and there’s a boardwalk and promenade that runs from the Concord Point Lighthouse to the city’s yacht basin. Boating and water sports are popular here, and there are numerous marinas as well as museums dedicated to the area’s rich maritime history. The city has a busy schedule of fairs and festivals, and residents say there’s always something to do.

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This lovely colonial town on the Eastern Shore is filled with historic buildings, antique shops, art galleries, museums, and farm-to-table restaurants. There’s a lively performing arts scene here, and a strong feeling of community. Residents enjoy the annual Waterfowl Festival that supports wildlife conservation and the wintertime Fire and Ice Festival with its many events and programs. Easton is about 40 miles east of Annapolis and an hour and a half from Washington, D.C .— close enough for day trips.

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Just 30 minutes northeast of Baltimore, Aberdeen, with its local shops and restaurants, offers a small town feel with easy access to the city via car or the commuter railroad. Many state parks are nearby for hiking and biking, and you can visit Kilgore Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Maryland. Sports lovers will enjoy minor league baseball games at Ripken Stadium (famous Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr. grew up here) and visits to the Ripken Museum to learn about the baseball heritage of the Ripken family.

This suburb of Baltimore has plenty of amenities to make the entire family happy. There are shopping centers and a big mall, as well as restaurants serving up everything from burgers and pizza to Mexican and Chinese. Recreational activities include hiking and biking in one of the local parks, tossing tennis balls to Fido at the dog park, and sports like soccer and baseball. Indoor fun for kids includes crafting events and story time at the local library. Parents may be drawn by the area’s above average public schools and the public transportation options, including trains and buses for the commute to Baltimore.

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Families will feel right at home in Clarksburg. This vibrant town is full of families with children, so there are plenty of opportunities for playdates, and parents appreciate the area’s excellent public schools. Clarksburg has numerous restaurants and shopping centers to keep your clan entertained, as well as outdoor adventures, such as fishing in nearby Seneca Lake. And when you want to make a visit to the nation’s capital, it’s just a 45-minute drive away.

Families have recently been gravitating to this growing town with its proximity to Baltimore. It’s easy to see why: There are numerous restaurants and movie theaters, a big shopping mall, and The Foundry Row outdoor shopping complex. Outdoor adventures include hiking, biking, and fishing in the area’s many parks. Parents may be drawn to the solid public and private schools, as well as the potential job opportunities. There are numerous employers in the area, including the Baltimore Ravens, the Social Security Administration, and T. Rowe Price. And for those who work elsewhere, there are commuter trains to Baltimore and even Washington, D.C.

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Bel Air is known for its friendly, small-town vibe. The town’s quaint Main Street is filled with boutique shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of parks, playgrounds, ballfields, and trails for hiking and biking. Family-focused events and activities include the local Kite Festival and the community’s 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. Plus, parents appreciate the area’s highly rated schools.

Another suburb of Baltimore, Glen Burnie is a bustling community filled with shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and parks, including Patapsco State Park along the Patapsco River, which offers hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and biking. Parents are drawn to the area’s highly regarded school system, and families can enjoy the many local events and festivals. Glen Burnie’s central location and regional transit system makes it easy to commute to Baltimore, Washington, D.C.

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Located in Baltimore County, Towson is an appealing mix of urban and suburban. It has a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and bars for entertainment and nightlife. The city is home to Towson University, and the biggest percentage of the city’s population (35%) is between the ages of 18 and 34. That means young adults have plenty of opportunities to meet and socialize with their peers.

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This charming town nestled in rolling hills north of Baltimore is a haven for nature lovers. Residents tend to be active, taking advantage of the many nearby parks for hiking, running, walking, and kayaking. The town’s recreation council offers sports and activities for all ages, which can be a great way for young adults to meet people. Lutherville has many good restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries to enjoy, and its proximity to Baltimore makes it a nice option for those who work in the city but want the feel of a smaller town.

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This suburb of Baltimore is home to many young professionals. It has a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants and bars for meeting friends after work, and numerous shops to explore. Another draw: Hunt Valley Towne Center, a large outdoor mall with more than 50 stores and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate nearby Oregon Ridge Park and Loch Haven Reservoir for hiking and exploring. Public transportation makes it easy to commute from Cockeysville to the city, which is just 20 miles away.

Young professionals working in D.C. may find a lot to like in Derwood, one of the city’s more affordable suburbs. The area has a friendly, suburban feel, and there are a number of parks, including Lake Needwood for hiking and kayaking. The area’s restaurants and bars provide ample opportunities for enjoying a bite or a night out with friends. Public transportation via the metro makes it quick and convenient to commute to D.C.

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This city is fairly close to the nation’s capital (the daily commute is about 45 minutes), but it provides a more relaxed lifestyle. There’s plenty to keep young adults entertained in their off hours, including numerous restaurants, breweries, and pubs. For fun outdoor activities, they can head to Bohrer Park where there’s a miniature golf course and a water park, or Seneca Lake Park for boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

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This charming town, which is also one of our best affordable places to live in Maryland overall, is popular with retirees. The strong sense of community, walkable town center with its abundance of shops and restaurants, and a thriving arts and cultural scene, are a major draw. All that plus Easton’s relatively close proximity to Annapolis and Washington D.C. may help explain why approximately 37% of the town’s residents are over age 55.

This northwestern suburb of Baltimore has a large population of retirees. It has a welcoming, small town feel, and it’s close to Baltimore for healthcare needs (Johns Hopkins is there), cultural activities, and entertainment. Pikesville also has public transportation: Residents can take advantage of the Metro to zip into the city. The town itself is filled with shops and restaurants, and there are lots of parks and walking trails.

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This vibrant beachside city, with its gorgeous ocean views and lively boardwalk, makes for an active yet relaxing retirement. Residents can walk for miles along the beach, enjoy water sports like fishing and boating, or bike along the boardwalk. The city has a mix of eclectic restaurants and shops, performing arts, and festivals. And while it’s busy during the summer months, the vibe is relaxed and laid-back the rest of the year. The word seems to be out among the senior set: 43% of Ocean City’s population is over age 55.

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Located in western Maryland, about 40 miles from Washington, D.C., Frederick is a picturesque city with a walkable, well-preserved historic district, boutique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. The city has a busy senior community with clubs and events that offer plenty of opportunities for socializing. For those who like to stay active, there are a number of state parks and forests nearby, and trails for hiking and biking. History buffs will enjoy exploring the area’s Civil War history.

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This small town situated along the Potomac River in western Maryland is known for its friendliness, sense of community, and affordability. It has a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and many nearby parks for hiking, biking, and fishing. Perhaps those attributes help explain why it’s popular with retirees — there are more than 20 senior living communities in the area.

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This charming and affordable Eastern Shore town is on the Choptank River near the Chesapeake. Cambridge has a number of marinas and town docks, making it a great home base for those who enjoy boating and fishing. Nature lovers will appreciate the area’s parks and walking trails, as well as the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The bustling and historic downtown is filled with art galleries, museums, and boutique shops, plus restaurants, bars, and breweries for a night out.

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This lovely city, making its second appearance on this list, revolves around the water. Its prime spot along the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Susquehanna River gives residents glorious bayside and riverside views. The town is a draw for boaters, and there are numerous marinas throughout the area. When residents aren’t sailing, paddling, or motorboating on the waterways, they can stroll along the city’s boardwalk and promenade, stopping for lunch or dinner at one of the plentiful restaurants or shopping in the boutiques.

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Located on the Chester River, which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, this quaint historic town is beloved by locals for its friendliness and peaceful atmosphere. The downtown has brick sidewalks lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants, and a promenade runs along the river for relaxing strolls. The town holds many events, including parades and community breakfasts, and there a number of festivals throughout the year. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular pastimes here.

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This coastal city boasts 10 miles of beautiful public beaches from which you can swim, surf, fish, or kayak. The boardwalk pulses with life in the summer, and then quiets considerably the rest of the year, when locals can enjoy the shops and restaurants without the crowds. There are also parks for hiking, biking, and bird watching.

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The state capital, Annapolis is a dynamic and scenic city on the Severn River at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay that’s very popular for boating and water sports. This vibrant community is a mix of old and new: It’s filled with boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. The quaint downtown area has cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 1700s. The city also has a rich maritime history, and it’s home to the U.S. Naval Academy.