Maryland is one of the most populated states in the eastern part of the U.S. which means there are plenty of places in the area to think about moving to. Big cities like Baltimore get the most fame and notoriety for good and bad reasons alike, but potential residents should look all around the state’s diverse set of cities to see what they’d prefer for their lifestyles.
Determining what factors are most important for you to enjoy your life is the best way to make a choice you won’t regent. We’ll help you to consider which Maryland cities have the best renter insurance in Maryland, the most racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, and the best opportunities for education.
We’ll also talk about landmarks to visit and entertainment to enjoy when you live in each of these Maryland cities. If you’re aware of these components of living in each city, it becomes easier to narrow down your choices and live a great life in the great state of Maryland.
#1 – Baltimore
Baltimore is by far the biggest city in the state of Maryland. A huge negative to the city of Baltimore is the high crime rate, which ranks in the top five in the U.S. as of 2022. This is a discouraging factor for many people when considering moving to Baltimore, but there are still many positives to the state’s most famous city.
Baltimore is a Historic City
Baltimore is one of the most historic cities in the U.S. If you’re somebody who enjoys seeing a piece of history whenever you want, there are a wide variety of locales to visit in the city. Many famous ships are docked within the city limits, like the USS Constellation and the USS Torsk.
Sports
If you enjoy professional sports, Baltimore is home to the MLB’s Orioles and the NFL’s Ravens. The former has been host to some memorable MLB postseason scenes with legends like Cal Ripken Jr.
The latter has been one of the best teams in football for many years, and they’ve won two championships since the start of the 21st century. It’s hard to find major sports teams in the state of Maryland that rival the popularity of these franchises.
Racial Diversity
Racial diversity is also high in the city. Almost 70% of Baltimore’s population is non-White. This diversity might make you feel more accepted if you are a non-white person who wants to move to Baltimore.
#2 – Ocean Pines
Ocean Pines is the polar opposite of Baltimore in terms of population. The total number of people comes in at less than 13,000 within the city limits, making it a perfect location for those who want a very quiet lifestyle within the state of Maryland. Seniors and those without a desire for lots of entertainment options will also likely enjoy the city.
The crime rate in the city is very low at 0.7 violent crimes per 100k people. This is most likely due to the older population in the city and its secluded location that is away from the bigger cities with most of the violent crimes. Property crimes are also only 5.9 crimes per 100k people.
People can expect to live a middle-class lifestyle in the city as the median income is just over $70,000 annually. The name of the city is apt because there are a lot of oceanic activities and hiking to be enjoyed in the area. Outdoor-loving people should enjoy Ocean Pines. The city has a yacht club, a golf club, and a variety of swimming pools.
#3 – Glenarden
If you want something even smaller than Ocean Pines, you should think about moving to Glenarden. The population is less than 7,000 people, and the crime rate is 0.6 violent crimes per 100k people. This is one of the lowest in Maryland.
The community in Glenarden is more affluent than many other cities in Maryland with a median income of over $90,000 annually. Glenarden is incredibly close to Washington D.C. This is convenient for those who want the bustle of the nation’s capital close by.
Despite Glenarden being incredibly small, there are still many of the most popular businesses in the U.S. within its city limits, such as Best Buy, Costco, and Chipotle. You don’t have to worry about a lack of amenities just because of the small-town feel of Glenarden.
#4 – Columbia
Columbia is the second largest city in Maryland behind Baltimore. If you want to live in a fairly large city without the stress of a massive metropolis, Columbia is one of the most popular cities to move to in the state. Columbia is unique because it wasn’t certified as a city, but rather a census-designated community.
Columbia is best known for the Mall in Columbia, one of the biggest shopping centers in Maryland. This is great for families who want all of their shopping needs in one place, or travelers who crave a visit to an iconic center of commerce in the region.
#5 – Annapolis
The capital city of Maryland has a long history of political importance. People who move to Annapolis might be interested in the arts, as St John’s College has helped spur a vibrant theater tradition around the area.
The LGBTQ+ community is also very important to the culture in Annapolis, with the Chesapeake Pride Festival providing a place of inclusion and fun for queer people and their allies every year.
Annapolis has a great medium-sized population. If you want to rent an apartment in the area, you may be able to find renter insurance coverage for under $10 a month from Lemonade. This makes it an affordable place for people of all ages to move to.
There are several cities in Maryland which should appeal to you depending on what you want out of life. If you enjoy sports and big city life, move to Baltimore. If you enjoy outdoor activities and are close to retirement, move to Ocean Pines. Maryland has plenty to offer its residents, whether you are looking for legal cannabis use or racial diversity.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. He wants to help people decide what qualities they should consider when moving to Maryland.
