Best Places to Live in Maryland for Young Adults

Maryland is a busy state with a diverse economy and a thriving tourism trade. Also known as the Old Line State or Free State, it is one of the wealthiest states in the United States.

The rich history, low unemployment rate, and excellent amenities make it one of the best places for young adults to reside.

A woman sits on a bench in the city and drinks coffee and thermal cups

Maryland is ideal for young adults looking for a place to call home. With both bustling cities and quiet towns, there is something for everyone. But where you choose to live depends on your type of lifestyle.

Below are the 15 best places to live in Maryland for young adults. For each one, we highlight what you can look forward to as a young adult looking to live in the state.

15 Best Places to Live in Maryland for Young Adults

Burtonsville

Burtonsville is a small town of around 9,500 residents, but it has a diverse population with solid community ties.

Burtonsville is ideal for young adults that love to socialize.

The town hosts several events annually, most notably Burtonsville Day, to honor the town’s founder. Residents come out to play games and make crafts for the duration of the event.

Another appealing aspect of the town is the low crime rate. Hosing is also affordable, with a median home price of $386,400.

Ellicott City

If you are looking for a place with a tight-knit community, look no further than Ellicott City. It is home to around 71,737 residents and is a city filled with charm and character.

Ellicott City has several features that make it desirable to young adults. These include recreational facilities, diversity, a low violent crime rate, excellent amenities, and a bustling nightlife.

Ellicott City also has a thriving economy that offers employment opportunities to job seekers.

The average home price in Ellicott City is around $522,700.

Bethesda

If you are looking for a posh, friendly community, look no further than Bethesda. With over 62,100 residents, it is a thriving town north of Washington, D.C.

Bethesda has a booming job market, making it ideal for young adults seeking opportunities.

Residents also enjoy the numerous shopping centers, galleries, and cultural events. The town also hosts multiple events and festivals throughout the year.

The low crime rates and excellent amenities in Bethesda are why young adults find it appealing. The median household income is $154,559, while the median home price is $877,300.

Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace is a smart choice for young adults looking for a place to call home. It is a vibrant community in Harford County with around 13,808 residents.

Havre de Grace offers residents numerous employment opportunities and excellent amenities. The crime rate is also low, making it ideal for young adults.

Havre de Grace also attracts a fair amount of tourists each year. One of its biggest attractions is the historic Skipjack Martha Lewis.

The quality of life in Havre de Grace is excellent, with an average household income of $67,813. Housing is also affordable, with an average home price of $288,900.

Olney

Olney is another incredible place to live for young adults. It is home to 35,100 residents and has strong bonds to the arts.

Olney is a job-rich town that is perfect for those seeking employment opportunities.

Residents also enjoy the benefits of the excellent amenities on offer. If you want to exercise or relax you can visit the parks and wide-open green spaces.

Travilah

Travilah is a classic American suburb where young adults can settle down and call home. Located outside Potomac, it has a population of 12,100 residents.

Travilah is one of the most expensive places to reside in Maryland. The average household income is $206,827, while the average housing cost is $1,053,700.

Clarksburg

Clarksburg is another incredible place to live for young adults. Home to over 18,700 residents, there is much to look forward to if you move here.

The low crime rate of this town makes it one of the safest places on this list.

Clarksburg residents can choose from an array of restaurants to dine. There is a karate center and a Dunkin’ Donuts branch for doughnut lovers.

You can also go hiking on the numerous hiking trails available.

With the numerous job opportunities available, residents make an average of $135,078. The average price for a home in Clarksburg is $448,200.

Columbia

Columbia is a gorgeous city with over 103,000 residents. Located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, it is ideal for those seeking career opportunities.

Columbia has a friendly vibe and is welcoming to new residents. The safe neighborhoods, high earning potential, low crime rate, and excellent amenities make it perfect for young adults looking to settle down.

If you want to relax and unwind, take a trip to Lake Kittamaqundi and explore the paths, trails, and wide-open spaces.

You also have several options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The median home price in Columbia is $365,500.

Rockville

Rockville is a vibrant town 15 miles from Bethesda with around 64,331 residents.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in Maryland, it offers residents access to some of the best jobs. Residents enjoy an average household income of $100,436.

Young adults will find Rockville appealing due to its quality of life, low crime rate, and bustling nightlife.

It also has numerous upscale shopping centers you can visit in your free time.

In Rockville, the cost of living is on the high side, with an average home price of $493,200.

Chevy Chase

Located in Montgomery County, Chevy Chase is a small, friendly town, home to around 20,461 residents.

Chevy Chase is one of the best places for young adults to settle down in Maryland. It offers residents a high quality of life with excellent amenities.

Despite its size, Chevy Chase has plenty to offer its residents. It has several museums, malls, movie theaters, parks, and malls you can enjoy.

The low crime rate makes it one of the safest places to raise a family.

It offers job seekers numerous employment opportunities with a median household income of $170,511. However, the median home value stands at a steep $1,053,271.

Urbana

Located in Frederick County, the growing town of Urbana is a few minutes away from downtown Washington, D.C. It is home to around 10,750 residents.

Due to the proximity to the well-known MD-355-I/270 tech corridor, Urbana is ideal for young adults seeking job opportunities. The earning potential in Urbana is high, with an average household income of $137,188.

The crime rate in Urbana is low, and it offers excellent amenities to residents. The high population diversity is another appealing aspect for young adults.

South Kensington

South Kensington is another small town on this list that young adults will find appealing. It is home to about 8,400 residents.

One of the fascinating aspects of this town is that crime is almost nonexistent.

If you need somewhere to relax, you can visit any of the six parks in South Kensington. Residents can also access different restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping options.

South Kensington has a healthy job market that provides numerous employment opportunities, contributing to the high median household income of $160,303. The average house price is around $718,000.

Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg is a diverse city, home to around 65,000 residents.

If you love interacting with new people, you will love Gaithersburg. Here the cost of living is affordable, making it ideal for young adults.

Job seekers will find numerous employment opportunities here. The crime rate in Gaithersburg is also low, and young adults can enjoy the bustling nightlife.

Gaithersburg offers residents affordable housing. The median household income is $80,734, while the median home cost is $366,000.

Towson

If you are looking for a vibrant college town to call home, look no further than Towson. With a population of over 58,766 residents, it is home to Towson University.

Despite being a college town, Towson has a family-friendly vibe with a low crime rate and excellent amenities.

Residents can explore the numerous shopping centers, bars, and restaurants. You can also go hiking in the Loch Raven reservoir.

The average cost for a home in Towson is around $330,700.

North Potomac

North Potomac is another incredible place that young adults can call home. With a population of 24,100, residents of this suburb benefit from the amenities it offers.

North Potomac’s booming job market offers young adults numerous employment opportunities. The low crime rate and quality education make it one of the best places for young adults to live.

Although the cost of living is high, the earning potential is decent, with a median income of $161,553. The median home price is $627,500.