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Find Work in the Best Places to Live in Maryland

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Maryland is the ninth smallest state in the country, but we assure you that you’ll find plenty to your liking in its 10,460 square miles. Maryland is often referred to as “America in miniature” since it accommodates almost everything you can find in the rest of the country. Here is what the best places to live in Maryland, “The Old-Line State”, have to offer its residents:

  • A strong economy. Maryland benefits from proximity to Washington D.C., which provides plenty of roles in governmental agencies. Plus, Maryland is part of the I-270 Corridor, a powerhouse in life science and technology careers.
  • Higher education among the best in the country. Johns Hopkins University is just one of the top universities you can find in here in the “Free State”. Plus, Maryland has been voted as having the fourth-best public school system in America.
  • Top-rated healthcare. Maryland boasts the fifth-best healthcare system in the U.S. for cost, accessibility, and outcomes.
  • Diverse natural environment. Here you’ll find rocky and sandy beaches, rivers, grand lakes, wetlands, islands, waterfalls, mountains, hills, and much more.
  • Closeness to big East Coast cities. From Maryland you can reach D.C. in 40 minutes, Philadelphia in two hours, and New York in just four.
  • Traditional four-season weather. In Maryland, you’ll build snowmen during the winter and enjoy the beach in the summer.
  • The highest concentration of millionaire households. And here is some food for thought: research from Harvard claims that being friends with the rich helps your economic mobility.

Let’s get to work now and find out which place among the best cities to live in Maryland is meant for you and your career goals.

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis is the lovely capital of Maryland, located on the Severn River in the Chesapeake Bay area. As part of the original Colonies, it’s one of the oldest towns in the U.S. and is considered by many as one of the best places to live in Maryland. Settling here, you’ll be immersed in elegant historical 18th century architecture that effortlessly meets a modern urban feel. And you’ll enjoy all this while being by the water. The city has unsurprisingly been included among the 20 best places to live on the coast in the U.S.

Picture waterfront park walks, beaches, boat cruises, water sports and fresh seafood dining options. That’s what you’ll access at the end of your workday when living in Annapolis. If you’re wondering this small town of about 39,000 people could offer in terms of jobs, you’re in for a treat. Tourism is an important economic driver in Annapolis, but so are jobs in government, high-tech, cybersecurity, and computer electronics.

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Baltimore, MD

If you’re looking for a proper city life in Maryland, you will more than likely settle on Baltimore. With around 602,000 people, the “Charm City” is the economic center of its state. Since a dramatic transformation started in the 2000s the city has been attracting more and more young professionals becoming the “East Coast’s Next Cool City” and one of the best places to live in Maryland for young adults. Here you’ll always find something to do between music venues, nightlife, museums, and other attractions in very diverse communities.

Baltimore is one of the best places to live in Maryland not only for its entertainment options but also career-wise. The job prospects of the city will grow by 25.1% in the next decade. Logistics, transportation, healthcare, IT, and education are just a few of the sectors booming here. Pair one of those with a lower than the national average cost of living and you might have your match.

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Columbia

Columbia is the second largest urban area in “The Old-Line State” and one of the best places to live in Maryland for families. Sitting 40 minutes away from D.C. and 20 minutes from Baltimore, it’s perfect for those who need to be in either, but prefer to live in a more suburban environment. In the walkable downtown area of Columbia, you’ll find shops, restaurants and many more activities to enjoy yourself and make new connections.

The city features various neighborhoods that are communities in themselves with many services you might want, often including schools as well. Columbia is home to three of the top ten high schools in Maryland. Regarding jobs, Columbia is one of the best places to live in Maryland since it was named the best city to find work. In its thriving job market, you can bet on work in manufacturing, insurance, healthcare, and scientific services. Plus, you’ll also find opportunities in education, public administration, and retail.

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Frederick, MD

Frederick is another small city in Maryland that grew to be a high-tech hub while holding tight to its historical Civil War-era past. Explore the city’s walkable downtown to visit museums, take a tour to discover all about the crucial role of Frederick in the Civil War, see live music, art galleries and much more. When you get hungry, try one of the hip restaurants in town for a real foodie experience. This exciting environment makes Frederick one of the best places to live in Maryland for young adults and mature professionals alike.

As far as jobs go, Frederick is within the I-270 tech corridor halfway between D.C. and Baltimore. This means it’s one of the best places to live in Maryland if you’re looking for work in IT and government, as well as food service, healthcare, and education.

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Hagerstown, MD

The “Hub City” is home to around 43,000 people and one of the best options in Maryland for those who love to spend their free time getting active outdoors like biking or hiking. Nature is not all that Hagerstown has to offer, though. Here you can also hit various museums such as the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, art galleries like the Mansion House Art Gallery or see a play at The Maryland Theatre. Manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare are the largest employer industries in Hagerstown, but you’ll also find many opportunities in retail and education as well.

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Salisbury, MD

Consider moving and finding a job in Salisbury if you’re looking for one of the best cities to live in Maryland for safety and fast-growing popularity. Located in the Delmarva Peninsula part of the “Free State”, Salisbury is a small city of around 32,000 that has a vibrant job market with interesting opportunities in almost every sector. Come here if you have career aspirations in education, healthcare, sales, construction, production, administration, or business.

Job prospects are not the only reasons why Salisbury is considered one of the best places to live in Maryland. Affordable housing, plenty of parks and trails to explore, many activities for the entire family and a university with a stellar reputation are other important factors to consider.

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Rockville, MD

Nestled in the I-270 Corridor, Rockville is one of the best places to live in Maryland if your career revolves around software, bioscience, or pharmaceuticals. This area hosts over 370 bioscience companies as well as the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

At only 40 minutes from D.C. by metro, you’ll have easy access to everything that such a metropolis provides, while comfortably living in a safe and affordable city. There’s plenty to do here in your off-work time as well. Rockville has an extensive park system with recreational activities for everyone, shopping options, restaurants, cafes, and exciting nightlife.

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Discover The Best Places to Live in Maryland and Let Monster Help You Find Work There

Maryland is full of cities for every career aspiration. Explore all the job opportunities in the best cities to live in Maryland on Monster. All you have to do to get started is create a free account. Upload your most recent resume to apply to offers suited to your needs. We’ll email you new ones as soon as they’re online, so you’ll never miss out. Plus, we’ll promote your profile to companies and recruiters in search of new talent.