Quick answer
Maryland can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $440,500, rent of $1,938/month and household income of $136,704, and the state's violent crime rate (365 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with Ilchester, North Laurel, Bel Air North.
Median home value
$440,500
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,938/mo
Household income
$136,704
Violent crime / 100k
365
Maryland, 2025
Population change
+1.2%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+5.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
3.2×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilchester, MD | 82 | $498,500 | $1,963 | $150,783 | +0.9% |
| North Laurel, MD | 82 | $442,800 | $1,913 | $119,533 | +3.2% |
| Bel Air North, MD | 81 | $422,700 | $1,651 | $137,995 | +0.9% |
| Eldersburg, MD | 81 | $478,800 | $1,655 | $146,598 | +0.9% |
| Odenton, MD | 80 | $408,400 | $2,174 | $126,455 | +1.2% |
| Ballenger Creek, MD | 79 | $369,800 | $1,913 | $108,385 | +6.3% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll County | 80 | $406,400 | $1,370 | $115,876 | +0.6% |
| Frederick County | 79 | $437,700 | $1,706 | $120,458 | +2.4% |
| Calvert County | 77 | $440,200 | $1,701 | $132,059 | +0.6% |
| Harford County | 74 | $367,300 | $1,557 | $111,317 | +0.6% |
| Queen Anne's County | 72 | $441,800 | $1,611 | $113,347 | +1.3% |
| Howard County | 64 | $576,700 | $2,038 | $146,982 | +0.6% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maryland a Good Place to Live in 2027?
Maryland can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $440,500, rent of $1,938/month and household income of $136,704, and the state's violent crime rate (365 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with Ilchester, North Laurel, Bel Air North.
What are the best places to live in Maryland?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Maryland cities are Ilchester, North Laurel, Bel Air North, Eldersburg, Odenton, and the top counties are Carroll County, Frederick County, Calvert County, Harford County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Maryland have a state income tax?
Yes, Maryland taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
