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Best places to raise a family in Maryland
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Maryland using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Cabin John
- Population: 2,121
- Median home value: $933,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,313 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $182,279
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Carderock Springs Elementary School (A), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6515 80th St, Cabin John ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $933,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,313 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $182,279
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Carderock Springs Elementary School (A), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6515 80th St, Cabin John ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
#24. Chevy Chase Town
- Population: 2,973
- Median home value: $1,290,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 7101 44th St, Chevy Chase ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,290,200 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 7101 44th St, Chevy Chase ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Darnestown
- Population: 6,462
- Median home value: $744,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,688 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $216,250
- Top public schools: Poolesville High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Butler Montessori (A-), Mary of Nazareth School (A-), Seneca Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14300 Seneca Rd, Germantown ($3.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $744,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,688 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $216,250
- Top public schools: Poolesville High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Butler Montessori (A-), Mary of Nazareth School (A-), Seneca Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14300 Seneca Rd, Germantown ($3.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Clarksburg
- Population: 24,767
- Median home value: $482,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,089 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $147,070
- Top public schools: Little Bennett Elementary School (A), Cedar Grove Elementary School (A), Wilson Wims Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Clarksburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22809 Muscadine Dr, Clarksburg ($980,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $482,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,089 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $147,070
- Top public schools: Little Bennett Elementary School (A), Cedar Grove Elementary School (A), Wilson Wims Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Clarksburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22809 Muscadine Dr, Clarksburg ($980,000, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Four Corners
- Population: 8,246
- Median home value: $470,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,229 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $136,985
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Pine Crest Elementary School (A), Sligo Creek Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10708 Eastwood Ave, Silver Spring ($625,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $470,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,229 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $136,985
- Top public schools: Montgomery Blair High School (A+), Pine Crest Elementary School (A), Sligo Creek Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10708 Eastwood Ave, Silver Spring ($625,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#20. Highland
- Population: 1,206
- Median home value: $735,300 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $184,408
- Top public schools: River Hill High School (A+), Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 13429B Highland Rd, Highland ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $735,300 (100% own)
- Median rent: No data available (0% rent)
- Median household income: $184,408
- Top public schools: River Hill High School (A+), Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 13429B Highland Rd, Highland ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Chevy Chase Village
- Population: 1,937
- Median home value: $1,724,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,875 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Somerset Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 18 Hesketh St, Chevy Chase ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,724,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,875 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Somerset Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 18 Hesketh St, Chevy Chase ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#18. Ilchester
- Population: 26,974
- Median home value: $390,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,799 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $126,566
- Top public schools: Howard High School (A), Ilchester Elementary School (A), Ellicott Mills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School (A), Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (unavailable), Marshalee Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7114 Samuels Ln, Elkridge ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $390,600 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,799 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $126,566
- Top public schools: Howard High School (A), Ilchester Elementary School (A), Ellicott Mills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity School (A), Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (unavailable), Marshalee Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7114 Samuels Ln, Elkridge ($850,000, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Martin's Additions
- Population: 1,043
- Median home value: $1,160,100 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,583 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3510 Turner Ln, Chevy Chase ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,160,100 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,583 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3510 Turner Ln, Chevy Chase ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#16. Somerset
- Population: 1,090
- Median home value: $1,475,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Somerset Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5615 Warwick Pl, Chevy Chase ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,475,800 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Somerset Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5615 Warwick Pl, Chevy Chase ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Scaggsville
- Population: 9,751
- Median home value: $511,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,431 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $151,558
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 8602 Hickory Hills Ln, Laurel ($799,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $511,300 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,431 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $151,558
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 8602 Hickory Hills Ln, Laurel ($799,900, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Rockville
- Population: 67,542
- Median home value: $540,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,921 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $106,576
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ Episcopal School (A), St. Elizabeth Catholic School (unavailable), St. Raphael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11608 Parkedge Dr, Rockville ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $540,000 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,921 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $106,576
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christ Episcopal School (A), St. Elizabeth Catholic School (unavailable), St. Raphael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11608 Parkedge Dr, Rockville ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#13. Fulton
- Population: 4,326
- Median home value: $642,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $175,446
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: Pindell School Rd, Fulton ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $175,446
- Top public schools: Atholton High School (A+), Lime Kiln Middle School (A+), Pointers Run Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: Pindell School Rd, Fulton ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Kensington
- Population: 2,098
- Median home value: $712,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,592 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $125,357
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Brookewood School (A-)
- Pictured: 4513 Clearbrook Ln, Kensington ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $712,500 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,592 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $125,357
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Brookewood School (A-)
- Pictured: 4513 Clearbrook Ln, Kensington ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Chevy Chase View
- Population: 1,017
- Median home value: $973,200 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $238,333
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 4005 Glenrose St, Kensington ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $973,200 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $238,333
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 4005 Glenrose St, Kensington ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Chevy Chase
- Population: 9,622
- Median home value: $944,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,957 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $181,929
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5600 Wisconsin Ave Apt 18B, Chevy Chase ($3.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $944,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,957 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $181,929
- Top public schools: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A), Chevy Chase Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5600 Wisconsin Ave Apt 18B, Chevy Chase ($3.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
#9. Bethesda
- Population: 63,195
- Median home value: $911,000 (66% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $164,142
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holton-Arms School (A+), Landon School (A+), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+)
- Pictured: 8910 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda ($4.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $911,000 (66% own)
- Median rent: $2,026 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $164,142
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holton-Arms School (A+), Landon School (A+), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+)
- Pictured: 8910 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda ($4.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#8. North Bethesda
- Population: 49,872
- Median home value: $567,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $107,220
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Georgetown Preparatory School (A+), Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (A+), The Academy of the Holy Cross (A+)
- Pictured: 6307 Huntover Ln, North Bethesda ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $567,500 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,910 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $107,220
- Top public schools: Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+), Walter Johnson High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Georgetown Preparatory School (A+), Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (A+), The Academy of the Holy Cross (A+)
- Pictured: 6307 Huntover Ln, North Bethesda ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. Travilah
- Population: 11,301
- Median home value: $1,081,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,174 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,369
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Northwest High School (A+)
- Pictured: 11622 Highland Farm Rd, Potomac ($3.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,081,200 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,174 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $241,369
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Northwest High School (A+)
- Pictured: 11622 Highland Farm Rd, Potomac ($3.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#6. Ellicott City
- Population: 72,665
- Median home value: $537,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,615 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $131,534
- Top public schools: Marriotts Ridge High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Mount Hebron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chapelgate Christian Academy (A), St. John's Parish Day School (A+), Resurrection - St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4962 Valley View Overlook, Ellicott City ($1.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $537,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,615 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $131,534
- Top public schools: Marriotts Ridge High School (A+), Centennial High School (A+), Mount Hebron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chapelgate Christian Academy (A), St. John's Parish Day School (A+), Resurrection - St. Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4962 Valley View Overlook, Ellicott City ($1.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#5. Urbana
- Population: 12,587
- Median home value: $524,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,254 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $155,000
- Top public schools: Urbana High School (A+), Centerville Elementary School (A), Urbana Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Urbana (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8507 Silver Laurel Ln, Urbana ($854,990, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $524,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,254 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $155,000
- Top public schools: Urbana High School (A+), Centerville Elementary School (A), Urbana Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kiddie Academy of Urbana (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8507 Silver Laurel Ln, Urbana ($854,990, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Brookmont
- Population: 3,921
- Median home value: $1,045,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,306 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $239,943
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Washington Waldorf School (A+)
- Pictured: 608 Brookes Ridge Ct, Bethesda ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,045,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,306 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $239,943
- Top public schools: Walt Whitman High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Bannockburn Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Washington Waldorf School (A+)
- Pictured: 608 Brookes Ridge Ct, Bethesda ($2.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Potomac
- Population: 45,940
- Median home value: $893,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,990 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $195,884
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bullis School (A+), St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+), The Heights School (A+)
- Pictured: 9219 Fox Meadow Ln, Potomac ($6.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $893,800 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,990 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $195,884
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Richard Montgomery High School (A+), Walt Whitman High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bullis School (A+), St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+), The Heights School (A+)
- Pictured: 9219 Fox Meadow Ln, Potomac ($6.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#2. South Kensington
- Population: 8,763
- Median home value: $754,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $180,000
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Redeemer Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4310 Knowles Ave, Kensington ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $754,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,180 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $180,000
- Top public schools: Walter Johnson High School (A+), Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (A+), Westland Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Redeemer Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4310 Knowles Ave, Kensington ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#1. North Potomac
- Population: 23,914
- Median home value: $672,900 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,129 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $171,066
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Franklin Montessori Schools (unavailable), Children's Manor Montessori School - Rockville (unavailable), Primary Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13601 Stonebarn Ln, North Potomac ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $672,900 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,129 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $171,066
- Top public schools: Winston Churchill High School (A+), Thomas S. Wootton High School (A+), Quince Orchard High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Franklin Montessori Schools (unavailable), Children's Manor Montessori School - Rockville (unavailable), Primary Montessori Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13601 Stonebarn Ln, North Potomac ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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