Best Suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland

Beyond Baltimore, Maryland’s popular Inner Harbor and professional sports teams, this vibrant city is awash in American history. Tucked away along the preserved Revolutionary-era streets, you will find enough emporiums and eateries to keep you occupied all day. Or amble along the cobblestone streets to Fells Point, a historic waterfront area that has become a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. Baltimore is also one of the top cities to retire in Maryland. However, if you want to enjoy the perks of the city but prefer a slower-paced lifestyle, then why not consider moving to the suburbs? Take a look at our list of the 10 best suburbs surrounding Baltimore. Don’t forget to check out Maryland’s safest cities while you’re at it.

10. Annapolis

• Population: 39,174
• Median Home Value: $413,300
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
• School Ranking: B
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 910
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 215

Annapolis, home to the United States Naval Academy, is only 35 minutes south of Baltimore. It sits on Chesapeake Bay near the Severn River, so your weekends will be filled to the brim with endless land and water adventures. If you want to stretch your legs, take a leisurely walk in Quiet Waters Park or along Ego Alley, a waterway where exquisite yachts are docked. Or if you enjoy historical sites, visit the 1700s Maryland State House. If you are seeking a cozy retreat, browse through these new homes in Maryland’s capital. 

9. Catonsville

• Population: 41,567
• Median Home Value: $321,300
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,106
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 486

A western suburb of Baltimore, Catonsville offers many local festivities, and its Main Street is lined with shopping and some of the best seafood in the Northeast. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County keeps this city vibrant. Catonsville is surrounded by parks and golf courses that are sprinkled with challenging fairways. Your dream home in Catonsville awaits. 

8. Havre De Grace

• Population: 13,792
• Median Home Value: $289,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 217
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32

Located about 45 minutes from Baltimore is the small town of Havre De Grace. It occupies a parcel of land where the Susquehanna River meets Chesapeake Bay. Professionals consider the commute worth the price of the tranquility this waterfront utopia provides. Find your new dream home today!

7. Aberdeen

• Population: 16,053
• Median Home Value: $205,300
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 314
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 116

Aberdeen has an abundance of golf courses and parks, as well as proximity to Chesapeake Bay. It’s small enough to host community festivals, complete with foot-tapping live music. Aberdeen has low crime rates and great public schools, making it an ideal place to raise a family. Browse these new home communities. 

6. Towson

• Population: 55,197
• Median Home Value: $352,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,037
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 470

Due north of Baltimore is the moderately sized suburb of Towson. Many of its buildings date back to the 17th century. Towson University, which is a well-regarded institution for teachers, is one of the oldest public universities in the state. You’re sure to have the best of both worlds here. Towson has many national shopping chains and dining options. There are also miles of hiking and biking trails. See which new home is your favorite.

5. Eldersburg

• Population: 30,531
• Median Home Value: $378,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 37 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,688
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 389

To the northwest of Baltimore lies the charming suburb of Eldersburg. Many of the tranquil homesites here occupy one acre or more, giving residents plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Plus, you’re only minutes away from golf, shopping and dining, as well as numerous parks. The choice is yours; explore these new home communities.  

4. Westminster

• Population: 18,648
• Median Home Value: $240,800
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 579
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84

Another gem located northwest of Baltimore is Westminster, where education is a top priority; the student/teacher ratio is 14 to 1. Imagine yourself living in a new home in a quiet locale where community and safety are of prime importance. Come find your new dream home today!

3. Columbia

• Population: 99,615
• Median Home Value: $372,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,709
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 394

Columbia is the largest suburb on our list topping out at almost 100,000 residents. Located about 25 minutes southwest of Baltimore, it has more than its share of parks, shopping venues and restaurants. Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a popular professional dinner theater, featuring Broadway musicals and an orchestra. If you are in the mood for something a little more casual, visit Hysteria Brewing Company for tap beer and fun table games. Check out one of these communities today!

2. Bel Air 

• Population: 10,044
• Median Home Value: $245,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 231
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 23

Located about 30 miles east of Baltimore, Bel Air offers several nearby golf courses, with challenging terrain. Yet, the different holes allow those of all skills to enjoy a day on the course. Crime is low, the schools are outstanding, and people congregate on Saturday at the local farmer’s market. Why wait? Find your new home today!

1. Ellicott City

• Population: 65,834
• Median Home Value: $527,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
• School Ranking: A+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,039
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 240

About 20 minutes west of Baltimore is the suburb of Ellicott City. The arts are popular here; every spring the city hosts “Paint it!,” an event where regional artists gather to paint outdoors. Residents can take advantage of the diverse fare: Sea King Seafood Market to Tersiquel’s French Country Restaurant to the casual Italian restaurant, Stella Notte. For more modern homes with luxury upgrades, check out these new homes.

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Edgewood	25,562	$172,600	31 minutes	B	3,010	694
Joppatowne	12,616	$260,400	35 minutes	B	2,033	469
Jessup	7,137	$377,000	27 minutes	B	2,344	541
Glen Burnie	67,639	$248,900	28 minutes	B-	2,743	633
Owings Mills	30,622	$251,500	34 minutes	B-	2,496	576
Dundalk	63,597	$145,500	28 minutes	C+	3,370	777

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.