There's lots to love about Baltimore—history, shopping, night life, and plenty of arts and culture. If you crave the attractions of Maryland's Charm City, but not sure city living is right for you, you can still find the home of your dreams in the Baltimore suburbs. Whether you're looking for great schools, an easy commute, or all the amenities of big-city life with none of the hassles, there's a suburban community perfect for you. Take a look at six of the best to suit your moving must-haves.
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Arbutus is a charming, often overlooked suburb just southwest of Baltimore with easy access to the area's main commuter arteries between Baltimore and Washington, DC. With a population of just over 20,000, Arbutus has a friendly, small-town feel with plenty of amenities that appeal to the under-35 crowd.
Nature lovers and cyclists love the trails at nearby Patapsco State Park, while foodies appreciate the hip, locally owned restaurants and cantinas. First-time homebuyers can choose from a variety of affordable housing styles, from trendy red brick row houses to Craftsman-style single family homes with fenced yards and covered porches. As Baltimore suburbs go, Arbutus has a higher-than-average number of young couples and children under the age of five, making it an ideal place to invest in your first home.
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This university suburb just north of Baltimore boasts a robust public transportation system with access to the entire metro area; as a university town, Towson is also very friendly for bike commuters and pedestrians. Those with a daily drive will appreciate the fast commuter lanes on the beltway.
Towson is a vibrant, diverse suburb with a youthful flair and plenty of upscale shopping. Homebuyers have a wide variety of options, from sleek urban condos and to stylish duplexes and stately stone retreats with lush lawns. It's also one of the most well-rounded Baltimore suburbs, boasting excellent hospitals and healthcare systems, pet-friendly public parks, a bustling farmer's market, and a restaurant scene to tempt any palate.
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Children who go to school in Ellicott City are part of the renowned Howard County School District, ranked #1 in the state of Maryland based on a combination of factors including academics, student outcomes, extracurricular activities, and diversity. Over 90 percent of students are proficient in both math and reading.
Ellicott City's historic Main Street is lined with quaint local shops and eateries, and draws a steady stream of locals and visitors alike. House hunters will find everything from budget-friendly townhouses to newly built brick manors on large, wooded lots overlooking Patapsco State Park.
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The exclusive suburb of Fulton has a population of just over 2,000 and offers prospective buyers a choice of charming colonials, inviting farmhouses, and rambling ranch-style homes on oversized lots. A large majority of Fulton residents are married with children; the average household size is four people and the median age is just over 40 years.
This family-oriented community enjoys close proximity to a wealth of outdoor activities, including fishing and boating in the Patuxent River. Fulton's pastoral setting is dotted with stables and equestrian centers, making it an attractive option for horse lovers and riding enthusiasts. Despite its rural feel, Fulton's downtown has a good selection of restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. There are local public schools for grades K-12, as well.
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Columbia is a master planned community comprised of 10 "villages," each with its own schools, shopping centers, and recreational and community centers; it consistently ranks in CNN Money's top 10 best places to live. The Mall in Columbia is the largest retail outlet in the state, with over 230 restaurants and shops, and tops the charts for best shopping in Maryland.
Home buyers have their choice of every type of housing: Chic downtown condos, woodsy townhouses, and single family homes in a range of styles from colonials to ultra-modern new construction. Columbia's amenity-rich urban neighborhoods are also packed with an abundance of tranquil parks and green spaces.
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Of all the Baltimore suburbs, those in Harford County tend to have an authentic country vibe, and Jarrettsville is no exception. Lovely ranch homes and farm houses are nestled amid spacious wooded lots and rolling farmland, an appealing contrast to Baltimore's urban centers.
Jarrettsville's town center is an attractive mix of local shops and friendly restaurants, and the Jarrettsville branch of the Harford County library system is a welcoming place to while away an afternoon. Nearby Rocks State Park offers stunning waterfalls and hiking trails with stunning views.
