Maryland is an ideal place to reside and commute, owing to its proximity to Baltimore and neighboring cities like Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. For those seeking a safe and comfortable place to call home in the Old Line State, here are the top ten safest cities in Maryland to consider.
1. Hampstead
With a population of 6,323, Hampstead is a small and peaceful city located in Carroll County, Maryland. It is considered the safest city in the state, with a crime rate that is 70% lower than the state average, at only 594 crimes per 100,000 people. Hampstead boasts of many historic buildings and sites, making it a quiet suburb that is perfect for those who enjoy a serene environment. Additionally, the median home price in Hampstead is $234,800, which is 19% lower than the state average, making it an affordable place to live.
2. Thurmont
With a population of 6,935, Thurmont is a small town situated near Pennsylvania in Frederick County and is considered one of the safest places to reside in Maryland. The crime rate in Thurmont is significantly lower than the state average, with only 731 instances of crime per 100,000 people. This means that residents have a mere 1 in 137 chance of falling prey to any type of crime. Thurmont boasts proximity to Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which houses the Presidential Retreat of Camp David, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
3. Glenarden
Located in Prince George’s County, Glenarden is a suburban town with a population of 6,402. It’s considered a safe place to live, with a remarkably low crime rate of 930 per 100,000, which is 60% lower than the national average. The likelihood of falling victim to either a property or violent crime is extremely low. Glenarden is home to a large number of professionals and boasts a median home price of $242,800.
4. Bowie
Bowie, located in Prince George’s County, is yet another one of Maryland’s safest cities. With a population of 58,329, Bowie was ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States by CNN Money in 2015. The city boasts a crime rate of 1,032 per 100,000 people, which is 56% lower than the national average. Bowie offers its residents ample green space and amenities, with 72 ball fields and three community centers. In addition, the city is home to the Bowie Baysox, a semi-professional baseball team, providing residents with plenty of entertainment options.
5. Taneytown
Taneytown, a historic Maryland town founded in 1754, is known for its rich cultural heritage. The town holds a special place in the National Register of Historic Places and has been visited by none other than George Washington himself. With a crime rate of 1,128 per 100,000, Taneytown is 52% safer than the US average, making it a safe place to live. The city boasts of several landmarks, including the Bullfrog Road Bridge, which attracts many local tourists.
6. Mount Airy
With a population of 10,676, Mount Airy is a historic town founded in the 1750s. The town has received several accolades such as being named an All-American City in 1994 and having numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Mount Airy is considered to be one of the safest places to live in Maryland, with crime rates 46% lower than the national average, totaling 1,267 incidents per 100,000. One of the town’s notable events is the Autumn Leaves festival held in October, which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. The festival features food vendors and live music, making it a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists alike.
7. Havre de Grace
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace is a charming city with a population of 15,000. Its crime rate is 1,447 per 100,000, which is 38% safer than the US average. The Smithsonian Magazine listed Havre de Grace in 2014 as one of the best towns to visit in the US, thanks to its many colonial and turn-of-the-century style buildings, as well as other sites of interest.
8. New Carrollton
Located in Prince George’s County, New Carrollton is a charming city that is part of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. With a population of 13,715, this city is situated just outside the bustling city of DC. One of the most notable features of this city is its safety, as it is 35% safer than the average American city, with a crime rate of only 1,519 per 100,000 people. Despite being located near DC, New Carrollton is an affordable city with a median home price of $232,000.
9. Frostburg
With a population of 8,700, Frostburg is situated in Allegany County, offering breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities in the Appalachian Foothills. The majority of the population comprises of students from Frostburg State University, which has a student body of 5,400. Frostburg is known for its local events, including the Appalachian Festival and the Frostburg Museum and Gallery. Moreover, with a crime rate of 1,962 per 100,000, Frostburg is 16% safer than the average US city.
10. Brunswick
With a population of 15,210, Brunswick is a medium-sized city nestled in Glynn County, Maryland, and known for its safety. It has been a significant port city along the Atlantic and continues to serve as one today. The city also thrives on tourism and is home to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In terms of safety, Brunswick boasts a crime rate of 2,163 per 100,000, which is 8% lower than the national average.
