With beach towns, large cities and close proximity to major destinations like New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., Maryland is a great state to live in. Because some of the areas in Maryland cost less than other areas up north and because of low unemployment and a strong job market, over six million residents call the state of Maryland home.

When moving to a new state, especially one that you aren’t familiar with, navigating certain aspects can be a bit tricky. From figuring out neighborhoods in certain areas to learning about the job market to finding activities, moving can be stressful, especially if you have pets or kids.

With a growing population, the average home price in Maryland is around $408,000, making it a slightly competitive state to live in. Home prices in Maryland have gone up around 5.6 percent since December of 2022, with homes typically being on the market for about a month. So, what exactly does this mean? This is great news considering the fact that this means Maryland is affordable to live in and it’s not as difficult to buy or sell a home in this state.

If you’re looking for a guide on moving to Maryland, let’s break things down based on housing prices, diversity and things to do. Here are four of the best places to live in Maryland, for families, couples, singles and anyone looking to move up north.

Columbia, Maryland

Named one of the best cities for Black families to live in, Columbia is a vibrant and environmentally green city. Residents in this city value education and it is Maryland’s second-largest city. For families and people who like outdoor activities, Columbia is home to plenty of parks, lakes, trails and outdoor activities. The average home price in Columbia is slightly high, around $470,000.

• Population: 105,086
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $470,000
• Walkability: Moderate

For Black Families: If you’re looking to start a family or move your family to a different city, Columbia is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Over 28 percent of Black residents call Columbia home. With so many family-friendly outdoor activities, shopping and restaurants, this is the perfect Maryland city for starting and raising Black families.

For Young Professionals: For the young person who likes to stay active and get out of the house, you’ll love living in Columbia. With plenty of restaurants, food markets, parks and shopping, Columbia offers an array of activities geared to young people.

Baltimore, Maryland

As the largest city in Maryland and a popular place to live, Baltimore offers great job opportunities, a lot of activities and public transportation. Whether you’re partial to science, art, shopping, sports or concerts, there’s something for everyone of every age in Baltimore. Not only does Baltimore have so much to offer, but the cost of living is also very low, with the average home price being around $200,000.

• Population: 569,931
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $200,000
• Walkability: High

For Black Families: Baltimore is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. with a large population of Black residents. Over 61 percent of Black people call this city home. Because of its rich history and places like the Black Wax Museum and the Civil Rights Museum, Black Americans thrive in this city and learn so much about the history.

For Young Professionals: Baltimore attracts a large population of young professionals because of job opportunities in sports, healthcare, technology, life sciences and hospitality. As Maryland’s largest city and a great major city to live in up north, young professionals enjoy the museums, breweries, bars, nightclubs, stores and activities in Baltimore. With the rising cost of living, especially for those working entry-level positions, Baltimore makes living more affordable with average rent around $1400.

Silver Spring, Maryland

As Maryland’s fourth largest city and less than 30 minutes to Washington D.C., Silver Spring is one of the best places to live in Maryland. It’s great for families who value education and want to take frequent trips to Washington D.C.’s many museums. It’s also a great city for those who work in D.C. but want to live in a less expensive area. The average home price in Silver Spring is around $545,000, significantly less than Washington D.C., which is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

• Population: 82,472
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $545,000
• Walkability: Moderate

For Black Families: Because Maryland is such a diverse state, this city, like Baltimore, values diversity. 30 percent of Black residents have made Silver Spring their home. With its wide range of entertainment attractions and close proximity to Washington D.C., this place draws in a lot of families.

For Young Professionals: For the young person wanting to work in politics, journalism, healthcare or hospitality and tourism, Silver Spring is the perfect place to move to. Lots of young professionals working in the Washington D.C. area live here because of the lower cost of living and proximity to the city.

Annapolis, Maryland

The beach is calling your name! Imagine being able to go to the beach every day if you wanted to. This dream is a reality for residents living in Annapolis. This coastal town is close to several beaches in the Maryland area, including Sparrows Beach and Carrs Beach. This beachfront city is home to over 40,648 residents because of the low cost of living. The average home price is around $460,000.

• Population: 40,648
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $460,000
• Walkability: Moderate to Low

For Black Families: This Maryland beach town is a great place to live for families and singles. From walks on the beach to gorgeous ocean views to parks and gardens to museums, archives and tours dedicated to Black history, this diverse city is perfect for outdoor families who love to learn.

For Young Professionals: For the 20-somethings who want to live in a diverse town by the beach, Annapolis is one of the best places to live in Maryland. From sailing to shopping to eating, drinking and clubbing, Annapolis offers something for the young professional who wants a quiet life and the one who likes to go out and party.