3 MD Cities Named Some Of Best Places To Live In America

MARYLAND — Livability.com, a real estate news website, on Tuesday ranked three Maryland cities among the 100 best places to live in America. Frederick came it at No. 4. Columbia landed at No. 15, and Annapolis finished at No. 38.

The publication loved the fusion of urban and rural influences in Frederick. It cheered the local wineries and the employment opportunities at Fort Detrick.

"The city offers the perfect blend of old meets new where several startups and tech companies doing cutting-edge research are housed in buildings dating back more than 200 years," journalist Sarah Kuta said.

Rankers applauded how thoughtfully Columbia is laid out. They appreciated its parks and convenient location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

"The 105,000 residents of Columbia, MD, can thank founder James Rouse for their city’s high quality of life, bountiful family-friendly amenities and robust economy," Kuta added. "In 1967, Rouse decided to build an entire city from the ground up, ushering in a new era of planned communities. "

Writers enjoyed how Annapolis intertwines its nautical and historical roots. They mentioned that state capital has more original 18th-century buildings than any other town in the country.

"Maryland’s capital city sits on the edge of the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, which provides a scenic backdrop to this colonial city," reporter Brittany Anas noted. "In addition to its historical presence, Annapolis is home to a vibrant sailing community."

Livability.com considered more than 1,000 small to mid-sized cities in the ranking process. The outlet surveyed residents on these factors:

• Safety
• Affordability
• Economic stability
• Outdoor recreation
• Accessibility
• Community engagement

The top 10 places to live were:

1. Madison, Wisconsin

2. Ann Arbor, Michigan

3. Overland Park, Kansas

4. Frederick, Maryland

5. Charlottesville, Virginia

6. Quincy, Massachusetts

7. Hillsboro, Oregon

8. Roseville, California

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado

10. Vancouver, Washington

The full list is viewable here.

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