MARYLAND — Two Maryland cities have been named among the top 150 most livable cities, according to new rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report.
Maryland cities that made the 2024-2025 list of America's most livable cities are:
The editors praised Baltimore's architecture and diverse neighborhoods, such as Little Italy and Greektown, as well as the Charm City's lower cost of living compared to nearby Washington, D.C. Baltimore's cultural scene was praised, including the Hippodrome Theatre, Artscape Festival, and professional sports venues.
Baltimore also ranked 54th on the list of best places to retire.
“Baltimore doesn't have the famous tourist attractions of nearby big cities like Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia, but residents love it that way,” U.S. News reported. “The Baltimore metropolitan area has a population of about 2.8 million, but it still retains a small-town feel. Locals say you're bound to run into someone you know wherever you go in 'Small'more.”
Salisbury's “country-town feel” also pleased U.S. News, and the rankers praised its low housing costs, annual marathon and zoo at the “crossroads of Delmarva.”
Salisbury ranked 46th on the list of best places to retire.
“Although it's home to Salisbury University and big events like the National Folk Festival, a 15-minute drive from the downtown core brings you to the farms surrounding Wicomico County,” U.S. News reported. “It's a gathering place for college students, retirees and families, all of whom might be found enjoying a Saturday night at a microbrewery or catching a minor league baseball game.”
According to U.S. News, Naples, Florida, topped the list due to its strong job market and high quality of life. Changes in data collection methodology (including a move from metropolitan area-based data to city-based data) resulted in new cities in the Midwest and South making it into the top 25.
“By incorporating city-based data, we can further localize the rankings of the best places to live, allowing home hunters to consider factors that directly impact a particular location's livability and overall experience,” Erica Giovannetti, mortgage expert and U.S. News reporter, said in a press release.
According to U.S. News' research methodology, the top 10 best places to live in the United States are:
Naples, FL; Boise, ID; Colorado Springs, CO; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Huntsville, AL; Virginia Beach, VA; Austin, TX; Boulder, CO
This year, U.S. News adjusted the weighting of its scores to give more weight to a city's value and job market. It also took into account a town's quality of life and attractiveness. These indicators were weighted in part based on a poll of thousands of people to find out what qualities they consider important when deciding where to live.
“This year's rankings reflect growing concerns about career prospects, soaring home prices and the rising costs of goods and services,” Giovannetti said. “While quality of life remains a top priority for many Americans, a city's value and job market are increasingly important to those looking for a place to live.”
Data and information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, Sharecare, Bureau of Labor Statistics and other U.S. News rankings were also used to compile this year's list.
