The Most Popular City in Maryland, Ranked

Choose the city you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 06:58
Deciding which city in Maryland to visit or live in can often feel overwhelming due to the diverse options available. Each city offers its own unique blend of attractions, cultural experiences, and community vibes. Ranking these cities based on popularity provides a clear, crowd-sourced perspective that can help individuals make informed decisions whether they are traveling, relocating, or simply curious about what each city has to offer. By participating in the voting process, you directly contribute to the accuracy and relevance of the rankings. This ensures that the list continuously reflects the real-time preferences and opinions of a wide audience. The more participation there is, the more reflective the rankings are of what people truly think is the best city in Maryland. Engage in the vote today and see where your favorite city stands!

What Is the Most Popular City in Maryland?

  1. 1
    43
    votes
    Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The city is home to famous landmarks such as the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
    Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland, located on the eastern coast of the United States. It is a vibrant and diverse city that boasts a rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Known as 'Charm City,' Baltimore offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm, making it an appealing destination for residents and tourists alike.
    • Population: Estimated population of around 593,490 people.
    • Location: Situated in the central part of Maryland.
    • Harbor: Home to one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States.
    • Historic Sites: Rich in history with numerous landmarks and historic sites, including Fort McHenry and the Edgar Allan Poe House.
    • Arts and Culture: A thriving arts scene with renowned museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, such as the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum.
  2. 2
    13
    votes
    Columbia is a planned community located in Howard County, Maryland. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States due to its high quality of life, excellent schools, and strong economy.
    Columbia is the capital and largest city of the state of South Carolina in the United States. It is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its picturesque natural landscapes. The city offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern development, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
    • Population: Over 131,000
    • Area: Approximately 135 square miles
    • Climate: Warm summers, mild winters
    • Main River: Congaree River
    • Landmarks: South Carolina State House, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Five Points
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Silver Spring
    Farragutful · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Silver Spring

    Francis Preston Blair
    Silver Spring is a suburban city located just north of Washington, D.C. It is known for its diverse population, lively downtown area, and excellent parks and recreation facilities.
    Silver Spring is a vibrant city located in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is known for its urban atmosphere, bustling downtown area, and diverse community. The city offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Silver Spring is home to numerous restaurants, shops, theaters, and entertainment venues, providing a wide range of cultural experiences. Its convenient location, just north of Washington, D.C., contributes to its popularity, as it offers easy access to the nation's capital. The city's innovative urban planning and commitment to sustainability also make it a standout destination in Maryland.
    • County: Montgomery County
    • Location: Maryland, USA
    • Population: approximately 81,000
    • Metro Area: Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
    • Year Founded: 1840s
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and is located on the Chesapeake Bay. It is known for its historic downtown area, Naval Academy, and numerous marinas and sailing opportunities.
    Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland and is one of the most beautiful places in the state. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay and known for its historic charm and scenic beauty. The city offers a blend of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and waterfront views, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
    • Population: Approximately 39,000 residents
    • Historic Significance: Founded in 1649 and served as the U.S. capital for one year
    • State Capital: Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland
    • Naval Academy: Home to the United States Naval Academy
    • Waterfront: Scenic harbor and waterfront with sailing and boating opportunities
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Rockville is a city located in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is known for its excellent schools, vibrant downtown area, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
    Rockville is a bustling city located in Montgomery County, Maryland. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant community, it has become one of the most popular destinations in the state. Rockville offers a mix of suburban and urban living, providing residents and visitors with a wide range of amenities and activities to enjoy.
    • Population: Approximately 68,401 (as of 2021)
    • Area: 13.51 square miles
    • County: Montgomery County
    • Location: Located in central Maryland, close to Washington D.C.
    • Government: Rockville operates under a Council-Manager form of government.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Frederick is a city located in Frederick County, Maryland. It is known for its historic downtown area, excellent schools, and strong economy.
    Frederick is a historic and charming town located in the western part of Maryland. Known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque landscapes, it offers a delightful blend of history and modern amenities. The town exudes a welcoming atmosphere that attracts visitors and residents alike, making it one of the most beautiful towns in Maryland.
    • Historic Significance: Frederick is home to numerous historic landmarks and structures, including beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings.
    • Downtown Frederick: The town's downtown area is a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, offering a perfect blend of small-town charm and urban vibrancy.
    • Carroll Creek Promenade: The Carroll Creek Promenade is a scenic waterfront area that features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and charming bridges.
    • Museums and Cultural Institutions: Frederick boasts several museums and cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Delaplaine Arts Center, which offer enriching experiences for visitors.
    • Historic Frederick City Market: Every Saturday, locals and visitors gather at the Historic Frederick City Market, where they can explore a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, crafts, and delicious food.
  7. 7
    16
    votes
    Gaithersburg is a city located in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is known for its excellent schools, strong economy, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
    Gaithersburg is a vibrant city located in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is considered one of the most popular cities in the state, known for its diverse community, rich history, and a wide range of recreational and cultural attractions. The city offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities.
    • Population: Approximately 68,456 (as of 2019)
    • Area: 10.34 square miles
    • County: Montgomery County
    • Founded: 1802
    • Elevation: 370 feet
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Bowie is a city located in Prince George's County, Maryland. It is known for its excellent schools, strong economy, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
    Bowie is a city located in Prince George's County, Maryland. It is considered one of the most popular cities in the state, known for its attractive residential communities and strong sense of community. Bowie offers a blend of suburban charm with convenient access to major city centers like Washington, D.C. The city is named after Oden Bowie, the former governor of Maryland and the founder of the town.
    • Population: Approximately 58,000 residents
    • Location: Prince George's County, Maryland
    • Year Founded: 1870
    • Size: 18.5 square miles
    • Proximity to Washington, D.C.: Approximately 17 miles
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    Hagerstown is a city located in Washington County, Maryland. It is known for its historic downtown area, strong economy, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
    Hagerstown is a historic city located in Washington County, Maryland. It serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Western Maryland. Known for its rich history, Hagerstown offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a vibrant downtown area and various outdoor recreational opportunities.
    • Founded: 1762
    • Population: Approximately 40,000
    • County: Washington County
    • Location: Western Maryland
    • Climate: Humid subtropical
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Salisbury is a city located in Wicomico County, Maryland. It is known for its excellent schools, strong economy, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.
    Salisbury is a city located in Wicomico County, Maryland. It is the largest city on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and serves as the county seat. Known for its charming downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes, Salisbury is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
    • Population: 32,468
    • Area: 14.49 square miles
    • Geography: Located on the Delmarva Peninsula
    • Climate: Humid subtropical climate
    • Major Industries: Education, healthcare, manufacturing

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Ranking factors for popular city

  1. Population
    The number of residents in the city can be an indicator of popularity. A higher population often points to more attractions, job opportunities, and amenities that draw people to live or visit there.
  2. Tourism and attractions
    Popular cities often have a wide range of tourist attractions, such as historical landmarks, museums, parks, or sports teams.
  3. Economic factors
    The overall economic health of a city, including its job market, income levels, and economic growth, can contribute to its popularity.
  4. Cultural diversity
    A city with a diverse population is often a popular destination for visitors due to its variety of cultural experiences, food, and entertainment options.
  5. Education
    Higher education institutions, research facilities, and quality schools can draw people to a city, making it more popular.
  6. Transportation and accessibility
    Easy access to transportation, such as airports, train stations, and highways, can affect a city's popularity. Additionally, well-developed public transportation and walkability can make a city more appealing.
  7. Quality of life
    Factors like safety, healthcare, and cleanliness contribute to the overall livability of a city, which can affect its popularity as well.
  8. Events and festivals
    Popular cities often host noteworthy events, festivals, or conferences that attract large crowds from various locations.
  9. Climate
    The local climate can play a role in a city's popularity, as people tend to prefer certain weather conditions or seasonal activities.
  10. Media coverage and online presence
    The city's portrayal in the media and on websites, blogs, and social media platforms can contribute to its popularity. A city with positive coverage and an active online presence is more likely to attract visitors and newcomers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular city in Maryland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1888 views
  • 157 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular city in maryland

Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and vibrant urban centers, Maryland is home to several cities that attract visitors from all over the world. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which city reigns supreme as the most popular destination in the state. In this article, we will explore the top contenders for the title of "most popular city in Maryland" and provide insights into what makes each one unique. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this guide will help you discover the best that Maryland has to offer.

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