As of August 2017, Maryland was ranked as the richest state in the country, with a median household income of approximately $75,000 a year and a booming military sector. Maryland is home to some of the most sought after areas, and offers waterfront views and mountain hideaways all within its borders. Here are a few of the most expensive places to live in Maryland, as well as some of the most affordable.
The most expensive place to live: Bethesda, Maryland
With a median household income of approximately $140,000 and an average home cost of approximately $755,000, it comes as no surprise that Bethesda would be the most expensive place to live in Maryland. Nestled in southern Montgomery County, Bethesda is just north of the District of Columbia and serves as the home of many government officials.
The second-most expensive place to live: Annapolis, Maryland
The second-most expensive place to live is the state capital, Annapolis, with a median household income of approximately $71,000 and an average home cost of $580,000. Annapolis is not just a place to find great waterfront views and dining opportunities, however. Founded in the 1600s, it's also a city filled with history. In fact, Annapolis is the oldest state capitol in legislative use, and was home to several of the founding fathers. The city is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy.
The most affordable place to live: Cumberland, Maryland
With an average household income of roughly $32,000 and an average home cost of roughly $150,000, Cumberland comes in as the cheapest place to live in Maryland. Nestled in Allegany County, Cumberland is home to several tourist attractions and offers abundant small town charm. Cumberland is home to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, as well as the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. The city also offers a bit of history with the last remaining structure of Fort Cumberland, George Washington's headquarters.
The second-most affordable place to live: Baltimore, Maryland
With an average household income of roughly $42,000 a year and an average home cost of roughly $200,000 Baltimore comes in as the second most affordable place to live in Maryland. While this city has faced its fair share of hardship in the past few years, don't count it out by any means. Baltimore is still the home of many great attractions and waterfront sites, including the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, Port Discovery and several large museums. While the city does have rough patches here and there, it is home to many nice neighborhoods as well.
In conclusion, Maryland is a great state full of many great scenic views and a wide range of housing opportunities from the gated communities of Montgomery County to the quaint rural towns nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland. Maryland is one of the few states where you can find beaches, boardwalks, mountains, lakes, farmland, and big cities all within just a few hours of each other, not to mention just a few hours away from the White House to boot! Maryland is a great place to live, and offers something for everyone.