To read this guide in Español, please visit https://exprealty.com/guides/los-5-mejores-suburbios-de-baltimore/
Each year new homebuyers are drawn to Baltimore because of its small-town feel and exciting amenities. Baltimore brings an urban flair to a slower-paced city, with restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries, and more at residents’ disposal. A coastal city, Baltimore homes for sale can feature waterfront views, cobblestone streets, or vast views of the city. However, some home buyers prefer to live on the outskirts of the city and opt to search for homes for sale in the suburbs. If this sounds like you, keep reading to discover the 5 best suburbs in Baltimore.
1. Ellicott City
Situated 20 minutes west of the center of Baltimore, Ellicott City is a top-ranked suburb because of its plethora of housing options, proximity to Baltimore’s best schools, and family-friendly amenities. Ellicott City real estate consists of ranches, Colonial homes, and townhomes, and they are all situated around Main Street and Old Ellicott City. Main Street features several shopping and dining options, along with unique family events like the Ellicott Silly Comedy Festival or Main Street Music Fest. For a more historic glimpse of the suburb, head to Old Ellicott City and explore local art galleries, museums, charming boutiques, and brunch spots.
Homes for sale in Ellicott City sell for a median of $650K, with the historic homes in Old Ellicott City running a higher price tag. Ellicott City also has a lower crime rate than 70% of Maryland cities, so if you are searching for Baltimore real estate that will keep you at ease, Ellicott City is a top contender.
2. Annapolis
A true suburb just 35 minutes south of Baltimore, Annapolis is the perfect place to stretch your legs, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors. Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, and it sits along Chesapeake Bay, meaning there are plenty of ways to spend your weekends on the water here. Go for a stroll with family or friends in Quiet Waters Park, or check out the yachts docked at Ego Alley.
As far as Baltimore real estate along the waterfront goes, Annapolis offers some of the best, with homes for sale in Annapolis typically selling for around $550K. This hidden gem of a city won’t stay hidden for long, though, so move quickly when looking for homes in Annapolis.
3. Bel Air
You won’t find the Fresh Prince here, but you will find one of the best suburbs in Baltimore! Bel Air is diverse in population, housing, and things to do. Everyone from singles to retirees can find something to love here, whether it’s the annual local events, historic charm, or the A-rated schools like Bel Air Elementary. Bel Air has its own Arts and Entertainment district, so there’s no need to go far when looking for a way to spend the evening. On any given day of the week, Bel Air hosts performances, rotating art galleries, and other cultural events to celebrate local talent. For Baltimore suburbs that scratch a creative itch, Bel Air will definitely suffice.
As far as Bel Air real estate is concerned, you’ll mostly find Colonial-style and brick ranch homes for sale. However, if you’re looking for something more modern, Bel Air offers a plethora of newly built townhomes to suit your fancy. The median sale price for homes in Bel Air falls around $375K, but there are a number of price points across the area, so make sure to let your local agent know what you need.
4. Columbia
One of the largest suburbs in Baltimore, Columbia is proudly home to nearly 100,000 residents. Columbia is conveniently situated directly between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, which means anything you need is within a 30-minute drive. No need to depend on surrounding cities, though; Columbia has its own downtown district with restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and community festivals. In addition, families can enjoy spending time outdoors with a picnic, a walk around Wilde Lake Park, or an educational adventure at Robinson Nature Center. In the summer, residents young and old all love to head to the Lakefront Summer Festival to catch an outdoor showing of their favorite movies.
One of the best aspects of this Baltimore suburb is the array of housing options available. Students of nearby John Hopkins University can find affordable townhomes, growing families can find ranch homes with large yards, and retirees can settle into single-family homes in an active community. The median cost for homes for sale in this thriving community is around $425K. Between activities, excellent housing, and top-rated Baltimore schools, Columbia real estate has a lot to offer.
5. Towson
This growing community is just north of Baltimore and offers a true suburb within an urban city. Towson real estate has its own downtown area complete with a small park, an athletic stadium, tons of restaurants, and a high concentration of Asian cuisine and shopping spots. In the Spring, the Towson town Spring Festival offers residents of all ages a carnival, food trucks, and even a beer garden to celebrate the beginning of the season. Families gravitate toward Towson because of its excellent education options in both K-12 and higher education levels. Students and young couples love Towson because it’s close to Towson University and offers a single area where they can live, work, study, and explore.
Outside of downtown, the neighborhoods of Towson feature Colonial-style homes, ranches, and townhomes for sale. The typical home for sale in this Baltimore suburb lists for between $400K and $450K.
The Best Suburbs of Baltimore
Whether you want to raise a family along the waterfront or are in need of an artsy townhouse to call home, you are sure to find what you’re looking for in one of these Baltimore suburbs. We hope this gave you a little bit of direction in your Baltimore home search, and if you’re ready to buy, one of our local agents would love to help you find your dream home!
If this city isn’t for you, head on to Pennsylvania in the north and you might just find the best home for you. Just 2 hours away from Baltimore, Philadelphia’s best suburbs offers nearly the same amenities but in a larger city and offers more opportunities.
