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Best Overall Cities in Maryland

3 cities ranked · Highest MoveScore composite — safest overall balance of all six livability dimensions.

Top Cities in Maryland

  1. #1
    C

    Frederick

    Best Overall Cities score 68 · MoveScore 68

  2. #2
    C

    Columbia

    Best Overall Cities score 63 · MoveScore 63

  3. #3
    C

    Baltimore

    Best Overall Cities score 60 · MoveScore 60

Other Maryland Rankings

Best for Safety in Maryland

Lowest crime rates per FBI UCR — best for families sensitive to violent and property crime.

Best for Water Quality in Maryland

Cleanest drinking water per EPA SDWIS — fewest violations, highest safety scores.

Best for Air Quality in Maryland

Cleanest air per EPA AQS — lowest median AQI and fewest unhealthy days.

Best for Public Schools in Maryland

Strongest public school performance per NCES/EDFacts — highest average proficiency.

Best Fiscal Health in Maryland

Strongest municipal fiscal health per Census ASPEP — sustainable per-capita spending.

Best for Hospital Care in Maryland

Highest-rated hospitals per CMS HCAHPS — best patient experience scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Maryland ranks highest for best overall cities?

Frederick, MD ranks #1 in Maryland for best overall cities with a sub-score of 68/100 (MoveScore 68, grade C).

How many cities in Maryland are compared?

3 Maryland cities have enough federal data for this ranking. Cities need at least three of six sub-scores for inclusion.

How is this ranking calculated?

Highest MoveScore composite — safest overall balance of all six livability dimensions. Sub-scores are normalized to 0-100 and the highest scores rank first.

Sources: FBI UCR, EPA, NCES, Census ASPEP, CMS HCAHPS
Last updated:

Maryland-specific ranking using the composite MoveScore, normalized to 0-100. Cities need at least three federal sub-scores to be included.