The 11 Fastest-Growing Towns in Maryland Everyone Is Talking About

Maryland is a state with many waterways, most importantly the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastlines. This Mid-Atlantic state was founded on July 4^th, 1776 and it later joined the Union as the seventh state in 1788. Baltimore is its largest city and a major historical seaport. Indeed, it was one of the original Thirteen Colonies of England in 1632. Annapolis is the state’s capital which showcases the Beaux Arts designed United States Naval Academy.

Over 6 million people, as of 2021, call this state home which offers a unique blend of southern and northern traditions. It’s no wonder people want to live here because of its easy access to Washington D.C. and Baltimore, excellent universities, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Eastern shoreline. The official state bird is the Baltimore oriole. Its name comes from the male’s orange and black plumage because it resembles the coat of arms of 17^th-century Lord Baltimore. Read on for more about the 11 fastest-growing towns in Maryland everyone is talking about!

North Laurel

Said to be one of the best places to live in Maryland, this suburban town is centrally located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore near the Patuxent River making it an easy commute to major cities. Long ago the nearby river provided the power to grind grain into flour, which was a major industry at the time and later it became a cotton mill. It is adjacent to the Patuxent Research Refuge with 13,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and meadows to explore and perhaps get a glimpse of the rare Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea.) As of 2020 the population was 25,379 and has seen an increase of 522.6 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Clarksburg

This town is located at the northern end of Interstate 270 and has a population of 29,051 as of 2020 which has increased 175.5 percent between 2010 and 2020. It is surrounded by regional parks, and historical attractions with easy access to major nearby cities like Washington D.C., and Baltimore. Additionally, Little Bennet Golf Course offers scenic views of Sugarloaf Mountain on its full grass driving range and practice greens.

Elkridge

Known for its educational institutions such as Howard University and Johns Hopkins University, it is centrally located between Baltimore and Washington D.C. on Interstate 95 and lies on the banks of the Patapsco River. The population was 25,171 as of 2020 and has seen an increase of 86.3 percent between 2010 and 2020. Popular destinations include Valley View Golf Course, Rockburn Branch Park, and Clipper Mill Pool. Ammunition and cannons were reportedly forged during the Revolutionary War at the historic Elkridge Furnace Inn. However, today it is an elegant place to enjoy fine dining or hold a wedding reception.

Pasadena

One of the 11 fastest-growing towns in Maryland everyone is talking about is located on the Chesapeake Bay featuring many historic sites and fresh seafood. With a population of 32,979 as of 2020, this town saw a 48.6 percent increase between 2010 to 2020. The city is about 30 minutes south of Baltimore along Maryland Route 177 making it a great place to live. In addition, enjoy Lake Waterford Reservoir and Park with 108 acres of fishing, wildlife viewing, and sports activities.

Middle River

This peaceful town of 33,203 as of 2020 offers many activities for its residents. The population has seen a 39.5 percent increase between 2010 and 2020. Shoreline views abound with its many rivers, creeks, and tributaries making it a favorite spot for fishing and boating. Additionally, the local peninsulas are dotted with piers, yacht clubs, and marinas. The Wicomico River is a freshwater marsh with many fish species such as blue catfish, northern snakehead, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. People live here for its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, and the cost of living.

Severn

Severn is centrally located between Interstates 97 and 295 making it a great place to live if commuting to a nearby major city is a factor. With a population of 57,118 as of 2020, they have seen an increase of 36.8 percent between 2010 and 2020. This suburb of Baltimore is a stopping point for migratory birds such as the wood duck, bufflehead, hooded mergansers, and coots. Additionally, birdwatchers enjoy seeing goldeneye, scaup, canvasback, ruddy ducks, grebes, and common loons. Residents also enjoy walking or cycling.

Bel Air South

North of Baltimore, Bel Air South is centrally located near major universities such as Franklin, Johns Hopkins, Goucher, Notre Dame of Maryland, and Loyola. The population as of 2020 was 57,648 and they have seen a 26.0 percent increase from 2010 to 2020. Visit the small Georgian-style Hays House Museum built in 1788 by John Bull which shows how life was in its time. In addition, it is the oldest home in town. Here residents experience a mix of rural and city living. As a result, the vibrant arts and entertainment district offers dance performances, cultural events, and art galleries.

North Bethesda

The town is less than nine square miles and just 4 miles from Washington D.C. making it a very desirable address! Josiah Henson Park is dedicated to Reverend Josiah Henson who inspired Harriet Beech Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In the winter months, ice skating is a favorite activity here. Rockville Town Center is a local destination for films, outdoor concerts, and other performances. The population as of 2020 was 50,094 and has seen an increase from 2010 to 2020 of 23.7 percent.

Frederick

Home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, this town of 78,171 is full of historical sites. It is less than an hour away from Washington D.C., Gettysburg, and Baltimore. However, orchards, wineries, and mountain views surround the area. For example, a favorite hiking spot nearby is the Appalachian Trail. Located in the northeastern part of the state its population in 2020 was 78,171 and has seen an increase from 2010 to 2020 of 22.7 percent.

Waldorf

Several major routes exist here, and as a result, commuting to major cities is easy. It is also a suburb southeast of Washington D.C. with Route 301 running through the town. There are many parks and historical sites here such as the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum. The doctor gained notoriety because he set the leg of John Wilkes Booth the morning after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and assisted in his escape. Cedarville State Forest is nearby offering fishing for bass, sunfish, catfish, and bluegill, hunting, and recreation areas. As of 2020 the population was 81,410 and has seen an increase of 21.2 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Odenton

Nearby state capital Annapolis is 10-20 minutes away and the town is also close to Fort George G. Meade home to NSA headquarters, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and U.S. Cyber Command. In addition, Baltimore is only 19 miles away. Odenton is adjacent to the Patuxent Research Refuge popular for hiking, fishing, and hunting. In the winter months, the Piney Orchard Ice Area is a popular place to ice skate. BWI Airport is merely 8 miles away. As of 2020 the population was 42,947 and has seen an increase of 21 percent from 2010 to 2020.

The 11 Fastest-Growing Towns in Maryland Everyone Is Talking About