Maryland, located in the Mid-Atlantic, is called the “Old Line State,” a nickname attributed to the Maryland Line soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Maryland has a population of 6.2 million, with Annapolis as the capital and Baltimore, known for its harbor and historic neighborhoods, as the largest city.
10 Largest Cities in Maryland
1. Baltimore (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Independent city (not part of any county)
- Area: 92.1 square miles
- Population: 576,498 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 410, 443, 667
- Zip Codes: 21201-21298
- Latitude: 39.290385
- Longitude: -76.612189
Location and History:
Baltimore is located in central Maryland, along the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay. It was founded in 1729 as a seaport for shipping tobacco and grain. Baltimore played a significant role in American history, notably during the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Fort McHenry, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” During the 19th century, Baltimore became an industrial and transportation hub due to its port and the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad. Today, Baltimore is a cultural, financial, and educational center, known for its rich history, major hospitals like Johns Hopkins, and diverse neighborhoods.
Major Landmarks:
- Inner Harbor: A major tourist attraction featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.
- Fort McHenry National Monument: The site where the Battle of Baltimore took place during the War of 1812.
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Home to the Baltimore Orioles, renowned for its retro-classic baseball park design.
- The Walters Art Museum: A historic museum with a vast collection of art from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
Major Highways:
Baltimore is served by several major highways, including Interstate 95, which runs north-south along the East Coast, connecting it to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Interstate 83 provides access to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, while Interstate 395 and Interstate 695 (the Baltimore Beltway) offer access to the city and its surrounding suburbs. U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 1 also pass through the city, providing additional regional connectivity. These highways make Baltimore a critical transportation hub for the Mid-Atlantic region.
2. Columbia (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Howard County
- Area: 32.2 square miles
- Population: 105,306 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 410, 443, 667
- Zip Codes: 21044-21046
- Latitude: 39.203714
- Longitude: -76.861046
Location and History:
Columbia, located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is a planned community founded in 1967 by developer James Rouse. Designed to eliminate racial, economic, and religious segregation, Columbia was built with the idea of being more than a typical suburb. The city consists of ten self-contained villages, each with its own schools, recreational facilities, and shopping areas. Today, Columbia is known for its high quality of life, well-maintained parks, and thriving local economy, largely due to its proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Major Landmarks:
- Merriweather Post Pavilion: A well-known outdoor concert venue that hosts performances by top artists from various genres.
- The Mall in Columbia: A major shopping center with a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Lake Kittamaqundi: A man-made lake in the heart of Columbia, surrounded by walking trails, picnic areas, and public art installations.
- Columbia Association Athletic Club: A popular community center offering fitness, sports facilities, and recreational programs for residents.
Major Highways:
Columbia is served by Interstate 95, a major north-south route that provides easy access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Maryland Route 29 (Columbia Pike) runs through the city, connecting it to Ellicott City and Silver Spring. Maryland Route 32 offers access to Fort Meade and Annapolis. Interstate 70 is located nearby, providing a route to Frederick and points west. These highways contribute to Columbia’s strategic location between two major metropolitan areas.
3. Germantown (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Montgomery County
- Area: 17.03 square miles
- Population: 91,249 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 240, 301
- Zip Codes: 20874-20876
- Latitude: 39.173162
- Longitude: -77.271650
Location and History:
Germantown is located in the northwestern part of Montgomery County, about 25 miles from Washington, D.C. It was established in the early 19th century by European immigrants, many of them German, who settled in the area. Germantown remained a rural community until the 1970s when it experienced rapid suburban growth due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Today, Germantown is a thriving residential community with a mix of suburban neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parks.
Major Landmarks:
- BlackRock Center for the Arts: A cultural hub offering performances, art exhibits, and community events in Germantown.
- Great Seneca Stream Valley Park: A large park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to Seneca Creek.
- Butler’s Orchard: A family-owned farm offering seasonal fruit picking, hayrides, and fall festivals.
- Lancaster County Dutch Market: A popular indoor market featuring Amish and Mennonite vendors selling food, crafts, and furniture.
Major Highways:
Germantown is served by Interstate 270, a major north-south highway that connects the area to Washington, D.C., and Frederick. Maryland Route 118 runs through the center of Germantown, providing access to local neighborhoods and shopping areas. Maryland Route 355 (Frederick Road) offers an alternative route parallel to I-270. These highways support Germantown’s growth as a commuter hub for the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
4. Silver Spring (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Montgomery County
- Area: 9.49 square miles
- Population: 81,773 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 301, 240
- Zip Codes: 20901-20910
- Latitude: 39.007443
- Longitude: -77.026817
Location and History:
Silver Spring is located just north of Washington, D.C., in Montgomery County. It was named after a spring with shimmering mica particles that was discovered in the 1840s. The community grew rapidly in the early 20th century as Washington, D.C., expanded, and it became a major suburban area in the post-World War II era. Today, Silver Spring is a vibrant urban-suburban area known for its diverse population, cultural attractions, and proximity to the nation’s capital. It serves as a major business and residential center within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Major Landmarks:
- The Fillmore Silver Spring: A popular live music venue that hosts concerts and events featuring national and international acts.
- AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: A historic theater offering independent films, film festivals, and educational programs.
- Sligo Creek Park: A scenic park with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, running along Sligo Creek.
- Silver Spring Civic Center: A community center in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, hosting events, meetings, and performances.
Major Highways:
Silver Spring is served by Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway), which encircles Washington, D.C., and provides easy access to the city and surrounding suburbs. U.S. Route 29 (Colesville Road) runs north-south through Silver Spring, connecting it to downtown Washington, D.C. Maryland Route 97 (Georgia Avenue) is another major route, providing access to both suburban and urban areas. These highways make Silver Spring a key transportation corridor in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
5. Waldorf (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Charles County
- Area: 36.46 square miles
- Population: 81,410 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 240, 301
- Zip Codes: 20601-20604
- Latitude: 38.624561
- Longitude: -76.939137
Location and History:
Waldorf is located in southern Maryland, approximately 23 miles south of Washington, D.C. The area was originally established as a rural crossroads in the early 20th century. It remained a quiet farming community until the construction of Maryland Route 5 in the 1950s, which connected Waldorf to Washington, D.C. This led to rapid suburbanization in the following decades, transforming Waldorf into a major bedroom community for workers commuting to Washington, D.C. Today, Waldorf is a growing suburban area known for its shopping centers, schools, and residential neighborhoods.
Major Landmarks:
- St. Charles Towne Center: A large shopping mall with a wide variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Patapsco Valley State Park: A large state park offering hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking along the scenic Patapsco River.
- B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station: The oldest surviving railroad station in the United States, now a museum showcasing early railroad history.
- Thomas Isaac Log Cabin: A historic 18th-century log cabin that provides a glimpse into the life of early settlers in the area.
- Howard County Historical Society Museum: A museum housed in a former church, offering exhibits on the history of Howard County and Ellicott City.
Major Highways:
Ellicott City is located near Interstate 70, which runs east-west and provides access to Baltimore and Frederick. U.S. Route 29 (Columbia Pike) runs through the area, connecting it to Columbia and Washington, D.C. Maryland Route 40 (Baltimore National Pike) offers additional access to nearby communities and shopping areas. Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway) is also nearby, making Ellicott City well-connected to major metropolitan areas in central Maryland.
7. Frederick (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Frederick County
- Area: 24.1 square miles
- Population: 74,803 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 240, 301
- Zip Codes: 21701-21705
- Latitude: 39.414268
- Longitude: -77.410541
Location and History:
Frederick is located in western Maryland, near the Catoctin Mountains and along the Monocacy River. Founded in 1745 by German settlers, Frederick became an important colonial town and played a key role in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Its strategic location made it a crossroads for both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. Today, Frederick is known for its vibrant historic downtown, scenic landscapes, and proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The city has grown as a center for biotechnology, manufacturing, and government services.
Major Landmarks:
- Historic Downtown Frederick: Known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants.
- National Museum of Civil War Medicine: A museum dedicated to the medical innovations and practices during the Civil War.
- Carroll Creek Park: A scenic urban park featuring walking paths, public art, and water features running through downtown Frederick.
- Schifferstadt Architectural Museum: One of the oldest and best-preserved examples of German colonial architecture in the U.S.
Major Highways:
Frederick is intersected by Interstate 70, which runs east-west, connecting the city to Baltimore and points west. Interstate 270 provides a direct route to Washington, D.C., making Frederick a key commuter city. U.S. Route 15 runs north-south, linking Frederick to Pennsylvania and southern Maryland. U.S. Route 340 also provides access to Virginia. These highways make Frederick an important transportation hub for western Maryland.
8. Glen Burnie (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Anne Arundel County
- Area: 18.0 square miles
- Population: 72,395 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 410, 443
- Zip Codes: 21060-21062
- Latitude: 39.162608
- Longitude: -76.624688
Location and History:
Glen Burnie is located in northern Anne Arundel County, near Baltimore. It was established in 1812 by Elias Glenn as part of a land grant and originally called “Glennsburne.” The town grew slowly until the early 20th century when suburbanization spurred its development. Today, Glen Burnie is primarily a residential suburb of Baltimore, known for its proximity to major transportation routes, including Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The town offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Major Landmarks:
- The Centre at Glen Burnie: A major shopping mall that serves as a central commercial hub for the area.
- Historic Curtis House: A historic home dating back to the 18th century, offering a glimpse into the area’s colonial past.
- BWI Trail: A popular multi-use trail encircling BWI Airport, offering opportunities for walking, biking, and jogging.
- North Arundel Aquatic Center: A community aquatic center offering a pool, water slides, and recreational swimming facilities.
Major Highways:
Glen Burnie is served by Interstate 97, which runs north-south, connecting the area to Baltimore and Annapolis. Maryland Route 100 runs east-west, providing access to Ellicott City and Columbia. Maryland Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) is a major north-south route through the area, offering direct access to downtown Baltimore. Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway) also passes nearby, making Glen Burnie a key commuter town for the Baltimore metropolitan area.
9. Gaithersburg (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Montgomery County
- Area: 10.3 square miles
- Population: 71,896 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 301, 240
- Zip Codes: 20877-20886
- Latitude: 39.143441
- Longitude: -77.201370
Location and History:
Gaithersburg is located in central Montgomery County, northwest of Washington, D.C. It was established in 1802 as a small agricultural settlement known as Log Town. The arrival of the railroad in 1873 transformed Gaithersburg into a transportation hub, leading to further development. Over the 20th century, Gaithersburg grew into a major suburb of Washington, D.C., known for its technology corridor and research institutions, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The city is now a key center for biotechnology and information technology in Maryland.
Major Landmarks:
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): A major U.S. federal research laboratory focused on physical science, engineering, and technology.
- Lakeforest Mall: A large shopping center offering a variety of retail stores and dining options.
- Gaithersburg Community Museum: A museum located in the restored 1884 B&O Railroad Station, showcasing the city’s history.
- Seneca Creek State Park: A large park offering hiking, boating, and picnicking along Seneca Creek, popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Highways:
Gaithersburg is served by Interstate 270, which runs north-south and provides access to Washington, D.C., and Frederick. Maryland Route 355 (Frederick Road) is another major north-south route through the city, serving as an alternative to I-270. Maryland Route 124 (Quince Orchard Road) runs through the area, connecting Gaithersburg to surrounding suburbs. These highways are essential for Gaithersburg’s role as a major commuter town for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
10. Rockville (Maryland)
City Facts
- County: Montgomery County
- Area: 13.6 square miles
- Population: 71,105 (2023 estimate)
- Area Codes: 301, 240
- Zip Codes: 20847-20855
- Latitude: 39.083997
- Longitude: -77.152758
Location and History:
Rockville, located in central Montgomery County, is the county seat and one of the largest cities in Maryland. It was first settled in the mid-18th century and officially named in 1801. The city grew steadily with the development of railroads in the 19th century and became a major suburban area of Washington, D.C., in the 20th century. Today, Rockville is known for its government services, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods. It also plays a significant role in the region’s technology and biotech sectors, contributing to Maryland’s reputation as a hub for scientific innovation.
Major Landmarks:
- Rockville Town Square: A vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, public events, and a seasonal ice rink.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre: A community performing arts venue named after the famous author, who is buried in Rockville.
- Montgomery County Circuit Court: The main courthouse serving Montgomery County, located in the heart of downtown Rockville.
- Croydon Creek Nature Center: A nature preserve offering trails, wildlife viewing, and environmental education programs.
Major Highways:
Rockville is served by Interstate 270, which provides direct access to Washington, D.C., and points north. Maryland Route 355 (Rockville Pike) runs through the city, connecting it to Gaithersburg and Bethesda. Maryland Route 28 (Norbeck Road) offers an east-west route through the region, while Interstate 370 provides access to the Intercounty Connector. These highways support Rockville’s role as a key transportation and economic center in Montgomery County.