13/13 Gate✓ IQ Certified10/10?

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland in 2027

📖 2,356 words🗓️ Published Jul 27, 2026

Direct Answer

Severna Park is widely considered the best overall place to live in Anne Arundel County, featuring top-rated schools, low crime rates, and access to the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and Magothy River. Annapolis offers historic waterfront living as the state capital, while Arnold provides excellent Broadneck-area schools near the Bay Bridge. Crofton appeals to commuters with central access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Annapolis. Pasadena delivers strong value with waterfront access at more moderate prices. Edgewater offers South River living below Annapolis prices. Davidsonville provides rural acreage with top South River schools. Gambrills attracts Fort Meade and NSA employees with newer homes. Millersville offers central-county convenience with space. Shady Side provides affordable Bay waterfront in the county's quiet southern end.

How We Ranked the Top 10

1. Severna Park 🏆 BEST OVERALL

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$625,000 | Best for: Families wanting top schools and Bay access

Severna Park (population ~38,000) is known for excellent schools — Severna Park High School consistently ranks among Maryland's best. The community offers low crime rates, the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail for biking and walking, and marinas on the Magothy and Severn rivers. Commutes are convenient: Annapolis is 15 minutes, Baltimore 30 minutes, and Washington D.C. about 50 minutes via I-97 and Route 50. Home prices are high, but the combination of schools, safety, and water access justifies the premium.

Pros:

Top-rated schools among Maryland's best
Low crime and strong family community
B&A Trail and river marinas for Bay living
Quick access to Annapolis and Baltimore

Cons:

High median home price around $625,000
Suburban layout requires driving for most errands

Verdict: Severna Park wins on balance — elite schools, low crime, and Bay access with no real weak spot beyond price.

2. Annapolis

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$545,000 | Best for: Professionals wanting walkable historic waterfront

Maryland's capital, Annapolis (population ~40,000), features a brick-lined historic downtown, the U.S. Naval Academy, the State House, and a vibrant dining and sailing culture. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center provides top healthcare. School quality varies by zone, crime is moderate for a city, and the cultural calendar stays full year-round. Commuters reach Baltimore in 35 minutes and Washington D.C. in 45 minutes.

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 1

Pros:

Walkable historic waterfront downtown
Top regional hospital and healthcare access
Rich arts, dining, and sailing culture
Quick access to Baltimore and Washington

Cons:

School quality varies sharply by neighborhood
Tourist crowds and parking challenges downtown

Verdict: The walkable-capital pick — unmatched water, culture, and history for buyers who value downtown life over top schools.

3. Arnold

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$560,000 | Best for: Families wanting top schools just outside Annapolis

Arnold (population ~24,000) sits on the Broadneck peninsula between the Magothy and Severn rivers, offering top-rated Broadneck schools, low crime, and abundant water access. Anne Arundel Community College is located here, and Sandy Point State Park and the Bay Bridge are minutes away. Commutes run 10 minutes to Annapolis and 40 minutes to Baltimore.

Pros:

Top-rated Broadneck-cluster schools
Excellent water access on the Broadneck peninsula
Low crime and established family neighborhoods
Ten minutes to Annapolis, near Sandy Point

Cons:

High home prices, though below Severna Park
Bay Bridge traffic clogs nearby roads in summer

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 2

Verdict: The Broadneck pick — top schools and water access just outside Annapolis at a slight discount to Severna Park.

4. Crofton

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$530,000 | Best for: Commuters split between Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis

Crofton (population ~29,000), incorporated as a town in 2018, is a planned community prized for its central location between three job centers — Annapolis (20 minutes), Baltimore (35 minutes), and Washington D.C. (40 minutes) via US-50 and MD-3. Schools are well regarded, crime is low, and the layout centers on a golf course and parkways.

Pros:

Central commute access to D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis
Well-regarded schools and low crime
Golf-course-centered, green planned layout
Range of townhomes and single-family homes

Cons:

Car-dependent with limited walkable core
MD-3 corridor traffic can be heavy

Verdict: The commuter's pick — a safe, well-schooled planned town positioned for jobs in every direction.

5. Davidsonville

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$750,000 | Best for: Buyers wanting rural space and top schools

Davidsonville (population ~4,500) is the county's premier rural-residential enclave, where large lots, horse properties, and wooded acreage meet top-rated South River-cluster schools. Crime is very low, and the setting feels country despite sitting just 15 minutes from Annapolis and 45 minutes from Washington D.C. via US-50 and MD-214.

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 3

Pros:

Top-rated South River-cluster schools
Large lots, privacy, and rural character
Very low crime and established affluence
Fifteen minutes to Annapolis despite country feel

Cons:

Highest median home price on the list near $750,000
Few amenities; everything requires a drive

Verdict: The rural-luxury pick — space, privacy, and top schools for buyers who value acreage over walkability.

6. Edgewater

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$490,000 | Best for: Water lovers wanting South River access at fair price

Across the South River from Annapolis, Edgewater (population ~9,000) offers genuine waterfront living — marinas, creeks, and the South River — at prices below the capital itself. Schools in the South River cluster are well regarded, crime is low, and Quiet Waters Park and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center sit nearby. Commutes run 10 minutes to Annapolis and 45 minutes to Washington D.C.

Pros:

South River waterfront access below Annapolis prices
Well-regarded South River-cluster schools
Low crime and abundant marinas and parks
Ten minutes to Annapolis

Cons:

Limited town center and walkable shopping
Bridge and US-50 traffic into Annapolis at peak

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 4

Verdict: The waterfront-value pick — South River living and good schools for less than Annapolis proper.

7. Pasadena 💎 BEST VALUE

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$440,000 | Best for: Families wanting waterfront and value on the Bay

Pasadena (population ~29,000) occupies a peninsula between the Magothy and Patapsco rivers, packed with marinas, creeks, and Bay access — yet its median home around $440,000 makes it the county's value leader. Schools are solid, crime is low, and a strong blue-collar-to-professional community gives the area a grounded, family feel. Downs Park and miles of shoreline anchor outdoor life. Commutes run 20 minutes to Annapolis and 25 minutes to Baltimore via I-97.

Pros:

Lowest median home price among top picks at ~$440,000
Extensive Bay and river waterfront access
Solid schools and low crime
Twenty minutes to Annapolis, 25 to Baltimore

Cons:

Spread-out layout with limited central downtown
Schools strong but a step below Severna Park

Verdict: The value champion — real waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for the county's best price.

8. Gambrills

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$560,000 | Best for: Newer-home families near Fort Meade jobs

Gambrills (population ~8,000) is a growing community in the county's center, popular with families working at Fort Meade and the NSA/cyber corridor, just 15 minutes north. Newer subdivisions, the Waugh Chapel retail district, and well-regarded schools (Crofton and Arundel clusters) draw buyers wanting modern homes and convenience. Crime is low, and commutes reach Baltimore in 30 minutes, Annapolis in 20 minutes, and Washington D.C. in 45 minutes via MD-3 and I-97.

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 5

Pros:

Fifteen minutes to Fort Meade and the cyber corridor
Newer homes and the Waugh Chapel retail district
Well-regarded schools and low crime
Central commute to Baltimore, Annapolis, and D.C.

Cons:

Rapid growth has added traffic on MD-3
Less character than older established towns

Verdict: The Fort Meade pick — modern homes, good schools, and an easy commute to the cyber corridor.

9. Millersville

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$530,000 | Best for: Central-county families wanting space and good schools

Millersville (population ~30,000) sits in the county's geographic center, offering a mix of established neighborhoods, wooded lots, and good schools (Old Mill and Severna Park clusters) with quick access to everything. Kinder Farm Park's 288 acres anchor outdoor life, crime is low, and commutes run 20 minutes to both Annapolis and Baltimore via I-97.

Pros:

Central location with 20-minute reach to two cities
Good schools and low crime
Kinder Farm Park and wooded residential lots
More space than close-in suburbs

Cons:

Spread out with no single walkable town center
School quality varies by exact cluster

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 6

Verdict: The central-balance pick — space, good schools, and dual-city access in the county's middle.

10. Shady Side

County: Anne Arundel | Median home: ~$420,000 | Best for: Budget waterfront buyers and weekend boaters

The most affordable pick, Shady Side (population ~5,500) sits on a peninsula along the West and Chesapeake shoreline in the county's quiet southern end. Genuine Bay access, marinas, and a small-town fishing-village feel come at the list's lowest median. Schools in the Southern cluster are average, amenities are limited, and the commute is longer — 35 minutes to Annapolis — but the affordable waterfront and tranquil pace reward boaters and remote workers.

Pros:

Affordable Bay waterfront among the county's lowest medians
Marinas and a genuine fishing-village feel
Low crime and a tranquil southern-county pace
Quiet shoreline parks and community spots

Cons:

Longer commute and limited local amenities
Southern-cluster schools are only average

Verdict: The budget-waterfront pick — affordable Bay access for boaters and remote workers who don't need a short commute.

Which Town Is Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Town in Anne Arundel County

School cluster, not just town — Anne Arundel schools vary by feeder cluster (Severna Park, Broadneck, South River lead); confirm the exact zone on GreatSchools before you buy.
Real commute direction — Pick a town positioned for your job center; Crofton and Gambrills work for D.C./Fort Meade, Severna Park and Arnold for Annapolis and Baltimore.
Waterfront premium vs. access — Direct waterfront commands a steep premium; communities like Pasadena, Edgewater, and Shady Side offer marina and creek access for less.
Bay Bridge and US-50 traffic — Summer beach traffic snarls Broadneck and Annapolis routes; weigh how often you'll cross those corridors.
New vs. established neighborhoods — Gambrills and Crofton offer newer homes; Arnold, Severna Park, and Davidsonville lean established with larger trees and lots.
Total cost beyond price — Factor county property taxes, HOA fees, and flood-insurance needs near the water into your budget.

FAQ

What is the best town to live in Anne Arundel County overall? Severna Park earns our top spot for top-rated schools, low crime, Bay access via the B&A Trail, and quick commutes to Annapolis and Baltimore — though its median home near $625,000 makes it a premium choice.

Which Anne Arundel County town offers the best value? Pasadena is our value pick: extensive Bay and river waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for a median home around $440,000, the county's best quality-per-dollar combination.

Which Anne Arundel County towns have the best schools? The Severna Park, Broadneck (Arnold), and South River (Davidsonville, Edgewater) clusters consistently rank among Maryland's best on GreatSchools and Niche.

Where is the best place to live for commuting to D.C. or Fort Meade? Crofton and Gambrills sit centrally for multi-direction commutes; Gambrills is 15 minutes from Fort Meade and the cyber corridor, while Crofton balances D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis.

Where can I find affordable waterfront in Anne Arundel County? Pasadena (median near $440,000), Shady Side (near $420,000), and Edgewater (near $490,000) offer genuine Bay or river access well below Annapolis and Severna Park prices.

Is Anne Arundel County a safe place to live? Most top towns here — Severna Park, Arnold, Crofton, Davidsonville, and Millersville — report low crime on BestPlaces and county data, though urban Annapolis runs higher than the suburbs.

Bottom Line

For Anne Arundel County, Severna Park is our Best Overall — top-rated schools, low crime, and Bay access with easy commutes to Annapolis and Baltimore, though it commands the list's higher prices. Pasadena is our Best Value, delivering real waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for the county's best median price. If your priorities lean toward a multi-city commute, a walkable historic downtown, or rural space, consider Crofton, Annapolis, or Davidsonville instead. Buy on school cluster, real commute direction, and total housing cost — not town slogans — and you will be happy for years.

flowchart TD A["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County"] --> B["Ranking Methodology"] B --> C["Affordability & Home Value - 25%"] B --> D["School Quality - 20%"] B --> E["Safety - 20%"] B --> F["Jobs & Commute - 15%"] B --> G["Amenities & Lifestyle - 10%"] B --> H["Community Feel - 10%"] C --> I["Zillow, Realtor.com median prices"] D --> J["GreatSchools, Niche ratings"] E --> K["BestPlaces, county crime data"] F --> L["Commute times to job centers"] G --> M["Parks, dining, waterfront access"] H --> N["Walkability, neighborhood character"]

flowchart TD Q["Which Anne Arundel Town Is Right for You?"] Q --> Q1{"Top priority?"} Q1 -->|"Best schools"| A["Severna Park, Arnold, Davidsonville"] Q1 -->|"Commute to D.C./Fort Meade"| B["Crofton, Gambrills"] Q1 -->|"Waterfront on budget"| C["Pasadena, Edgewater, Shady Side"] Q1 -->|"Walkable historic"| D["Annapolis"] Q1 -->|"Rural space"| E["Davidsonville"] Q1 -->|"Central convenience"| F["Millersville"]

Related on PULSE

[Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0091)
[Top 10 Best Towns to Raise a Family in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0054)
[Top 10 Best Towns to Retire in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0052)
[Top 10 Best Places to Live in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0051)

Sources

*Best towns to live in Anne Arundel County Maryland review — where to live, rankings, home prices, schools, and a review of the best places to live.*

People also search for: best towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · top towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · top rated towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · highest rated towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland

Download:

# Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

## Direct Answer

**Severna Park** is widely considered the best overall place to live in Anne Arundel County, featuring top-rated schools, low crime rates, and access to the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and Magothy River. **Annapolis** offers historic waterfront living as the state capital, while **Arnold** provides excellent Broadneck-area schools near the Bay Bridge. **Crofton** appeals to commuters with central access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Annapolis. **Pasadena** delivers strong value with waterfront access at more moderate prices. **Edgewater** offers South River living below Annapolis prices. **Davidsonville** provides rural acreage with top South River schools. **Gambrills** attracts Fort Meade and NSA employees with newer homes. **Millersville** offers central-county convenience with space. **Shady Side** provides affordable Bay waterfront in the county's quiet southern end.

## How We Ranked the Top 10

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County"] --> B["Ranking Methodology"]
    B --> C["Affordability & Home Value - 25%"]
    B --> D["School Quality - 20%"]
    B --> E["Safety - 20%"]
    B --> F["Jobs & Commute - 15%"]
    B --> G["Amenities & Lifestyle - 10%"]
    B --> H["Community Feel - 10%"]
    C --> I["Zillow, Realtor.com median prices"]
    D --> J["GreatSchools, Niche ratings"]
    E --> K["BestPlaces, county crime data"]
    F --> L["Commute times to job centers"]
    G --> M["Parks, dining, waterfront access"]
    H --> N["Walkability, neighborhood character"]
```

## 1. Severna Park 🏆 BEST OVERALL

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$625,000 | **Best for:** Families wanting top schools and Bay access

**Severna Park** (population ~38,000) is known for excellent schools — Severna Park High School consistently ranks among Maryland's best. The community offers low crime rates, the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail for biking and walking, and marinas on the Magothy and Severn rivers. Commutes are convenient: **Annapolis is 15 minutes**, **Baltimore 30 minutes**, and **Washington D.C. about 50 minutes** via I-97 and Route 50. Home prices are high, but the combination of schools, safety, and water access justifies the premium.

**Pros:**
- Top-rated schools among Maryland's best
- Low crime and strong family community
- B&A Trail and river marinas for Bay living
- Quick access to Annapolis and Baltimore

**Cons:**
- High median home price around $625,000
- Suburban layout requires driving for most errands

**Verdict: Severna Park wins on balance — elite schools, low crime, and Bay access with no real weak spot beyond price.**

## 2. Annapolis

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$545,000 | **Best for:** Professionals wanting walkable historic waterfront

Maryland's capital, **Annapolis** (population ~40,000), features a brick-lined historic downtown, the U.S. Naval Academy, the State House, and a vibrant dining and sailing culture. **Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center** provides top healthcare. School quality varies by zone, crime is moderate for a city, and the cultural calendar stays full year-round. Commuters reach **Baltimore in 35 minutes** and **Washington D.C. in 45 minutes**.

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 1](/assets/qa/lv0053-b1.jpg)


**Pros:**
- Walkable historic waterfront downtown
- Top regional hospital and healthcare access
- Rich arts, dining, and sailing culture
- Quick access to Baltimore and Washington

**Cons:**
- School quality varies sharply by neighborhood
- Tourist crowds and parking challenges downtown

**Verdict: The walkable-capital pick — unmatched water, culture, and history for buyers who value downtown life over top schools.**

## 3. Arnold

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$560,000 | **Best for:** Families wanting top schools just outside Annapolis

**Arnold** (population ~24,000) sits on the Broadneck peninsula between the Magothy and Severn rivers, offering **top-rated Broadneck schools**, low crime, and abundant water access. **Anne Arundel Community College** is located here, and Sandy Point State Park and the Bay Bridge are minutes away. Commutes run **10 minutes to Annapolis** and **40 minutes to Baltimore**.

**Pros:**
- Top-rated Broadneck-cluster schools
- Excellent water access on the Broadneck peninsula
- Low crime and established family neighborhoods
- Ten minutes to Annapolis, near Sandy Point

**Cons:**
- High home prices, though below Severna Park
- Bay Bridge traffic clogs nearby roads in summer

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 2](/assets/qa/lv0053-b2.jpg)


**Verdict: The Broadneck pick — top schools and water access just outside Annapolis at a slight discount to Severna Park.**

## 4. Crofton

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$530,000 | **Best for:** Commuters split between Baltimore, D.C., and Annapolis

**Crofton** (population ~29,000), incorporated as a town in 2018, is a planned community prized for its **central location** between three job centers — **Annapolis (20 minutes)**, **Baltimore (35 minutes)**, and **Washington D.C. (40 minutes)** via US-50 and MD-3. Schools are well regarded, crime is low, and the layout centers on a golf course and parkways.

**Pros:**
- Central commute access to D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis
- Well-regarded schools and low crime
- Golf-course-centered, green planned layout
- Range of townhomes and single-family homes

**Cons:**
- Car-dependent with limited walkable core
- MD-3 corridor traffic can be heavy

**Verdict: The commuter's pick — a safe, well-schooled planned town positioned for jobs in every direction.**

## 5. Davidsonville

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$750,000 | **Best for:** Buyers wanting rural space and top schools

**Davidsonville** (population ~4,500) is the county's premier rural-residential enclave, where large lots, horse properties, and wooded acreage meet **top-rated South River-cluster schools**. Crime is very low, and the setting feels country despite sitting just **15 minutes from Annapolis** and **45 minutes from Washington D.C.** via US-50 and MD-214.

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 3](/assets/qa/lv0053-b3.jpg)


**Pros:**
- Top-rated South River-cluster schools
- Large lots, privacy, and rural character
- Very low crime and established affluence
- Fifteen minutes to Annapolis despite country feel

**Cons:**
- Highest median home price on the list near $750,000
- Few amenities; everything requires a drive

**Verdict: The rural-luxury pick — space, privacy, and top schools for buyers who value acreage over walkability.**

## 6. Edgewater

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$490,000 | **Best for:** Water lovers wanting South River access at fair price

Across the South River from Annapolis, **Edgewater** (population ~9,000) offers genuine waterfront living — marinas, creeks, and the South River — at prices below the capital itself. Schools in the **South River cluster** are well regarded, crime is low, and Quiet Waters Park and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center sit nearby. Commutes run **10 minutes to Annapolis** and **45 minutes to Washington D.C.**

**Pros:**
- South River waterfront access below Annapolis prices
- Well-regarded South River-cluster schools
- Low crime and abundant marinas and parks
- Ten minutes to Annapolis

**Cons:**
- Limited town center and walkable shopping
- Bridge and US-50 traffic into Annapolis at peak

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 4](/assets/qa/lv0053-b4.jpg)


**Verdict: The waterfront-value pick — South River living and good schools for less than Annapolis proper.**

## 7. Pasadena 💎 BEST VALUE

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$440,000 | **Best for:** Families wanting waterfront and value on the Bay

**Pasadena** (population ~29,000) occupies a peninsula between the Magothy and Patapsco rivers, packed with marinas, creeks, and Bay access — yet its **median home around $440,000** makes it the county's value leader. Schools are solid, crime is low, and a strong blue-collar-to-professional community gives the area a grounded, family feel. **Downs Park** and miles of shoreline anchor outdoor life. Commutes run **20 minutes to Annapolis** and **25 minutes to Baltimore** via I-97.

**Pros:**
- Lowest median home price among top picks at ~$440,000
- Extensive Bay and river waterfront access
- Solid schools and low crime
- Twenty minutes to Annapolis, 25 to Baltimore

**Cons:**
- Spread-out layout with limited central downtown
- Schools strong but a step below Severna Park

**Verdict: The value champion — real waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for the county's best price.**

## 8. Gambrills

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$560,000 | **Best for:** Newer-home families near Fort Meade jobs

**Gambrills** (population ~8,000) is a growing community in the county's center, popular with families working at **Fort Meade and the NSA/cyber corridor**, just **15 minutes** north. Newer subdivisions, the **Waugh Chapel** retail district, and well-regarded schools (Crofton and Arundel clusters) draw buyers wanting modern homes and convenience. Crime is low, and commutes reach **Baltimore in 30 minutes**, **Annapolis in 20 minutes**, and **Washington D.C. in 45 minutes** via MD-3 and I-97.

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 5](/assets/qa/lv0053-b5.jpg)


**Pros:**
- Fifteen minutes to Fort Meade and the cyber corridor
- Newer homes and the Waugh Chapel retail district
- Well-regarded schools and low crime
- Central commute to Baltimore, Annapolis, and D.C.

**Cons:**
- Rapid growth has added traffic on MD-3
- Less character than older established towns

**Verdict: The Fort Meade pick — modern homes, good schools, and an easy commute to the cyber corridor.**

## 9. Millersville

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$530,000 | **Best for:** Central-county families wanting space and good schools

**Millersville** (population ~30,000) sits in the county's geographic center, offering a mix of established neighborhoods, wooded lots, and good schools (Old Mill and Severna Park clusters) with quick access to everything. **Kinder Farm Park's 288 acres** anchor outdoor life, crime is low, and commutes run **20 minutes to both Annapolis and Baltimore** via I-97.

**Pros:**
- Central location with 20-minute reach to two cities
- Good schools and low crime
- Kinder Farm Park and wooded residential lots
- More space than close-in suburbs

**Cons:**
- Spread out with no single walkable town center
- School quality varies by exact cluster

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — figure 6](/assets/qa/lv0053-b6.jpg)


**Verdict: The central-balance pick — space, good schools, and dual-city access in the county's middle.**

## 10. Shady Side

**County:** Anne Arundel | **Median home:** ~$420,000 | **Best for:** Budget waterfront buyers and weekend boaters

The most affordable pick, **Shady Side** (population ~5,500) sits on a peninsula along the West and Chesapeake shoreline in the county's quiet southern end. Genuine Bay access, marinas, and a small-town fishing-village feel come at the list's lowest median. Schools in the **Southern cluster** are average, amenities are limited, and the commute is longer — **35 minutes to Annapolis** — but the affordable waterfront and tranquil pace reward boaters and remote workers.

**Pros:**
- Affordable Bay waterfront among the county's lowest medians
- Marinas and a genuine fishing-village feel
- Low crime and a tranquil southern-county pace
- Quiet shoreline parks and community spots

**Cons:**
- Longer commute and limited local amenities
- Southern-cluster schools are only average

**Verdict: The budget-waterfront pick — affordable Bay access for boaters and remote workers who don't need a short commute.**

## Which Town Is Right for You?

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    Q["Which Anne Arundel Town Is Right for You?"]
    Q --> Q1{"Top priority?"}
    Q1 -->|"Best schools"| A["Severna Park, Arnold, Davidsonville"]
    Q1 -->|"Commute to D.C./Fort Meade"| B["Crofton, Gambrills"]
    Q1 -->|"Waterfront on budget"| C["Pasadena, Edgewater, Shady Side"]
    Q1 -->|"Walkable historic"| D["Annapolis"]
    Q1 -->|"Rural space"| E["Davidsonville"]
    Q1 -->|"Central convenience"| F["Millersville"]
```

## What to Look For When Choosing a Town in Anne Arundel County

- **School cluster, not just town** — Anne Arundel schools vary by feeder cluster (Severna Park, Broadneck, South River lead); confirm the exact zone on GreatSchools before you buy.
- **Real commute direction** — Pick a town positioned for your job center; Crofton and Gambrills work for D.C./Fort Meade, Severna Park and Arnold for Annapolis and Baltimore.
- **Waterfront premium vs. access** — Direct waterfront commands a steep premium; communities like Pasadena, Edgewater, and Shady Side offer marina and creek access for less.
- **Bay Bridge and US-50 traffic** — Summer beach traffic snarls Broadneck and Annapolis routes; weigh how often you'll cross those corridors.
- **New vs. established neighborhoods** — Gambrills and Crofton offer newer homes; Arnold, Severna Park, and Davidsonville lean established with larger trees and lots.
- **Total cost beyond price** — Factor county property taxes, HOA fees, and flood-insurance needs near the water into your budget.

## FAQ

**What is the best town to live in Anne Arundel County overall?**
**Severna Park** earns our top spot for top-rated schools, low crime, Bay access via the B&A Trail, and quick commutes to Annapolis and Baltimore — though its **median home near $625,000** makes it a premium choice.

**Which Anne Arundel County town offers the best value?**
**Pasadena** is our value pick: extensive Bay and river waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for a **median home around $440,000**, the county's best quality-per-dollar combination.

**Which Anne Arundel County towns have the best schools?**
The **Severna Park, Broadneck (Arnold), and South River (Davidsonville, Edgewater)** clusters consistently rank among Maryland's best on GreatSchools and Niche.

**Where is the best place to live for commuting to D.C. or Fort Meade?**
**Crofton** and **Gambrills** sit centrally for multi-direction commutes; Gambrills is **15 minutes** from Fort Meade and the cyber corridor, while Crofton balances D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis.

**Where can I find affordable waterfront in Anne Arundel County?**
**Pasadena** (median near $440,000), **Shady Side** (near $420,000), and **Edgewater** (near $490,000) offer genuine Bay or river access well below Annapolis and Severna Park prices.

**Is Anne Arundel County a safe place to live?**
Most top towns here — **Severna Park, Arnold, Crofton, Davidsonville, and Millersville** — report low crime on BestPlaces and county data, though urban Annapolis runs higher than the suburbs.

## Bottom Line

For Anne Arundel County, **Severna Park** is our **Best Overall** — top-rated schools, low crime, and Bay access with easy commutes to Annapolis and Baltimore, though it commands the list's higher prices. **Pasadena** is our **Best Value**, delivering real waterfront access, solid schools, and a family feel for the county's best median price. If your priorities lean toward a multi-city commute, a walkable historic downtown, or rural space, consider Crofton, Annapolis, or Davidsonville instead. Buy on school cluster, real commute direction, and total housing cost — not town slogans — and you will be happy for years.

## Related on PULSE

- [Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0091)
- [Top 10 Best Towns to Raise a Family in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0054)
- [Top 10 Best Towns to Retire in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0052)
- [Top 10 Best Places to Live in Maryland](/knowledge/lv0051)

## Sources

- [Niche — Best Places to Live in Anne Arundel County](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/c/anne-arundel-county-md/)
- [U.S. Census Bureau — data.census.gov town profiles](https://data.census.gov)
- [Zillow — Anne Arundel County home values](https://www.zillow.com/anne-arundel-county-md/home-values/)
- [Realtor.com — Anne Arundel County real estate](https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Anne-Arundel-County_MD)
- [BestPlaces — Anne Arundel County cost of living and crime](https://www.bestplaces.net/county/maryland/anne_arundel)
- [GreatSchools — Anne Arundel County school ratings](https://www.greatschools.org/maryland/)
- [Anne Arundel County, Maryland official site](https://www.aacounty.org)
- [Anne Arundel County Public Schools](https://www.aacps.org)
- [Maryland Department of Planning — county data](https://planning.maryland.gov)

*Best towns to live in Anne Arundel County Maryland review — where to live, rankings, home prices, schools, and a review of the best places to live.*

**People also search for:** best towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · top towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · top rated towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland · highest rated towns to live in anne arundel county, maryland

Was this helpful?

Sources cited

Pulse RevOps cross-pillar reusePulse RevOps cross-pillar reuse

Kory White

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Anne Arundel County, Maryland in 2027

How We Ranked the Top 10

1. Severna Park 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2. Annapolis

3. Arnold

4. Crofton

5. Davidsonville

6. Edgewater

7. Pasadena 💎 BEST VALUE

8. Gambrills

9. Millersville

10. Shady Side

Which Town Is Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Town in Anne Arundel County

FAQ

Bottom Line

Related on PULSE

Sources

Two scores — Gate vs IQ