Best Cities, Safest Hospitals, Top Schools: MD 2017 Stories

There's much to love about Maryland's quality of life: some world-class universities, stellar school districts and safe, walkable, vibrant communities. As 2017 winds down it's a good time to look back at some of the rankings that gave high marks to Maryland, and serve as an important scorecard for residents.

Over the past 12 months, we've covered assessments of the state's best colleges, public schools, hospitals, and what makes communities earn the distinction of best places to live. Those cities earning high marks in various rankings include Havre de Grace, Bethesda, Columbia, Annapolis and Rockville.

Here's a recap of Maryland standouts:

Columbia Among 10 Best Cities To Live For 2017, Says 24/7 Wall St.

Columbia is a great place to live. And, if you needed any more confirmation, you've got it: The city came in at No. 9 on a new list of America's 50 Best Cities To Live for 2017. The list was compiled by online finance site 24/7 Wall St.

Bethesda Ranks High on Top 100 Best Places To Live

Livability.com has ranked the top 100 best places to live, and gives high marks to Bethesda and Rockville.

10 Best Hospitals In Maryland: US News And World Report

Ten Maryland facilities were named by U.S. News and World Report when it released its annual rankings of the best hospitals in the country for 2017-18.

HdG Gets Kudos For Small-Town Feel, Marina, Cake, More In 2017

This year was a good one for the city, which was recognized by Chesapeake Bay Magazine as a top destination for its marina, food and small-town feel. Havre de Grace also ranked on Southern Living's list of best small towns for retirement, and its businesses gained local, regional and national accolades in other publications.

And more top rankings for Maryland:

• Best States Ranked: Where Does Maryland Stand?
• Annapolis Ranks On Top 100 Best Places To Live
• Maryland Ranked One Of Most Generous States In 2017
• Safest Hospitals In Maryland: Full List
• Best Children's Hospitals 2017: One Maryland Facility Makes U.S News Rankings
• Columbia Among Least Needy Cities Based On Report
• Ellicott City Named One Of The Best Places To Live In The USA: Money
• HCC Among Best Colleges For Ages 25 And Up: Washington Monthly
• Elementary School In Columbia Is No. 2 In Maryland: Niche.com
• Top 100 Elementary Schools In Maryland: Niche.com's 2017 List
• New Ranking Of Maryland's Best Public High Schools
• Rockville Ranks High on Top 100 Best Places To Live

Photo courtesy of Bethesda Urban Partnership