Gaithersburg Named to America’s 50 Best Cities to Live

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Despite having a cost of living that is 25 percent higher than the national average, a supply of good jobs, restaurants and other attractions makes Gaithersburg one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live in, says a national business website.

The 24/7WallSt.com site ranks Gaithersburg at No. 23 on its list of best places to call home.

Extra weight was given to the job picture in cities as the site drew up its list.

In Gaithersburg and the other top 50 cities, the annual unemployment rates are below the national rate, and with a few exceptions, all 50 cities reported job growth that at least matches the national job growth rate. Incomes in these cities, when adjusted for cost of living, exceed the national annual household income of $55,775 in the vast majority of cases.

Here’s how 24/7WallSt describes the city:

23. Gaithersburg, Maryland

• Population: 67,445
• Median home value: $356,800
• Poverty rate: 8.2%
• Pct. with at least a bachelor’s degree: 52.4%

“The concentration of restaurants in Gaithersburg is twice as high than it is nationwide, and the concentration of fitness and exercise centers is three times as high. While such venues for leisure are perhaps more accessible in Gaithersburg, they are also more expensive — as are housing and other costs. The typical household in the city earns $85,854 annually. Adjusted for the cost of living, which is 25% higher than the national average, household income falls to $68,848 a year – still considerably higher than the national median household income of $55,775 a year.”

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And most of the cities noted are suburbs of large metro area within commuting distance of the urban center.

The website says the top 5 cities are:

1. Broomfield, Colorado
2. Meridian, Idaho
3. Richardson, Texas
4. Johns Creek, Georgia
5. Lee’s Summit, Missouri

To determine America’s best cities to live in, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on the 550 U.S. cities with populations of 65,000 or more as measured by the U.S. Census Bureau. Based on a range of variables, including crime rates, employment growth, access to restaurants and attractions, educational attainment, and housing affordability, the website made its list.

»Artwork from the City of Gaithersburg