Is Laurel MD a good place to live? Let’s take a deep dive into what living in Laurel MD (pronounced “lorr” + “uhl”) has to offer!
Incorporated in 1870, Laurel is a vibrant Prince George’s County city; its area combines small-town charm with big-city accessibility, making it a popular spot for families, professionals, and students. From strong local government initiatives to an array of public works, Laurel provides extensive services, ensuring the city remains a comfortable, well-maintained place to call home. Laurel’s education system emphasizes inclusivity and high-quality learning.
Laurel, MD, is known for its rich history dating back to the 1800s and great location. The city boasts a lovely historic district (Main Street) with countless stores, coffee shops, and businesses to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a great place to raise a family or a community rich in culture, Laurel offers the resources and lifestyle to meet your needs. Explore our detailed guide to discover what makes this city so desirable!
Whether you’re moving to Laurel or another Maryland city, we have the DC movers to handle your transition! We service some of the best places to live in Maryland, including Silver Springs, Baltimore, and Annapolis.
Table of Contents
Where Is Laurel?
Laurel, Maryland, is located in north Prince George’s County between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore; it is 21.6 miles from Laurel to Baltimore, MD, driving, and 20.2 miles from Laurel to Washington, D.C. Laurel is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area; the next nearest county is Howard County.
Living in Laurel MD provides access to major highways: US-1 passes through the city’s center; I-95 is to the east, and MD-295 is to the west.
Towns Near Laurel MD
After moving to Laurel, you can travel to these nearby communities. Carriage Hills, Maryland City, North Laurel, South Laurel, Savage, Konterra, Ammendale, and Fairland are just a few of the lovely towns and cities near Laurel, MD.
Other cities in Maryland we service are Rockville, Potomac, North Bethesda, Clarksburg, Germantown, and Takoma Park. Thanks to its prime location, Laurel is one of the top cities near Washington, D.C.
Public Transportation in Laurel MD
The city of Laurel is served by three public transit agencies.
- MARC Train System – The Laurel MD to Washington DC train is referred to as the Camden Line. It starts in Camden Yards (downtown Baltimore City) and travels to Washington DC, stopping in Dorsey, Laurel, and College Park. There are two train stops in Laurel: Laurel Racetrack and Laurel – ADA accessible.
- MetroBus (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) – Regional bus transportation; Laurel MD bus routes are 301, 302, 409, 502, and 503.
- RTA (Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland) – Local bus service to Laurel residents; you can visit the website or call 800-270-9553 to schedule a ride.
Is Laurel MD a good place to live if you rely on public transportation? Yes, this community offers ample affordable transit options.
- Question: What is Laurel, MD, close to?
- Answer: Laurel boasts a great location, being near Washington, D.C., Baltimore, the Fort Meade Army Base, and the NSA.
Laurel Population & Demographics
The Laurel MD population was 30,060 as of the 2020 census, contributing to the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area population of 6,304,975. Laurel’s population is not increasing; in fact, the city has seen a 2.2% decrease since 2010.
It’s the fifth-most populated city in its county and has the 33rd-highest median income.
Is Laurel a good place to live when diversity is important? Yes, 55% of the residents are female, 46% are male, and 56% are under the age of 39. The median age here is 36.4. Laurel has a poverty rate that’s 0.5% below the US average, and its foreign-born population is 25% higher than that of its metro area.
Additional Demographics of Laurel MD
- Educational attainment: 45.4% have bachelor’s degrees or higher, and 88.4% have high school diplomas
- Foreign-born population: 29%
- Veteran status: 6%
- Moved since last year: 18.4%
Of the 11,517 households, 50% are married couples, and the average household size is 2.6 people. The average household income in Laurel, Maryland, is $92,035.
- Question: What is the race population in Laurel, Maryland?
- Answer: Laurel’s community is diverse: 51.4% identify as Black or African American, while 20.2% are White (with 16.6% non-Hispanic). Hispanic or Latino residents add vibrancy at 18.3%, followed by 9.5% Asian and 7.7% who embrace multiple racial identities. The smallest group, American Indian and Alaska Native, makes up a unique 0.7%, adding to Laurel’s multicultural tapestry.
Is Laurel MD Safe?
Is Laurel MD a good place to live, considering its crime rate? While the FBI does not provide Laurel, MD, crime statistics, according to BestPlace, the violent crime rate in Laurel is 34.4 per 100 people (22.7 US average), and the property crime rate is 49.8 per 100 people (35.4 US average).
The FBI does not have information on any of Laurel’s nearby cities, so we will examine Baltimore. However, please note that suburbs are typically much safer than major cities and have lower crime rates.
According to the FBI, Baltimore’s crime rates are higher than Maryland’s and US averages, but this is not uncommon for a major city with a dense population and diverse neighborhoods. Baltimore reports an overall crime rate of 4,830 per 100k people, while Maryland’s average is 2,034, and the US. It sits at 2,324. Baltimore’s violent crime rate is 1,553 per 100,000, compared to Maryland’s 399 and the national rate of 370. Baltimore has 3,277 incidents per 100,000 people for property crime, versus 1,635 for Maryland and 1,954 for the U.S.
According to Laurel’s monthly crime report, there were only 38 arrests in September and 4,810 calls. Four violent crimes (citizen robbery), three DUI arrests, 49 traffic collisions, and 149 property crimes were reported to the City of Laurel Police Department.
Cost of Living in Laurel MD
Is Laurel MD a good place to live on a tight budget? According to the Economic Research Institute, Laurel’s Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 110, making it 10% more expensive than the average US city. Laurel is relatively affordable, especially when compared to nearby Washington DC, which has a 139 COLI.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four must earn a household income of $109,970 to live comfortably in Prince George’s County. Expect to spend $14,772 annually on taxes and $19,656 on housing.
Typical *Laurel living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.41
- Pound of white rice: $2.36
- Loaf of white bread: $3.80
- Gym membership (monthly): $106.36
- Average city of Laurel public utility per month: $431 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above statistics are for Washington, DC, meaning prices may differ when living in Laurel MD.
- Question: Why is Laurel, MD, so expensive?
- Answer: Housing is a major contributor to Laurel’s higher cost of living.
Homes for Sale in Laurel MD
Is Laurel MD a good place to live and own property? While affordable, the Laurel real estate market is very competitive; Laurel homes for sale received an average of three offers and sold within 37 days. The median sale price in Laurel is $275,000, which is well below the US median sale price of $420,400. The average price per square foot here is $228, which has decreased by 10.2% since last year.
If you’re not ready to buy a house just yet, that’s fine, too! There are many homes for rent in Lauren, MD. The average rent in Laurel is 1,947 for a 962-square-foot rental.
Laurel Weather & Climate
Is Laurel a good place to live when considering its climate and weather patterns? As with all of Maryland, Laurel has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa.) When living in Laurel MD, expect warm and damp summers and cold and snowy winters. The wettest month is July, with a 38% chance of precipitation on any given day. January sees the least rainfall, at only 1.9 inches on average. However, Jan is the snowiest month, with an average of 7.7 inches.
The Laurel MD weather is enjoyable most of the year, except for a few overly hot and extremely cold months. In July, temperatures increase to an average high of 87 degrees, and in January, the average low is 25 degrees.
The best time to visit Laurel, MD, is in early June or early July before the temperatures increase and the rainfall is at a minimum. However, October is a favorite month as Laurel experiences all four seasons and breathing leaf changes.
Things to Do in Laurel MD
People living in Laurel shop at Laurel Shopping Center, Towne Centre at Laurel, or at one of the other various shopping centers within the city limits. Main Street, or Downtown Laurel, is a good place to get unique trinkets and personalized gifts.
Whether you’re interested in tennis, basketball, hiking, biking, or shopping, this city has activities for you.
M-NCPPC Dinosaur Park
The Dinosaur Park in Laurel, MD is a family favorite activity. General admission is free, and it’s friendly for kids of all ages. Its large displays and expansive digging area make it one of the most fun things to do in Laurel, MD.
13100 Mid Atlantic Blvd, Laurel, MD 20708, (301) 627-1286
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Commonly referred to as the adventure park in Laurel, MD, Urban Air is a large trampoline center with go-carts, dodgeball, climbing walls, and more. This is a great activity for those extra cold or rainy days when outdoor attractions are off-limits.
13446 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, (410) 881-5400
Granville Gude Park
Granville Gude Park is located off of Laurel Lake, a large lake in the city’s center. The park has a large playground, walking trails, a swimming area, and picnic tables. It’s one of the best things to do in Laurel, Maryland, on a beautiful day.
8300 Mulberry St, Laurel, MD 20707, (301) 490-3530
Additional Laurel MD Attractions
- Montpelier House Museum – educational actively for all ages
- AMC Center Park 8 – ideal for a date night or family outing
- Six Flags America – amusement park attraction thousands of visitors annually
- Montpelier Arts Center – unique art gallery
Parks in Laurel MD & Community Events
There are 28 parks in the city of Laurel; here are the most popular ones.
- Bear Branch Stream Valley – Hiking area
- Centennial Park – Expansive playground and basketball court
- Dr. Bruce Morley Dog Playground – Dog park in Laurel MD
- Laurel Municipal Swimming Pool – Laurel MD waterpark and public pool with large slide
- Greenview Drive Pool Complex – Public swimming pool
Is Laurel MD a good place to live if you enjoy community gatherings? The Laurel Parks and Recreation Department maintains the city’s parks and recreational facilities. You can get more involved in your new community by attending community events, participating in adult activities, or volunteering.
Restaurants in Laurel MD | Places to Eat in Laurel MD
Is Laurel a good place to live if you enjoy eating out? Yes, whether you’re craving barbeque, Indian, or Italian, there are plenty of Laurel, Maryland restaurants to choose from. Laurel is perfectly situated near some of the best restaurants in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
Taqueria Los Primos
Taqueria Los Primos is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Laurel, MD. It offers delicious options like birria tacos, tortas, and huaraches. Reviewers love that it provides a generous military discount and friendly service.
9910 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD 20723, (301) 317-5087
Mid Atlantic Seafood
Are you looking for one of the best restaurants in Laurel, MD? Consider Mid Atlantic Seafood. Indulge in authentic Maryland crab cakes, fresh stuffed salmon, and mouthwatering collard greens! If you’re into soul food, this is the place to be.
13718 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, (301) 776-0805
Double T Diner
Double T Diner is a local greasy spoon with a loveable retro vibe. Their famous menu items are French toast, home fries, grits, and home fries.
14550 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, (240) 280-8688
Jobs Laurel + City Economy & Business Opportunities
Is Laurel MD a good place to live for business professionals? Laurel’s economy employs 16,500 people, or about 5.5% of its population. With an average commute time of 33.5 miles, most citizens likely commute to Baltimore or its larger suburbs. There are over 22,452 businesses in Prince George’s County, compared to only 10,582 businesses in 2010, meaning there are plenty of jobs in Laurel MD, to consider.
The leading industries in Laurel are healthcare & social assistance, professional, technical, & scientific services, and retail trade. The major employers of Prince George’s County are University System of Maryland, Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, and U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
If you work in the public sector, the city of Laurel MD jobs and the Prince George’s County Department are great options.
Laurel Schools, Nearby Colleges, & Educational Resources
One thing that makes living in Laurel MD so great is its top-tier education.
Prince George’s County Public Schools serves Laurel residents, with most K-12 public school students zoned for Laurel Elementary School or Scotchtown Hills Elementary School. Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School serve Laurel. Laurel High School, in the city limits, is the primary high school for Laurel residents.
According to US News, this district has a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and 98.5% of teachers are certified. The Prince George’s County Public Schools district has 238 full-time students. According to Patch, 11 of the district’s schools were ranked among the best in the US in a recent study by US News. Maryland is known for hosting some of the best high schools in the country; it’s considered the fourth-best public school system in the US, with 7.6% of their schools ranked in the top 5%. 39% of schools are ranked in the top 25%.
Is Laurel MD a Good Place to Live for College Students?
University of Maryland, The University of Baltimore, and Georgetown University are within 50 miles of Laurel. Georgetown is the 24th-best university in the US.
Laurel MD Statistics & Information
- Laurel county: Prince George’s County
- Laurel area: 4.84 square miles
- Laurel zip code(s): 20707–20709, 20723–20726
- Laurel area code(s): 240, 301
- Laurel elevation: 164 feet
Laurel time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5) - Closest airport to Laurel: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is 14.9 miles from Laurel, MD
Laurel MD Map
Explore more of this vibrant community with this map of Laurel, Maryland.
Moving to Laurel With Suburban Solutions
We hope we’ve answered your burning question, “Is Laurel a good place to live? ” This town has so much to offer, from its great school system to its competitive job market and even its ample attractions and things to do. If you’ve decided moving to Laurel is your next step, call our Laurel MD movers at (301) 928-8669 for a free estimate.
