Lake Towns in Maryland: 8 Beautiful Lakes in Maryland to Live on in 2024

Maryland’s location along the Chesapeake Bay means it’s well-known for its beaches and waterfront spots. Combined with its scenic cities along the Potomac River, like Potomac and Bethesda, Maryland is an awesome state to live in if you love the water. So, if you’re looking to buy a home in the state, look no further than Maryland’s lake towns.

To help you get started, Redfin has put together a list of the best lakes in Maryland to live on this year. From the tranquil waters of Deep Creek Lake to the bustling community surrounding Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, there’s a lakeside home waiting for you. Let’s dive in and see what eight lakes made the list.

1. Deep Creek Lake (McHenry)

Nearest city: McHenry, MD
Population: 1,500
Homes for sale in McHenry, MD
Apartments for rent in McHenry, MD

Deep Creek Lake offers a serene escape with its breathtaking views and quiet surroundings. This 3,900-acre lake is perfect for year-round activities like dog-sledding in the winter and rafting during warm summers. Deep Creek Lake is surrounded by lush forests, providing a perfect backdrop for nature lovers. The area is a hub for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. McHenry, though small, is a vibrant community with local shops and eateries that cater to both residents and visitors. 

2. Lake Elkhorn (Columbia)

Nearest city: Columbia, MD
Median home sale price: $535,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,996
Population: 104,000
Homes for sale in Columbia, MD
Apartments for rent in Columbia, MD

Lake Elkhorn in Columbia is a picturesque setting that combines natural beauty with the conveniences of city living. This lake is a focal point for the community, offering walking trails, fishing spots, and scenic views. Columbia has a large population and provides a variety of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and events. Columbia’s commitment to maintaining green spaces like Lake Elkhorn makes it a great place for homebuyers looking for a balance between urban and natural environments. No wonder it’s one of the best lakes in Maryland to live on.

3. Lake Needwood (Redland)

Nearest city: Redland, MD
Median home sale price: $635,000
Population: 17,000
Homes for sale in Redland, MD
Apartments for rent in Redland, MD

Lake Needwood is a tranquil oasis located in Redland, offering residents and visitors alike a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. The lake is ideal for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature walks along its shores. Lake Needwood is surrounded by Rock Creek Regional Park where you can hike, watch the wildlife, zipline, rent boats, and enjoy a picnic. Redland’s small-town charm, combined with the natural beauty of Lake Needwood, creates a welcoming community for your lakeside lifestyle.

4. Liberty Reservoir (Eldersburg)

Nearest city: Eldersburg, MD
Median home sale price: $588,630
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,465
Population: 31,000
Homes for sale in Eldersburg, MD
Apartments for rent in Eldersburg, MD

Located northwest of Baltimore in the city of Eldersburg is Liberty Reservoir. This lake serves as a stunning backdrop for the community, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Eldersburg blends the convenience of suburban living with the tranquility of the surrounding nature, making it an awesome lake in Maryland to live on. The reservoir’s vast expanse of water, green parks, and the iconic Liberty Dam Overlook contribute to the area’s popularity.

5. Little Seneca Lake (Germantown)

Nearest city: Germantown, MD
Median home sale price: $456,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,741
Population: 91,000
Homes for sale in Germantown, MD
Apartments for rent in Germantown, MD

Little Seneca Lake offers Germantown residents a beautiful natural setting for recreational activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and enjoying the scenic trails around the lake. You can find the popular Black Hill Regional Park along the lake’s shore where you can fish, rent a boat, picnic, or explore the trails. Germantown, a large and vibrant community, benefits from the lake’s presence, creating a getaway without leaving the city. Germantown’s amenities, combined with the beauty of Little Seneca Lake, make it a great area to enjoy nature and city life.

6. Loch Raven Reservoir (Timonium)

Nearest city: Timonium, MD
Median home sale price: $450,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,422
Population: 10,500
Homes for sale in Timonium, MD
Apartments for rent in Timonium, MD

Loch Raven Reservoir is a key feature of the Timonium area, providing a picturesque for setting outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. This artificial lake is surrounded by historic bridges, landmarks like Glen Ellen Castle Ruins, and observation spots like Maggie’s Point and Loch Raven Reservoir Park. Timonium offers a close-knit community feel with the benefits of living near such a significant natural landmark. The reservoir’s natural beauty, combined with Timonium’s community amenities, makes it a wonderful lake in Maryland to live on.

7. Piney Run Lake (Eldersburg)

Nearest city: Eldersburg, MD
Median home sale price: $588,360
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,465
Population: 31,000
Homes for sale in Eldersburg, MD
Apartments for rent in Eldersburg, MD

Piney Run Lake, located in the heart of Eldersburg, offers serene views and a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and nature walks. Surrounded by Piney Run Park, you’ll find 5 miles of trails, tennis courts, and picnic spots, with the lake as a backdrop. Eldersburg is a great mid-sized city for those looking to buy a home in Maryland as there are plenty of amenities, parks, and easy access to Baltimore. The hidden gem of Piney Run Lake makes the area special for residents to call home.

8. Saint Mary’s Lake (Leonardtown)

Nearest city: Leonardtown, MD
Population: 3,800
Homes for sale in Leonardtown, MD
Apartments for rent in Leonardtown, MD

Saint Mary’s Lake is a hidden gem with its tranquil atmosphere. The area has a host of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The nearest village is Leonardtown which provides a quaint, close-knit community atmosphere with its local restaurants, pubs, and historic landmarks. The lake’s serene environment, combined with Leonardtown’s charm, creates an inviting setting for those wanting a peaceful lake in Maryland to live on this year.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the lakes in Maryland. Median home sale price data is sourced from the Redfin Data Center during August 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2024. Population data is sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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