Maryland is weird. Honestly, if you’re looking for a list of cities in Maryland alphabetically, you’re probably going to get a bit confused because what we call a "city" around here doesn't always match the legal definition. I’ve lived near the Chesapeake my whole life, and it still trips me up that Columbia—the second-biggest place in the state—isn't technically a city. It’s a "Census Designated Place" or CDP. Basically, it’s a massive suburban sprawl with no mayor.
When people search for this list, they usually want one of two things: the actual incorporated cities that have their own local governments, or just a list of every place you might find on a map. I'm going to give you the real deal. Maryland has 157 incorporated municipalities. That includes cities, towns, and a few villages. Legally, in Maryland, there is zero difference between a city and a town. They have the same powers. The name is just a choice they made when they incorporated.
The Official List of Cities in Maryland Alphabetically
Here is the definitive list of the places that actually hold "City" status in their name. You’ll notice Baltimore is the big one, but some of these are tiny.
- Aberdeen (Harford County) – Famous for the Proving Ground and Cal Ripken Jr.
- Annapolis (Anne Arundel County) – The state capital. It's beautiful, cramped, and smells like old money and saltwater.
- Baltimore (Independent City) – The only city in Maryland not inside a county. It's its own thing entirely.
- Bowie (Prince George's County) – Started as a rail stop, now it's a massive suburb.
- Brunswick (Frederick County) – A classic old railroad town on the Potomac.
- Cambridge (Dorchester County) – Deep history on the Eastern Shore.
- College Park (Prince George's County) – Home of the Terps. Go Maryland.
- Crisfield (Somerset County) – The "Seafood Capital of the World," though the tides are getting higher every year.
- Cumberland (Allegany County) – Nestled in the mountains. It feels like a different world compared to the coast.
- District Heights (Prince George's County) – Small, but very much its own city.
- Frederick (Frederick County) – Honestly, probably the coolest city in Maryland right now. Great food scene.
- Frostburg (Allegany County) – Cold. Very cold. And home to the university.
- Fruitland (Wicomico County) – Right next to Salisbury.
- Gaithersburg (Montgomery County) – Huge biotech hub. It’s basically the science capital of the state.
- Glenarden (Prince George's County) – A small city with a lot of pride.
- Greenbelt (Prince George's County) – A historic "New Town" built during the New Deal.
- Hagerstown (Washington County) – Known as the Hub City because of all the railroads and highways.
- Havre de Grace (Harford County) – Where the Susquehanna meets the Bay. Stunning views.
- Hyattsville (Prince George's County) – Part of the Arts District. Very trendy these days.
- Laurel (Prince George's County) – Right in the middle of the DC-Baltimore commute.
- Mount Rainier (Prince George's County) – Known for funky houses and being very close to the DC line.
- New Carrollton (Prince George's County) – A major transit point for the Metro and Amtrak.
- Rockville (Montgomery County) – The seat of Montgomery County. Very busy, very wealthy.
- Salisbury (Wicomico County) – The capital of the Eastern Shore.
- Seat Pleasant (Prince George's County) – A small city right on the border of Washington, D.C.
- Takoma Park (Montgomery County) – The "Nuclear-Free Zone." It’s quirky, progressive, and has great festivals.
- Taneytown (Carroll County) – A quiet spot in the rolling hills of Carroll County.
- Westminster (Carroll County) – The heart of Carroll County.
Wait, Where is Silver Spring or Bethesda?
This is where the list of cities in Maryland alphabetically gets tricky. If you're looking for Silver Spring, Bethesda, Germantown, or Waldorf, they aren't on the list above. Why? Because they aren't cities. They are unincorporated areas.
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Even though 80,000+ people live in Silver Spring, it doesn't have a city hall. It’s run entirely by Montgomery County. If you’re moving here, this matters because it affects your taxes and who picks up your trash. Usually, living in an actual city means you pay an extra layer of property tax, but you get more localized services.
Why the Maryland Municipal List Matters
You've probably noticed that most of the "cities" are in Prince George's or Montgomery County. That’s where the density is. But Maryland’s geography is wild. You go from the Appalachian mountains in the west to the flat, sandy marshes of the Eastern Shore in a few hours.
The Maryland Municipal League (MML) is the group that represents these 157 spots. They’re the ones making sure the state government doesn't forget about the small towns like Accident (yes, that’s a real name) or Boring (also real, though it’s not an incorporated city).
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Major Towns Often Mistaken for Cities
Since Maryland law treats them the same, I should mention some "Towns" that are bigger and more active than many "Cities."
- Bel Air: The seat of Harford County. It’s technically a town, but it feels like a bustling small city.
- Easton: On the Eastern Shore. It’s the "posh" town of the area, full of art galleries and high-end dining.
- Ocean City: It’s a town. But in the summer, it becomes the second-most populated place in Maryland.
- Elkton: Right on the border of Delaware. It used to be the "Elopement Capital" because people could get married there so quickly.
Mapping Out Your Maryland Knowledge
If you’re trying to use this list of cities in Maryland alphabetically for a project or for moving, keep the county in mind. Maryland is a "strong county" state. Most of the power lives with the 23 counties, not the individual cities.
In fact, Baltimore City is the only place that stands alone. Everywhere else, from the tiny town of Port Tobacco (population: under 20) to the city of Frederick, you are always part of a county.
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Actionable Insights for Using This List
- Check the Tax Map: If you are buying a home, look up the "SDAT" records for Maryland. It will tell you if the property is within "City Limits." This could add 0.20 to 0.40 to your tax rate.
- Voting Rights: You can only vote for a mayor or city council if you live in one of the 157 incorporated places. People in Bethesda or Columbia don't have a local town council; they only vote for County Executives.
- Zip Codes vs. Boundaries: Just because your mail says "Silver Spring" doesn't mean you live in a city. Zip codes are for the post office, not for legal city boundaries.
For the most accurate data in 2026, always check the Maryland State Archives or the Maryland Municipal League website. They update the charters and boundaries whenever a town annexes a new piece of land.
To use this information effectively, start by identifying the county of interest. Once you have the county, you can narrow down whether your target location is an incorporated city with its own ordinances or an unincorporated area governed by the county council. This distinction is the most important factor in understanding local laws, zoning, and public services in the Old Line State.