Cumberland, MD

Cumberland sits in the heart of Western Maryland’s mountain country, offering an easygoing pace and scenic views in every direction. With around 19,000 residents, it serves as the main hub for the surrounding rural valleys and nearby West Virginia. The cost of living is notably budget-friendly, and Interstate 68 runs straight through town, keeping you connected to larger cities while letting you come home to quiet neighborhood streets.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

The city has a rich past that dates back to the frontier era, leaving behind classic historic brick architecture throughout the downtown area. Today, the biggest draw for new residents is often the outdoor access. Cumberland sits right where the C&O Canal Towpath meets the Great Allegheny Passage, giving hikers and cyclists hundreds of miles of continuous trails right at their doorstep. Between the mountain scenery, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and a tight-knit small-town atmosphere, it offers a relaxed lifestyle that is easy to settle into.