Business is the heart of a community. At least that?s what seems to be the case with the five Maryland communities that made Money magazine?s Best Places to Live: Top 100 list.
Focusing on areas with populations of 7,500 to 50,000, the magazine judged communities on a “combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.”
Eldersburg, in Carroll County, finished at No. 56 on the list. With about 31,800 residents and an average property tax of $2,730, the town has a developing business community.
“It?s a convenient location on the natural growth pattern,” said Denise Beaver, deputy director of Carroll County?s Department of Economic Development. “We are seeing a lot of young and middle-age professionals that might be the owners of their own small businesses, and that is a trend. Particularly in Eldersburg, a lot of small information technology firms are starting to develop a little communications network together.”
Near Eldersburg are regional powerhouses like The Springfield Hospital Center, which employs more than 830 workers.
“The South Carroll Business Association is even growing,” Beaver added. “It gets 50 to 60 attendees a month, so they really seem like they are building a good business base there.”
Olney was the highest ranking Maryland town, topping out at No. 17 on the list with a population of nearly 33,000 and a 2006 median home price of $499,000. Rounding out the region were Elkridge at No. 42, Catonsville at 49 and Crofton at 72.
One reason Money magazine cites for the selection of Catonsville is the expanded grant research being conducted at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
In 2006, the school received $85 million in research funds, up from $10 million reported in 1990, Money reported.
For Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, this is just another accolade underscoring the growth of business and community in the region, while keeping smart growth a priority.
“We?ve always known Catonsville is a great place to live,” Smith said. “With this national recognition, more people know about Catonsville?s strong neighborhoods, great schools and quality of life.”
