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If you’re looking for a place to live where education shines just as brightly as the community itself, you’ve come to the right place. The Top 10 Best Cities for Education are standouts from Livability’s annual roster of 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.—each chosen for their top-notch schools, thriving districts and access to higher education that make life richer for families and students of all ages. From exceptional public and private school options to innovative colleges and universities, these communities prove that when education is prioritized, opportunities for success multiply. Read on to learn more about each one.
Columbia, Maryland
- Livability 2025 education ranking: 1
- Livability 2025 education category score: 89
- Students enrolled in Howard County Public Schools: 57,633
Nearly 64% of residents in Columbia, Md., a city nestled between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, indicating that learning is a community-wide priority. Families benefit from the Howard County Public School System, one of the best in the nation, with schools consistently recognized for academic excellence. But if you’re seeking education for your kiddos at private and Montessori schools, the area has those, too. At the higher-ed level, Howard Community College anchors the city. At the same time, nearby universities like the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Johns Hopkins and Loyola draw scholars from across the globe.
