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Maryland

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Maryland

Gaithersburg

Nearest city: Washington, D.C.
Population: 60,398
Median household income: $88,647

Gaithersburg, a former farming town at the terminus of the D.C. Metro's Red Line, is a diverse, affordable place with a shopping district called "Old Towne" that dates back to the 19th century.

Runners-up:
Silver Spring
Aspen Hill

Click here to see the 2010 version of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids