The 7 Best Towns to Live and Remodel in Southern Maryland

Looking for the best places to live in Maryland where you can also make smart investments in your home? The Southern Maryland region offers exceptional opportunities for relocating, buying your first property, or planning a remodel.

This guide highlights the best towns and cities to live in Maryland that combine quality of life with strong remodeling potential.

1. What Makes a Town Ideal for Living and Remodeling?

2. The 7 Best Towns to Live and Remodel in Southern Maryland

   1. Leonardtown, MD

   2. La Plata, MD

   3. Solomons Island, MD

   4. Chesapeake Beach, MD

   5. Huntingtown, MD

   6. Hughesville, MD

   7. Hyattsville, MD

3. Find the Perfect Town. Create the Perfect Home.

What Makes a Town Ideal for Living and Remodeling?

Not every town in Maryland offers the same value when it comes to remodeling. Some communities are better positioned for appreciation due to their location, housing stock, and community amenities. As you explore the best towns in Maryland to live in, consider these important factors:

• Remodel-Friendly Housing Stock

Older or dated homes in established neighborhoods often have “good bones” but need modern upgrades, creating excellent opportunities for return on investment.

• Community Growth and Buyer Demand

Maryland towns with revitalizing downtowns, improving infrastructure, or increasing popularity among homebuyers offer stronger potential for long-term equity.

• Zoning and Renovation Accessibility

Towns that support renovations through streamlined permitting, flexible zoning, and active building departments make the remodeling process more efficient and cost-effective.

• Lifestyle Appeal

Great schools, local shops, parks, and commuter access all contribute to livability, which boosts both resale potential and homeowner satisfaction.

• Remodel ROI

Some areas offer a better return on remodeling dollars. High-demand towns with limited housing supply are ideal for impactful renovations.

Ultimately, the best towns in Maryland to live in are those that offer not only a great lifestyle but also the opportunity to make your home work harder for you. Villa Builders helps homeowners throughout Southern Maryland communities by remodeling outdated spaces into high-performing, beautifully designed homes.

Curious about budgeting for older homes or hidden costs? Read: The Hidden Costs of Remodeling an Older Maryland Home—and How to Budget for Them

The 7 Best Towns to Live and Remodel in Southern Maryland

Choosing where to live in Southern Maryland is about investing in a community where your home can grow in both function and value. These towns offer the perfect blend of livability and remodeling potential.

Below are seven of the best towns and cities in Maryland to live in that also provide strong value for homeowners looking to remodel. You can also take a look at our remodeling ideas for increasing value.

Leonardtown, MD

St. Mary’s County • Waterfront Charm • Historic Appeal

Leonardtown is one of the most desirable towns in St. Mary’s County, and for good reason. With a charming downtown, waterfront views, and a mix of historic and mid-century homes, it's a top destination for those looking to live and remodel in a community that continues to grow.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Plenty of historic homes that can be beautifully restored.
• High demand among professionals and retirees keeps the market competitive.
• Downtown revitalization and community events draw new residents every year.

What makes Leonardtown a top choice for living and remodeling in Southern Maryland? Its walkability, strong resale potential, and timeless character make Leonardtown one of the best small towns in Maryland to live and remodel.

La Plata, MD

Charles County • Suburban Comfort • Family-Friendly

La Plata is a commuter-friendly hub located just south of Waldorf. Known for its schools, parks, and quiet neighborhoods, it’s ideal for families looking to buy a home with renovation potential.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Many homes built between the 1970s and 2000s are ready for upgrades.
• Spacious lots allow for expansions, garage additions, and backyard remodels.
• Increasing demand from DC-area buyers adds value to improvements.

Why is La Plata ideal for homes with renovation potential in Southern Maryland? Because of its location, affordability, and family appeal, La Plata offers excellent upside for homeowners willing to invest in modern updates.

Solomons Island, MD

Calvert County • Waterfront Living • Lifestyle-Focused Upgrades

This scenic coastal community is a favorite among retirees and second-home buyers. With waterfront views, boardwalks, and marinas, Solomons Island blends charm and opportunity for lifestyle renovations.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• High demand for modernized waterfront properties.
• Many homes offer potential for outdoor living spaces, decks, and sunrooms.
• Excellent location for aging-in-place upgrades and luxury touches.

How does Solomons Island support remodeling and waterfront living? The limited supply of waterfront properties ensures strong demand for updated, move-in-ready homes, making it a prime location for high-ROI remodels.

Chesapeake Beach, MD

Calvert County • Coastal Lifestyle • Affordable Remodels

Chesapeake Beach is an ideal choice for those seeking the best towns to buy and remodel homes on a budget. It’s one of the most affordable towns for home remodels in Southern Maryland. With its boardwalk, resort feel, and proximity to the metro area, it's a hidden gem for fixer-uppers and first-time buyers.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Many homes from the 1980s–2000s that are ready for updates.
• Increasing appeal to buyers priced out of Northern Virginia or DC.
• Strong rental and resale market due to seasonal tourism.

What remodeling opportunities exist in Calvert County towns like Chesapeake Beach? Exterior upgrades, kitchen remodels, and space-maximizing improvements go a long way here, especially when paired with water views.

Huntingtown, MD

Calvert County • Rural Space • High-End Remodel Potential

Huntingtown is perfect for those seeking more land, privacy, and customization. It’s one of the best towns in Maryland to live in if you want the feel of a countryside retreat while still being within commuting distance of the DC metro area.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Larger lot sizes mean more flexibility for additions, garages, and outbuildings.
• Many homes built in the 1980s to 2000s offer solid structures for complete interior renovations.
• High demand for updated homes with acreage makes remodels here particularly valuable.

What remodeling opportunities exist in Calvert County towns like Huntingtown? This area is ideal for adding square footage, creating luxury kitchens, or designing large outdoor living areas, appealing to buyers looking for estate-style homes in a peaceful setting.

Hughesville, MD

Charles County • Custom Home Central • Builder’s Choice

Located in the heart of Southern Maryland, Hughesville is a rural gem and home to Villa Builders. We love working and living in Maryland, and it isn’t hard to see why when you look at Hughesville. It’s one of the best towns to live in Southern Maryland for those who want space, affordability, and flexibility to either build or remodel.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Properties often have generous acreage, offering endless possibilities for additions or accessory structures.
• Quiet setting with a growing population of buyers seeking turnkey rural homes.
• Strong resale value for homes with upgraded interiors and exteriors.

Why does Hughesville rank among the best towns to live and remodel in Southern Maryland? Because it offers the perfect balance of rural privacy, custom build potential, and accessibility to Waldorf and major commuter routes.

Hyattsville, MD

Prince George’s County • Urban Revival • High ROI Potential

While not in Southern Maryland geographically, Hyattsville deserves a spot on this list for homeowners looking beyond the region who want a high-impact remodel in a fast-growing town. Known for its Arts District, vintage homes, and strong community identity, Hyattsville is a standout for where to remodel for value in Maryland.

Why it’s great for remodeling:

• Craftsman-style homes and brick bungalows are ripe for thoughtful upgrades.
• Proximity to DC ensures strong buyer demand for updated, move-in-ready homes.
• Local pride and city investments continue to improve infrastructure and property values.

Why include Hyattsville in a Southern Maryland remodeling guide? Because it’s one of the clearest examples of how the right town, even outside your original target area, can turn a smart remodel into lasting equity.

Learn more: Reasons to Remodel in Hyattsville, Maryland—and Who to Work With

No matter which town speaks to your lifestyle, each of these remodel-friendly towns in Southern Maryland offers something special: the chance to live well while building value through smart remodeling.

Villa Builders has experience transforming properties across the best places to live in Maryland. We understand what it takes to unlock a home’s full potential while honoring the character of the community it’s in. Here are some more suggestions on the best towns to live in Southern Maryland.

Find the Perfect Town. Create the Perfect Home.

With so many beautiful towns in Southern Maryland, and each offering different perks, price points, and potential, it’s no surprise that choosing where to remodel can feel overwhelming. From waterfront properties to rural retreats and commuter-friendly suburbs, each community has its own character and considerations.

But while the where might take some time to figure out, the who shouldn’t.

Villa Builders makes remodeling simple, stress-free, and successful, no matter which Maryland town you call home. We understand local zoning, neighborhood styles, and what buyers are looking for, so your investment goes further. Learn more in our Home Remodeling Cost Guide.

Contact Us

Let’s talk about your remodeling goals and turn your next address into the home you’ve always wanted.