Frederick, MD, United States

Capital City

This crossroads city is a bureaucratic headache, with heavy tax burdens and a summer climate that can be stifling. The population of 78,171 is growing rapidly, up 74% for Hispanics since 2010, but the public services struggle to keep up. Frederick's historic downtown is charming, with over 200 shops and restaurants, but rising costs and traffic have become major political issues. Those drawn to the area's federal jobs and proximity to Washington, DC may find Frederick an affordable alternative, but its charms come with persistent challenges.