Located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Laurel combines suburban living with easy access to major cities. The historic downtown area features a welcoming Main Street lined with independent businesses, while the Patuxent River winds through numerous parks and green spaces. The Laurel Lakes area offers outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Laurel Museum, housed in an 1840s mill workers' home, preserves the area's rich history. Housing options range from contemporary apartments near Towne Centre at Laurel to historic properties in the Old Town district. Current rental rates average $1,697 for one-bedroom units and $2,035 for two bedrooms, with year-over-year increases of 2.2% and 3.2% respectively.

Originally established as a mill town in the early 19th century, Laurel maintains strong connections to government and technology sectors, with NSA and Fort Meade located nearby.