Crofton is a census-designated place and planned community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. Established in 1964, Crofton held its 40th birthday celebration in 2004.

In July 2007 Crofton was named by Money (magazine) as one of "100 Best Places to Live" in the United States. Crofton placed 72nd out of 100 cities on the list. It was selected for its relative anonymity while still boasting many major amenities, excellent schools, and sought after location.

Community life frequently revolves around Crofton Parkway, actually a scenic loop 3.5 miles long, tangentially touching the larger "triangle" made up of three nearby roads, which encloses the original Crofton community. Crofton Parkway is the scene of yearly parades, two of its three elementary schools, the Town Hall, Village Green, community events, Crofton Country Club, and walkers, joggers and bikers around the loop. The Crofton area now extends North from the triangle, including Crofton Park. Crofton also has a community pool, the Crofton Swim and Tennis Club [CSTC] but is restricted to those inhabitants of the triangle.

Originally an exclusive gated community, Crofton's gates were opened and they now only serve as a welcome symbol for this community just off of crowded Route 3. It offers a small town feel, while being convenient to major roads leading directly to the cities of Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Annapolis. It has developed into an extremely desirable community for young families, having a diversity of housing, from a large mix of well-kept townhomes to suburban single family homes and good schools. As of the 2000 census, the total population of those in the Crofton ZIP code was 20,091.