Maryland, known for its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities, can be considered one of the best places to retire in the United States. Retirees moving to the Free State never struggle to find things to do and benefit from a high standard of living and exceptional health care.
However, before you can move to Maryland, you need to know where you’ll live. Luckily, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll show you the best places to retire in Maryland so that you know what’s on offer. We’ll tell you what makes each place desirable to retirees and what to expect.
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Best Places to Retire in Maryland
1. Sykesville
Sykesville, in Carroll County, is one of the best places in Maryland to retire if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In Sykesville, retirees can enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle while still having easy access to essential amenities like grocery stores and medical centers.
Regarding recreation, this small town offers many things to see and do. History lovers can visit the Gate House Museum and the Historic Sykesville Colored Schoolhouse. Meanwhile, active retirees can enjoy the great outdoors at Freedom Park and Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area.
The cost of living in Sykesville is above the national average but similar to the state average.
2. Baltimore
If you love the big city life, consider retiring to Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland. In Baltimore, retirees have everything they need to thrive on their doorsteps. This includes world-class medical facilities, grocery stores, and attractions.
Furthermore, Baltimore has many retirement options, including senior living communities, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Better yet, the cost of living in Baltimore is lower than in other East Coast cities.
According to Rent Cafe, housing is 6% cheaper than the national average. When it comes to things to do, the opportunities are endless.
Popular attractions in Baltimore include the Baltimore Museum of Art, the National Aquarium, and Inner Harbor.
3. Frederick
Frederick is one of the best places to retire in Maryland if you want to strike a balance between urban amenities and nature. Home to approximately 85,800 people, the city offers excellent medical care, shops, grocery stores, and many forms of entertainment.
Meanwhile, the picturesque countryside surrounding Frederick features mountains, hiking trails, and wineries. Noteworthy attractions available to retirees include Gambrill State Park, Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums, Downtown Frederick, and Baker Park.
Regarding living options, several retirement communities in the city offer independent, assisted, and nursing living arrangements. As for living costs, Frederick is generally comparable to the rest of Maryland.
4. Cambridge
Move to Cambridge in Dorchester County if you’ve always wanted to live the easy life in Chesapeake Bay. A big hit with outdoor-loving retirees, Cambridge offers dreamy waterfront views you’ll never get bored of.
The fun doesn’t stop there, either, as the city also offers a wide range of exciting attractions, such as Long Wharf Park and the Richardson Maritime Museum. As if things couldn’t get any better, the extensive hiking trails near Cambridge provide scenic places to explore.
When it comes to amenities and living options, Cambridge is a top choice. Many retirement communities, recreation centers, shops, restaurants, and medical centers exist. What’s not to like?
5. Aberdeen
A cost of living closer to the national average, reliable healthcare options, and breathtaking natural scenery make Aberdeen one of the best places to retire in Maryland. In Aberdeen, retirees can spend their golden years exploring the great outdoors.
Popular attractions like Susquehanna State Park and National Wildlife Refuge offer scenic views and outdoor adventure opportunities. Meanwhile, you’ll find many things to see and do in the town, including Ripken Stadium, Horizon Cinemas, and Aberdeen Festival Park.
Aberdeen’s Retirement options include independent living, assisted living, senior apartments, and memory care. The town also has several recreation centers.
6. Cumberland
Next on our list is Cumberland, one of the most beautiful places to live in Maryland. This small city in Western Maryland is best known for its rolling hills, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
You’ll spend your retirement in Cumberland hiking in the countryside, drinking wine in one of the wineries, and exploring the local museums. Must-visit attractions include Charis Winery & Distillery, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the Allegany Museum.
Aside from the city’s stunning surroundings and interesting attractions, there’s much to like about Cumberland from a cost-of-living standpoint. The cost of living in Cumberland falls below the national and state average.
7. Greenbelt
Greenbelt, in Prince George’s County, is one of the best places in Maryland to retire if you want to live near the United States’ capital while still enjoying the best of Maryland. Washington, D.C., is only a 30-minute drive from Greenbelt.
Therefore, you’ll have access to some of the most famous American attractions, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Back in Greenbelt, you can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to medical centers and grocery stores.
You can choose from several retirement living options, including independent and assisted living, and the cost of living is relatively affordable by Maryland’s standards.
8. Salisbury
Sitting on the Wicomico River, Salisbury offers beautiful waterfront living opportunities ideally suited to retirees who love the great outdoors. Better yet, the cost of living in the city is less than the national and state average, so you can save more money to do the things you love.
Salisbury has plenty of lush parks to explore, charming river walks, and entertaining attractions to make the most of. Salisbury City Park is just one of the many places to enjoy the city’s lush scenery.
Other notable attractions include Salisbury Zoological Park, Poplar Hill Mansion, and Pemberton Historical Park. Regarding amenities, Salisbury has multiple medical centers, recreation centers, and retirement communities.
9. Annapolis
Annapolis, Maryland’s scenic capital city, offers retirees a combination of relaxation, excitement, and breathtaking scenery on the Chesapeake Bay. This postcard-perfect city is famed for its rich history, culture, and maritime charm.
Its historic district features beautiful 18th-century brick houses and iconic landmarks like Maryland State House. Meanwhile, the sprawling waterfront is a lovely place for a walk.
In Downtown Annapolis, you’ll find many pubs, restaurants, shops, music venues, and much more. One of the best things about the city is its walkability. You’ll never be too far away from the action.
Regarding living options, Annapolis offers independent living, senior living communities, and assisted living.
10. Ocean City
If you’ve always dreamt of retiring by the sea, consider moving to Ocean City, a resort town along Maryland’s scenic East Coast. This lively coastal town is renowned for its miles of soft sand beach and wooden boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels.
You’ll likely spend your retirement walking along the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach, and kicking back with a refreshing beer. However, there is also much to see and do.
Active retirees can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and fishing. Ocean City also offers many amenities like healthcare facilities, recreation centers, retirement living options, and shops.
Perhaps the only downside is the slightly higher cost of living.
Final Thoughts About the Best Places to Retire in Maryland
There you have it, the best places to retire in Maryland. Now you’ve made your way through our list, you should have a better understanding of what the Free State has to offer retirees.
Maryland is easily one of the United States’ best places to retire. It offers beautiful natural scenery, many things to see and do, and a high quality of life. What more could we ask for?
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Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!