You don’t have to spend your retirement battling Florida’s alligators and mosquitos. Maryland has miles of beautiful beaches, amazing metropolitan hubs and fun culture. Maryland also doesn’t have double-digit humidity or the aforementioned unpleasant fauna.
NewHomeSource is highlighting the top 10 cities for retirees in Maryland. Based on this list, if you are looking to retire on the East Coast, you can invest in your lifestyle in a city that fosters the lifestyle you dreamed about while you worked at the office.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Maryland
Let’s explore what these Maryland cities have to offer:
1. Cumberland
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 23.7%
Median Home Value: $120,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 117
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 807
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Cumberland is a charming historic town in Western Maryland that gives retirees an unbeatable quality of life at an affordable price. If you want to spend your golden years surrounded by beautiful scenery, funky art museums, lovely architecture, and wineries, then Cumberland should top your list of retirement destinations.
2. Hagerstown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%
Median Home Value: $207,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 297
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 931
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 8
Hagerstown is a thriving community in North Maryland, perfect for retirees who want to live in an exciting urban hub. Hagerstown is home to numerous museums and historical societies, so staying engaged with your city is fun and easy. A lush natural setting makes it practically effortless for active adults to stay active and healthy.
3. Salisbury
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.7%
Median Home Value: $217,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 367
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 985
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
On the banks of the Wicomico River sits the tranquil city of Salisbury. This intriguing community gives retirees the best of waterfront living – but without the usual steep price tag. You can stay active by exploring Salisbury’s lush natural setting in any one of the town’s parks. When you are in the mood for art, get connected with the local art scene at museums like the Salisbury University Art Gallery.
4. Cambridge
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.8%
Median Home Value: $254,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 102
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 523
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Live a life you love on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay when you retire to Cambridge. This delightful town has something for everyone, on top of serene waterfront views. Museum lovers can stroll through the city’s numerous local museums, and nature lovers will never tire of the abundant hiking opportunities on the bay.
5. Baltimore
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.9%
Median Home Value: $219,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 8,887
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 24,319
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 28
Baltimore is a fabulous place to retire. Its inner Harbor has numerous museums and scenic overlooks, and for those seeking something less hectic, there are plenty of surrounding suburbs. The National Aquarium has a reef exhibit that may leave you speechless. The pubs in the Fells Point neighborhood serve up live music, craft beer, and succulent Chesapeake Bay Crab. Art lovers can lose track of time while admiring exhibits in the Walters Art Museum.
6. Elkton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.1%
Median Home Value: $271,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 138
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 760
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
If you cherish the idea of retiring near the water, then Elkton is the perfect town for your dream lifestyle. This delightful town on the banks of the Elk River gives active adults the perfect opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature at her finest.
7. Aberdeen
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.1%
Median Home Value: $239,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 143
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 401
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Aberdeen is a delightful town on the shores of the Elk River that will let you live a life you love during your retirement. If you’re in the mood to reconnect with nature in your golden years, then head over to some of Aberdeen’s many parks, including the Susquehanna State Park. You will be amazed at its cascading waterfalls.
8. Greenbelt
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.5%
Median Home Value: $258,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 167
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,347
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 40
If you want to retire near Washington, DC, then Greenbelt may be the ideal spot. Here, you can you enjoy the best of our nation’s capital city in a peaceful and private suburb. Retiring in Greenbelt means you will have easy access to DC’s unique culture, without the hustle and bustle found in major urban hubs.
9. Westminster
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.7%
Median Home Value: $318,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 53
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 358
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 13
Couch potatoes might not be thrilled with retired life in Westminster. This thriving suburb of Baltimore provides ample opportunities for active adults to enjoy the great outdoors, thanks to numerous parks and nature centers. Active adults can talk a walk on the wild side at Westminster’s winery scene.
10. Bel Air
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.2%
Median Home Value: $297,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 237
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 22
Bel Air is a delightful Baltimore suburb where retirees enjoy a serene place to call home. This beautiful town on the Elk River allows active adults to thrive in a lush natural setting and a close-knit community. You’ll love your retired life in Bel Air.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in Maryland
Is Maryland a tax-friendly state for retirees?
Maryland is somewhat tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security income is not taxed, and withdraws from retirement accounts are only partially taxed.
| City | People over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
| Aberdeen | 17.1% | 143 | 401 | 6 | $239,000 |
| Baltimore | 14.9% | 8,887 | 24,319 | 28 | $219,300 |
| Frederick | 14.4% | 322 | 1,551 | 9 | $365,200 |
| Rockville | 18.0% | 94 | 863 | 31 | $658,300 |
| Gaithersburg | 13.8% | 159 | 1,021 | 31 | $484,500 |
| Bowie | 16.3% | 88 | 810 | 33 | $442,000 |
| Hagerstown | 14.6% | 297 | 931 | 8 | $207,700 |
| Annapolis | 19.3% | 273 | 957 | 15 | $510,200 |
| College Park | 6.7% | 73 | 578 | 36 | $429,000 |
| Salisbury | 12.7% | 367 | 985 | 4 | $217,500 |
| Laurel | 11.0% | 194 | 1,292 | 48 | $367,300 |
| Greenbelt | 13.5% | 167 | 1,347 | 40 | $258,600 |
| Cumberland | 23.7% | 117 | 807 | 5 | $120,800 |
| Westminster | 17.7% | 53 | 358 | 13 | $318,100 |
| Hyattsville | 10.2% | 199 | 918 | 35 | $463,500 |
| Takoma Park | 14.4% | 91 | 994 | 33 | $721,500 |
| Easton | 26.5% | 68 | 342 | 2 | $348,400 |
| Elkton | 14.1% | 138 | 760 | 10 | $271,700 |
| Havre de Grace | 21.9% | 38 | 174 | 6 | $348,800 |
| Cambridge | 19.8% | 102 | 523 | 2 | $254,400 |
| New Carrollton | 13.2% | 47 | 312 | 35 | $378,300 |
| Bel Air | 21.2% | 20 | 237 | 22 | $297,400 |
Other Maryland Resources
Best Tiny Home Builders in Maryland
The Healthiest States to Live In
How to Build a House in Maryland
The Most Affordable Cities in Maryland
2021 Guide to New Home Closing Costs in Maryland
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Maryland
Best Suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.