Key takeaways
- Maryland is close to several major cities, such as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
- The state sees four seasons, none of which are too extreme, although summers can be humid
- While the state has a higher cost of living, there are several locations with low housing costs
- Overall, Maryland offers waterfront retirement for less than many other states and locations
In this article
10 Best Cities to Retire in Maryland in 2026
Like California, Maryland offers a diverse environment, with mountains, beaches, and more to enjoy and experience. It’s also centrally located, with easy access to several major cities. That said, the state itself is charming, historic, and filled with community friendliness. From Baltimore to Adamstown, Maryland is a lovely place to call home for retirement.
When you think of Maryland, you might think of the state’s famous blue crabs, Old Bay seasoning, or the stunning shoreline of Chesapeake Bay. The Old Line State is a centrally-located, boasts miles and miles of natural beauty, and has many affordable waterfront towns, making it an alluring place to retire. Read on to learn which of Maryland’s cities is best for your golden years.
Is Maryland a good place to live for retirees?
Maryland is in a central location, surrounded by states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, giving retirees the option to travel near and far to major cities up and down the eastern seaboard while enjoying the slower pace of life in the Old Line State.
Many who reside in Maryland love that it has four distinct seasons, but none are extreme. Snow shoveling gets more difficult as you get older, and long, hot summers are not only unpleasant, they create high energy bills.
In addition, Maryland is home to Chesapeake Bay, which offers countless opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water excursions. The state has numerous parks and other green spaces as well—ideal for active seniors.
Overall, though, Maryland does have a higher cost of living than many other states, though there are several on this list with lower than average home prices. In addition, some areas of the state see heavy traffic, especially in Baltimore and the towns and cities surrounding Washington, D.C.
Is Maryland tax-friendly for seniors?
Maryland is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. While the state does not tax Social Security, it does tax other forms of retirement income, such as that from a 401(k) or IRA.
Property taxes are close to the national average, with the median effective property tax rate at 0.95%.
This won’t affect everyone, but it is important to note that Maryland is the only state with both an inheritance tax and an estate tax. Estates that exceed the $5 million state exemption are subject to tax rates up to 16%, and the inheritance tax is 10%. Direct relatives—children, spouses, parents, siblings, for instance—are often exempt from the inheritance tax.
Do seniors in Maryland pay property taxes over 65?
Yes, seniors over 65 in Maryland pay property taxes. Maryland’s property tax is close to the national average, with a median effective rate of 0.95%.
Maryland does have several tax relief credits for seniors, including:
Senior Property Tax Credit: Qualifications depend on income and the credits vary county by county.
Homestead Tax Credit: This credit limits how much your property tax bill can increase one year over the next.
Local County Relief Program: Several local counties have specific credits for veterans, seniors, and those with disabilities.
These credits are intended to offset the burden of property taxes for seniors and others suffering from financial strain; be sure to check the eligibility requirements for each before applying.
What benefits do seniors get in Maryland?
Most special programs and benefits for seniors in Maryland are geared towards those in a lower income bracket or those with special needs for medical care and support. Some of these benefits include:
- Assistance paying for Medicare
- The Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR) program, which helps older adults access services such as home-based support, and partial financial assistance for assisted living.
- Farmers market vouchers to buy fresh fruit and vegetables
- Home delivered meals for those with mobility issues
- Free medical equipment and assistive technology
Note that many of these programs require an application or at least a visit to a specific government office.
Where is the best place to retire in Maryland?
Seniors looking for a scenic, diverse state that is centrally located to several major cities could find what they are looking for in one of Maryland’s charming destinations.
But which of these destinations is right for you? Ultimately, choosing from Baltimore, Chesapeake City, and the other places on this list will depend on your budget, desire to live on the water, preference for bigger towns vs. small villages, and more. Read on to learn what makes the 10 best cities in Maryland for retirement unique and decide which could be best for you and your retirement goals.
1. Baltimore
CITY POPULATION: 569,997
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 15%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $191,668
MEDIAN RENT: $1,650
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Most people don’t put city living and affordability in the same bucket, but Baltimore is an affordable US city, with a cost of living below the national average. The city has excellent healthcare facilities—a common priority for retires—and waterfront living. Being a city, seniors can also enjoy a multitude of cultural activities and institutions, such as Maryland Historical Society, the Walters Art Museum, and other art galleries and music venues.
- Cumberland
CITY POPULATION: 18,799
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 26% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $155,425
MEDIAN RENT: $950
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Surrounded by the Appalachian mountains, Cumberland is just two hours away from Pittsburgh, MA. The historic town—often referred to as Queen City—is filled with architectural gems, a bustling downtown area, and cultural activities. Its C&O Canal National Historic Park is a pedestrian-friendly plaza and the home of a historic railway, which still allows passengers through the Cumberland Narrows. In addition, the town is known for its scenic beauty, and has hundreds of trails to bike, walk, and explore.
3. Chesapeake City
CITY POPULATION: 736
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 26%
__COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: __3% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $408,658
MEDIAN RENT: $2,092
__TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: __Moderately Tax Friendly
Chesapeake City is for retirees who desire a slower pace of life—with under 1,000 residents, the village’s community is tight-knit. Chesapeake City might be small but it still packs a punch; expect to see stunning 19th century architecture and enjoy walk along the waterfront at Pell Gardens. The bonus? Chesapeake City’s home prices are below the state’s average.
4. Easton
CITY POPULATION: 17,293
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 28%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $376,444
MEDIAN RENT: $1,700
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Cited by Kiplinger as a great place to retire, Easton sits on the shores of Chesapeake Bay and is home to world-class golf courses, wildlife refugees, and many cultural centers that offer live music, theatre, and more. The town has an excellent healthcare system as well, run by the University of Maryland.
5. Hyattsville
COUNTY POPULATION: 21,158
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 11%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 20% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $406,813
MEDIAN RENT: $2,127
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES:
Moderately Tax Friendly
Looking for the neighborly vibe of a suburban neighborhood while living close to a major city? Hyattsville could be your answer. The city is in Prince George’s County and only 40 minutes—by train, off the Metro’s Green Line—to Washington, D.C. Its historic district has stunning Victorian homes, but the city is home to a wide mix of architectural styles. Hyattsville also has a top-tier mall and many parks to explore and enjoy.
6. Cambridge
CITY POPULATION: 13,457
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 18% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $262,516
MEDIAN RENT: $2,100
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Set on the Choptank River, Cambridge has charming, walkable streets and is home to the Dorchester County Center for the Arts, featuring rotating exhibits of photography, painting, and more. Cambridge has less than 13,000 residents, but 21% are over the age of 65—seniors can easily find their community here.
7. Salisbury
CITY POPULATION: 33,845
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 16% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $266,141
MEDIAN RENT: $1,600
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES:
Moderately Tax Friendly
Retirees in search of affordable waterfront living should consider Salisbury—the town sits right on the Wicomico River. It’s also within 150 miles away from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, giving retirees easy access to major medical facilities, international airports, and more. Locally, residents enjoy Salisbury’s vibrant downtown, packed with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
8. Oakland
CITY POPULATION: 1,851
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 28%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 12% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $277,671
MEDIAN RENT: $1,470
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Oakland—not to be confused with the California city—is a very small town on the West Virginia side of Maryland, with just over 2,000 residents. Home prices come in around $277,000, which is below the state average, making it a very affordable place to retire. It’s a haven for nature lovers, with both Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park located nearby, each brimming with lakes, waterfalls, and seemingly endless trails.
9. Adamstown
CITY POPULATION: 2,025
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $665,450
MEDIAN RENT: $1,583
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
A suburb of the West Maryland city of Frederick, retirees in Adamstown can enjoy quiet suburban life while being close to big city amenities. Adamstown itself boasts a lively community, with special events year-round, while Frederick has wineries, performing arts venues, and other fun. American history buffs love it here—the city played a major war in the Civil War, so there are many sites and monuments to explore and learn about.
10. Crisfield
CITY POPULATION: 2,499
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 20%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 23% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $169,745
MEDIAN RENT: $900
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Crisfield is a true maritime village, and is even known as the “Crab Capital of the World.” Located on Maryland’s southern most point, on the Tangier Sound, Crisfield is extremely affordable, with most homes $100,000 below the state average. Janes Island State Park offers active seniors opportunities to walk water trails out to pristine beaches or kayak on Chesapeake Bay.
Bottom Line
Maryland puts you squarely in the center of the east coast action without sacrificing charm and community. If waterfront living is your retirement dream, Maryland is one of the less expensive places to achieve that. Deciding which Maryland city or town to retire to depends largely on your priorities and your retirement nest egg—talk to a financial advisor at Retirable and review your investments and budget before you select a destination in the Old Line State.