10 Best Places to Retire in Maryland

Continuing our series of the best places to retire in America, we present you with the 10 best places to retire in Maryland.

With the highest median annual income among all the states, Maryland has been one of the top destinations for retirees and families in recent years. This is shown by the fact that although Maryland is one of the smallest states in terms of land area, it is one of the densest, with over 8 million residents within its borders.

Because most of the residents live in cities and metropolitan areas like the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan area, living in the state does not come cheap. Similar to the entries of the 10 best places to retire in Maine, sales taxes are generally higher than most US states, and cost of living is higher than the nation average. However, living in Maryland provides retirees the best of both worlds. To escape a fast-paced and expensive lifestyle, retirees may opt to live around the major cities of the state. The make-up of Maryland is mostly suburban, and as you will see in this list, the best places to retire in Maryland are either around Baltimore City or in the suburban to rural areas, not too near the hectic urban communities but not too far from city centers.

What the state lacks in forests, it more than makes up for its waterways and beaches. Because Marland is located along the Atlantic coast, residents of some counties have the privilege of going to the beach during the summer months, when the warm and sunny weather balances out the cold Atlantic waters. Waterways such as the Chesapeake bay and small creek and tributaries to it are home to numerous fishing grounds. While the Chesapeake Bay may host sites of commercial fishing, the small streams and rivers are ideal for weekend getaways, whether it be for fishing, yachting or just having a picnic along its banks.

To come up with the 10 best places to retire in Maryland, Insider Monkey first determined the factors that are most important for retirees – the cost of living, physicians per capita, crime, and house values. Information from Sperling’s Best Places, Areavibes and Livability were utilized, with every county given a corresponding score on how high or low they ranked on each of the 4 factors. Scores were then added and averaged, with the top 10 counties earning a place on our list. Marketwatch also provided information on some entries on this list.

Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road once you’ve read the 10 best places to retire in Maryland!

10. Harford County

Cost of Living: 13.6% higher than the US average
Crime: 35
Physicians per 100k: 152
Median House Value: $237,900
Insider Monkey score: 13

Like much of the counties in this list, Harford County is a part of a larger metropolitan area, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area. However, much of the county has a suburban feel to it. There are no high-rises like major commercial centers but development and commercial establishments can be found nearby.

9. Garrett County

Cost of Living: 1% lower than the US average
Crime: 40
Physicians per 100k: 90
Median House Value: $152,600
Insider Monkey score: 13.6

With a population of 30,097, Garrett County is the third least populated county in Maryland, and also is its westernmost county. Being in the Allegheny Mountains, Garrett County is home to Maryland’s highest point, Backbone Mountain. It also boasts with more than 76,000 acres of national parks and lakes, which offers its residents plenty of outdoor and recreational activities.

8. Allegany County

Cost of Living: 14.1% lower than the US average
Crime: 75
Physicians per 100k: 210
Median House Value: $77,000
Insider Monkey score: 14

Another county comprising a larger metropolitan area, Allegany County is part of the Cumberland MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area, or Cumberland Metro. However, the county’s residents have complained of a feeling of isolation from the larger metropolitan areas. This may be why the county has the lowest median housing values in the entire state. For our readers, take note, as these two factors may either entice you or turn you off from living here. To each his own!

7. Frederick County

Cost of Living: 20.1% higher than the US average
Crime: 33
Physicians per 100k: 183
Median House Value: $261,300
Insider Monkey score: 14.2

Similar to our previous entry, Frederick County is also a part of a larger metropolitan area, the Washington-Alexandria-Arlington metropolitan area. Many attribute the county’s sudden development and increase in residents as a result of the inclusion in the said metropolitan area. It was also voted by Farmers Insurance Group of Companies as being one of the safest metropolitan areas in the United States. The county is home to Catoctin Mountain Park, a nationally protected area.

6. Baltimore County

Cost of Living: 8.8% higher than the US average
Crime: 52
Physicians per 100k: 411
Median House Value: $209,500
Insider Monkey score: 14.6

Also a part of the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area, Baltimore County is the third most populous county in Maryland. Almost all of the 805,029 residents live an urban and fast-paced lifestyle, with the area being declared as part of the megalopolis from Boston to Richmond. Famous attractions still abound in the county such as the Hampton National Historic Site and Soldiers Delight Natural Protected Area.

5. Howard County

Cost of Living: 44.4% higher than the US average
Crime: 36
Physicians per 100k: 565
Median House Value: $399,300
Insider Monkey score: 14.9

Known as being one of the most affluent areas in the United States, Howard County is also part of the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia metropolitan area. Its residents have a median annual income of around $108,000, which pushes up the cost of living higher than the US average. You may not be familiar with the county, but you may have heard of the cities of Columbia and Ellicott City, both of which have been featured in several magazines and news outlets as one of the most desirable places to live in America. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Howard County has found its place on this list of best places to retire in Maryland.

4. Kent County

Cost of Living: 4.6% higher than the US average
Crime: 44
Physicians per 100k: 198
Median House Value: $180,000
Insider Monkey score: 15.3

Unlike most counties on this list, Kent County is not a part of any metropolitan area, which is why farms and rural communities still thrive on Maryland’s smallest county. Located on the state’s eastern shore, Kent has a shoreline 205 miles long wherein residents flock to enjoy the warmth of summer. It is also the least populated county in Maryland, with just over 20,000 residents.

3. Washington County

Cost of Living: 4.9% lower than the US average
Crime: 47
Physicians per 100k: 197
Median House Value: $156,000
Insider Monkey score: 15.6

One of the fastest-growing counties in Maryland, Washington County is also part of a larger metropolitan area, the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Metropolitan Area. Located just east of Allegany County, its commerce and economy are thriving as compared to its neighbor. The county is perfect for retirees who would want a little isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still want some semblance of the fast-paced urban lifestyle.

2. Talbot County

Cost of Living: 20.1% higher than the US average
Crime: 37
Physicians per 100k: 413
Median House Value: $263,400
Insider Monkey score: 15.9

A small county in terms of population, Talbot County is part of the Easton, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area. However, much of Talbot has a rural to suburban feel, giving its residents a relaxed pace of life. As the area is in the heart of Maryland’s eastern shore, it offers many outdoor activities especially fishing.

1. Wicomico County

Cost of Living: 7.8% lower than the US average
Crime: 57
Physicians per 100k: 280
Median House Value: $117,800
Insider Monkey score: 16

With reasonable house costs and lower-than-average cost of living, Wicomico County makes it to the top of our list of best places to retire in Maryland. Part of the Salisbury, MD-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area, Wicomico County still boasts of a small-town feel. In recent years, the county has seen a number of small businesses transferring from expensive coast cities, which has contributed to economic growth. Instead of altering the county’s landscape, these businesses have instead made Wicomico a cozier place to retire in.