6 Towns in Maryland that Are Ideal for Seniors
Maryland is a miracle. The fifth most densely populated state manages to keep swathes of pristine natural beauty within its borders. Count “Little America” as one of its most apt nicknames: Maryland has the Appalachians in the West, the Nation’s capital to the South, and the Chesapeake Bay to the East. No one in Maryland must travel far for a breath of different air. Seniors keep adventure in their lives in Maryland, America’s natural microcosm.
Aberdeen
Breathe in nature’s gifts in Aberdeen, where all streams flow into Swan Creek. Swan Creek supports the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge, which helps sustain the thriving Maryland activity of bird watching. Take the family to a ballgame at Ripkin Stadium, home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds. 13% of Aberdeen citizens are Seniors. Join a growing community of friends who meet daily at the Aberdeen Senior Center, open 8:30-3:30, Monday-Friday. Aberdeen took its name from the Scottish Metropolis in the 1800s when the Rogers family of Baltimore held a close relationship with the Earl of Aberdeen, who later became the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Bel Air
There are many places named Bel Air. It is safe to assume a Bel Air that was once spelled “Belle Air” is going to have plenty of historical assets. Stroll through Bel Air Maryland’s historic downtown. Follow the town’s public art tour, which includes sculptures and murals that strike the imagination differently depending on the season, time of day, and the emotional state of the beholder. Harford County provides a free online toolkit for those moving to the area who are also caregivers. Watch the seasons change in the town’s Plum Tree Park.
Berlin
Join the regular and migratory birds that enjoy cooling themselves in the two ponds of Berlin’s Heron Park, built on the site of a former chicken processing plant. Berlin is rated A+ in the health/safety and crime categories, according to areavibes.com. The town is near the Chincoteague Bay and Assateague Island. Drop into the Visitor Center at the Maryland (northern) portion of the island any day of the week. Make new friends at the Berlin 50+ Center. The 50+ Center is open Monday-Thursday and has a weekly roster of social, health-focused activities. Watch the grandkids’ smiles skyrocket at downtown Berlin’s Mermaid Museum.
Cambridge
The tentacle-shaped Choptank River runs along Cambridge, widening before it imperceptibly joins the Chesapeake. The Choptank River Lighthouse is a stunning sight even when closed for the season. Learn the history America tried to forget at Cambridge’s Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center. Meet new friends at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Intergenerational Center. The Center provides meals at their long, friendly table as well as operating a Meals on Wheels program. Stop by Tuesdays and Thursdays to benefit from a wide selection of classes such as computer skills, ceramics, quilting, and personal fitness.
Cumberland
Rendezvous with nature in Cumberland, a town of just over 10,000 people which is just over ten minutes from Rocky Gap State Park. Rocky Gap is over 3,000 acres and includes Lake Habeeb, known statewide as having the bluest water around. Escape to the mountains on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Pack the whole extended family for a Polar Express trip this holiday season. Enjoy special events in the historical smorgasbord that is Canal Place Heritage Park. Stop into the Cumberland’s Allegany County Senior Center for a noontime meal with new friends.
Easton
Easton is an artistic community that was built along the Eastern reaches of the Tred Avon River by Quakers in the 1680s. Soak in the inspiration that is Easton’s Academy Art Museum. Enjoy free admission to displays of works by such artists as Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, and Rembrandt. Be transfixed by live performances in a remodeled 1920s-era movie theater at the Avalon Foundation. The Avalon features a full-service bar and two floating bars to ensure thirsty patrons will not stay thirsty long. Easton is the home of Brookletts Place and the Talbot County Senior Center. Learn a new skill, make a new friend, and enjoy a communal meal at Brookletts Place.
Making Your Retirement Choice in Maryland
Hard work has finally paid off. Retirement is too important of a life change to be done hastily. Consider each town for its merits. Imagine the sun, the wind, the changing of the seasons through the lens of each region. Take the much-needed time to make this change. Wonder how life will feel with new faces, land, and hobbies. When it is time to visit towns personally, consider purchasing products from Native American-owned businesses whenever possible. It is important to remember that Maryland was home to other nations before becoming “Little America.”
