7 Best Small Towns To Retire In Maryland In 2024

Many people find it difficult to adjust from years of working a 9 to 5 to having free time on their hands after retirement. Finding something to fill up that gaping hole can prove to be a painstaking process. Nevertheless, it gets easier when you have a nice place to call a retirement home, with the prospect of picking up new hobbies. The Old Line State houses diverse destinations that make for an ideal place to spend your golden years. 

Beyond the busy metro areas, small-town Maryland is a sanctuary for retirees, shielded from the fast pace of life in the city and teeming with relaxed natural surroundings. These hidden gems host down-to-earth communities willing to welcome strangers with open arms and accept them into their fold. They also offer endless outdoor opportunities with access to essential healthcare and social amenities. If you are planning to call time on your career in 2024, these small towns in Maryland have the elements to guarantee a high quality of life as you sail into the sunset. 

Chevy Chase

With over 30% of its population 65 years or older, Chevy Chase is a haven for retirees. It is easy to understand why, in a friendly-natured community located just outside the capital. It takes pensioners a mere 20 minutes to access all the top-notch amenities in Washington, D.C., including some of the country’s best medical facilities. The town hosts several golf and country clubs, including Chevy Chase Club and Columbia Country Club, where retirees can enjoy tee time with their peers. Those who fancy exploring the outdoors will find scenic trails inside Nature Forward, with the opportunity to spot various bird species. Chevy Chase also stages several festivals throughout the year, a chance to spend time with family and friends at events like the Jazz Festival and Maple Sugar Festival. The crime rate is pretty low, with the town reporting less than 2 violent incidents per 1,000 residents. It also enjoys plenty of retirement communities and a healthcare facility concentration of over 11 per 1,000 residents. Although home prices can be quite steep, those who afford it will find it worthwhile given all the positives. 

Bel Air

This tiny Harford County town delights senior citizens with ample outdoor opportunities, a charming arts and culture scene, and a large senior community. Newcomers will find it easy to adjust to their new environment and make friends among peers. Recreational activities abound, and retirees can slip into their trainers for a hike along the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail. Also, the tight-knit community congregates weekly at the bubbly Bel Air Farmers’ Market to interact and socialize while shopping for farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods. Downtown Bel Air hosts a thriving Arts and Entertainment district, with venues like Harford Artists Gallery letting pensioners admire unique creations. 

Bel Air is home to multiple senior living communities and healthcare facilities, including Brightview Bel Air and Surge Nyerere of Bel Air. The crime rate is also significantly lower than the national average, with less than 2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Finally, the cost of homes in Bel Air is cheaper compared to Chevy Chase, going for just above the United States average. 

Timonium

This quaint community, shielded from the turbulent streets of nearby Baltimore, is an excellent candidate for anyone looking for a retirement home. It offers an impressive mix of attractions, from lush natural landscapes and fine-dining restaurants to exciting shopping opportunities, which explains the 17% senior population it hosts. Pensioners can peruse a historic collection of artifacts at the Fire Museum of Maryland or find a cool spot to hang out and people-watch at Seminary Park. Meanwhile, those who embrace an active lifestyle can sign up for classes at Rebounders Gymnastics or, better yet, break a sweat on a strenuous rock climbing session at Movement Timonium. 

The local community features colonial-style homes with well-manicured lawns and tree-lined streets, exuding small-town charm. A strong sense of community discourages crime in the area, with only one violent case reported per 1,000 residents. Furthermore, Timonium takes care of its senior population at multiple assisted living communities, including College Manor Assisted Living and Mercy Ridge. 

Chestertown

Rich historical heritage, a bustling art scene, and picturesque river views just about paint the portrait of this Kent County hamlet. Chestertown is home to the Historical Society of Kent County, where newcomers can familiarize themselves with the town’s colorful past. Strolling through the quiet streets of the Chestertown Historic District reveals a chain of restored 18th-century homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The arts scene is just as impressive as the history, and pensioners can choose from several venues to get cultured, such as Chestertown RiverArts and Garfield Center for the Arts. 

Chestertown is relatively safe, with a crime rate over 10% lower than the national average. You can credit this to the strong sense of community among locals, which is best displayed at the Chestertown Farmers Market. This is an excellent opportunity to interact, socialize, and make friends in a festive atmosphere. On the flip side, the cost of living and median house price are over the national average, so you need to save up well for a comfortable life in this charming community. 

Easton

Unique cultural and historical experiences make this Talbot County town a promising option for retirees in Maryland. However, it also presents several outdoor opportunities that allow them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Idlewild Park is among the top open spaces in the town, offering recreational activities like hiking, picnicking, and tennis. As the county seat, Easton houses the Talbot Historical Society, which offers a window into the town’s past. Meanwhile, senior citizens can savor an authentic cultural experience at the Amish Country Farmers’ Market, with a chance to sample home-baked goods, fresh farm produce, and handmade crafts, and interact with friendly Amish vendors. 

With a crime rate 42% below the national average, Easton is one of the safer towns in Maryland you can choose to settle in. Retirees enjoy good access to healthcare, with a medical facility concentration of about 5 per 1,000 residents. During their vulnerable moments, they can look to several assisted living facilities for support, such as HeartFields Assisted Living. 

Annapolis

Despite being Maryland’s capital, Annapolis’ modest population gives it a small-town vibe that appeals to senior citizens. It is jam-packed with a range of attractions, ensuring continuous entertainment, no matter the preference. Historians will easily gravitate towards the Maryland State House, a 1700s gem that is also the longest-serving state capitol in America. The town also hosts the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, an excellent site to learn about the city’s nautical heritage by perusing a delightful collection of artifacts. Outdoor opportunities aplenty at Quiet Waters Park, where pensioners can hike scenic trails, picnic under shaded areas, and even kayak for recreation. 

Annapolis has an impressive concentration of medical centers to cater to any health emergencies, featuring over 5 facilities per 1,000 residents. Furthermore, it houses multiple assisted living centers, including IntegraCare-Bay Village. The crime rate is a little above the national average and the same applies to the cost of living, which is expected for a state capital. Overall, it is a fair price to pay in a town with so much to offer retirees. 

Ocean City

Ocean City’s mix of beautiful, year-round weather and exquisite beach scenery is enough to make a senior want to make it a permanent retirement destination. But there is more to this lovely coastal community; who doesn’t wake up to the superb Atlantic Ocean views as a daily routine? Ocean City's pristine beaches with smooth sands present the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Senior citizens can find this along the Ocean City Boardwalk, with the Ocean City Beach just next to it. Alternatively, climbing the Oceanic Fishing Pier provides secluded spots where pensioners can make the most of a relaxed angling opportunity. For historians, the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum will give you something to look forward to. There is a substantial senior population in Ocean City, with over 30% of the demographic at 65 years or older. This means incoming retirees will have an easy time fitting into the community. Additionally, they can benefit from multiple senior living communities, like Ocean City 50plus Center. 

Winding Up

Whether you want charming small-town living on the water or in the scenic mountains, these towns in Maryland offer quality healthcare services, ample recreational activities, and diverse attractions to keep retirees engaged and enjoying life well into 2024 and beyond. Each locale has its unique personality and assets that appeal to retirees' varying interests. With safe and tight-knit communities and natural beauty abounding, these small localities continue to be desirable places for Maryland residents and others to call home in their retirement years.