7 Charming Maryland Communities To Retire Around Baltimore
With top-quality healthcare, an oceanside location, and captivating small towns, are you considering Maryland as your future home? Between the stunning riverside parks of Easton and the unique legendary museums of Greenbelt, the “Old Line State” is teeming with beauty and history. Discover the seven most charming Maryland communities to retire around Baltimore and start planning your future today!
Hagerstown
While Maryland is considered a slightly more expensive than average state to live in, Hagerstown is a quaint city offering relief from the high rates. According to realtor.com, the median sold home price here was $284,900 USD in December 2024, compared to $570,000 USD in the state capital Annapolis.
Hagerstown is home to several museums that will keep you intellectually stimulated. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts holds over 6,500 objects, from paintings to sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts with incredible 19th-century works. See various performances at The Maryland Theatre, an eloquently built structure dating to 1915.
Explore the scenic walking trails of Hagerstown City Park, where you will find man-made lakes, serene picnic areas, and even the Jonathan Hager House & Museum; a historic site originally built around 1739. Regarding healthcare, you will be close to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, recognized by Healthgrades for America's 50 Best Hospitals Award™ in 2024.
Sykesville
Fun fact: Sykesville received the “Coolest Small Town in America” award by Budget Travel in 2016, voted for by thousands of online readers, many of whom were excited about Sykesville’s upcoming events. The town also earned the “Best Main Street in America” title by Independent We Stand in 2020.
Piney Run Park is a wonderful site for birdwatching, fishing, boating, or hiking in the heart of nature. The Sykesville Gate House Museum of History features exhibits, collections, and special events to showcase the area’s past. Patapsco Distilling Company is a fine spot to sit back, relax, and taste craft distilled spirits made from locally grown Maryland grains.
Easton
Easton is a quality retirement town renowned for its beauty and tranquility. Meander through the stunning trails of Pickering Creek Audubon Center, a lovely nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary by Chesapeake Bay. Try activities such as picnicking, tennis, or grilling in Idlewild Park. See what treasures you can find at Foxwell's Antiques & Collectibles, and shop for fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and confectionaries at Amish Country Farmer's Market.
The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center is located in Easton and has a 24/7 emergency department. It offers women’s health care, cardiology, sleep testing, and many other services. Brookletts Place—Talbot Senior Center organizes field trips and outings, as well as scheduled activities such as line dancing, Wii bowling, guitar and ukulele lessons, and oil painting.
Mount Airy
A quiet, tranquil town with a low crime rate, you will feel incredibly secure moving to Mount Airy. The crime rate here is 13.11 per 1,000 residents, which makes this safer than 86% of cities, according to CrimeGrade.org.
That means you can experience all the town has to offer, from the serene paths of Watkins Park to the fascinating wildlife of Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary. Enjoy a drink in the striking Milkhouse Brewery, where traditional styles are brewed using local ingredients. Work on your golf in The Links at Challedon with their scenic, challenging courses.
Frederick Health Hospital, recognized by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals, can easily be reached by car. The facility also earned the Surgical Care Excellence Award™, Stroke Care Excellence™, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Awards™.
Cambridge
Situated on the Eastern Shore, Cambridge is an ideal place to live if you prefer gorgeous waterfront views and an affordable cost of living. The median listing home price here was $288,000 USD in December 2024, according to realtor.com.
Soak up the beauty of Chesapeake Bay from the Choptank River Lighthouse, where you can unravel Dorchester County’s rich maritime heritage. Head on a lovely stroll through Long Wharf Park, the perfect spot for a walk by the water.
Cambridge is also the birthplace of American activist and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, which offers exhibits, events, educational programs, and films, offers a chance to learn about her life and the Underground Railroad.
Greenbelt
Greenbelt is home to fascinating museums like the NASA Goddard Visitor Center, featuring unique events, activities, and exhibits. See the extraordinary model rockets or enjoy a tour around the facility. Buddy Attick Lake Park is a scenic area for birdwatching or picnicking around its 23-acre lake. Visit the Greenbelt Museum in the historic district, with its unit originally built in 1937.
You will have access to renowned hospitals in Greenbelt, such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, which was listed on U.S. News' 2024-2025 Best Hospitals Honor Roll list.
Bel Air
While the cost of living in Bel Air is higher than the national average, it is quite reasonable compared to other North Maryland cities. As of December 2024, the median listing home price was $405,000 USD, making living here more feasible than in Manchester, where the median price was $661,600 USD (per realtor.com).
Overall, Bel Air is a great retirement destination. The small-town atmosphere, vibrant downtown area, and tight-knit community add to its charm, and medical facilities like Patient First Primary and Urgent Care are found here. The Liriodendron Mansion, with its Palladian architecture and exquisite gardens, is an eye-catching historical landmark that has stood since 1898. Harford Artists Gallery exhibits remarkable 2D and 3D Art pieces by local artists to showcase the area's creative talent.
Bel Air Armory offers many community activities and events to keep you engaged throughout the year. Winter dance lessons, bingo nights, craft fairs, and chess tournaments are just a few examples of what you can find here. The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center has a location in Bel Air, so you can access healthcare services very close to home.
Maryland Communities to Retire Around Baltimore
There you have it—a few of the top towns to retire in Maryland. Between the immersive art displays of Hagerstown, the gorgeous golf courses of Mount Airy, and the renowned educational exhibits of Cambridge, the "Old Line State" is filled with breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks. No matter which place you pick, now you can escape to a peaceful, picturesque city with an amazing location, close to all the amenities you may need.
