8 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Chesapeake Bay
Retirees who are looking to spend their golden years in a different setting should check out the towns along the Chesapeake Bay. The financial incentives Maryland offers to retirees are attractive. Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits. Residents who are age 65 and older are also entitled to exemptions ranging from $1,000 to $1,750 depending upon marital status and income. In addition to these benefits, the beauty, peacefulness, and tranquility of living beside the Chesapeake Bay on a daily basis cannot be beaten. If you are thinking of relocating in retirement, take a look at the welcoming Chesapeake Bay towns featured below.
North East, Maryland
The charming town of North East, Maryland, may only have a population of 4,085, but its ideal location means that it is bustling with tourists in the summertime. North East sits at the head of the North East River, which connects to the Chesapeake Bay and is a throughway for boaters, fishers, and those who simply want to be near the water. Although just nine percent of North East's population is aged 65 and over, this town, with a younger attitude, is welcoming to people of all ages who wish to move there, including retirees.
One of North East's most beautiful attractions is the Turkey Point Lighthouse, situated at the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula. Visitors to Elk Neck State Park can take a 1.6-mile hike out to the lighthouse, which dates from the early 1800s and might even catch a glimpse of eagles and hawks at the Raptor Viewing Field.
Seniors also enjoy the newly constructed Cecil County Public Library - North-East Branch, which, in addition to a wide selection of books and periodicals, offers meeting spaces, learning areas, games, a digital media lab, and more. It is a popular meeting spot for residents of all ages.
With average home values being around $465,000, housing is affordable for retirees in North East. Those who choose to rent enjoy low monthly rates averaging $1,158. These financial, cultural, and historic factors all add up to North East being a very welcoming town in which retirees can relocate.
Easton, Maryland
Located on the eastern shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the historic town of Easton is home to just over 17,000 residents, a quarter of whom are over the age of 65. Retirees who choose to move there will enjoy some of the mildest winters in Maryland as well as temperate summers. Rental fees in Easton average $1,153 per month. Most homes in the area are valued from $300,000 to $499,999.
One of the most popular annual events hosted in Easton is the Waterfowl Festival, occurring during the second week of November. This arts and crafts festival draws sculptors, carvers, and painters from around the world, as well as conservationists dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation. Entertainment includes music, Chesapeake Bay retriever demonstrations, and dogs jumping off docks.
Seniors who are interested in learning about the town's history while enjoying a bit of mystery might enjoy the Chesapeake Ghost Walks that are conducted through the town's historic downtown area. While walking through the town and hunting spirits, attendees also learn about the rich history of this town that was named the 8th Best Small Town in America. A walk through Easton's historic downtown district is also educational in the daytime, of course, without the scare factor.
Chesapeake City, Maryland
The truly small town of Chesapeake City has just over 800 residents but draws thousands of guests in the summer months. With 30 percent of its population over the age of 65, Chesapeake City is a retiree's dream. It also has the distinction of being the only town in Maryland to be situated along a working commercial canal, the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (referred to as the C&D Canal), which connects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay.
Monthly rent in Chesapeake City averages just under $1,000, and the majority of homes are valued from $300,000 to $499,999. The easily walkable historic downtown area features quirky and quaint shops and cafes, as well as beautiful historic churches.
The Chesapeake City Museum is home to much of the town's history and is located within the downtown area. It features artifacts from the town as well as from the early Ukrainian settlers of Chesapeake City. Information on the construction of the C&D Canal is available here too.
Seniors searching for charm will enjoy strolling through Chesapeake City's Pell Gardens Park, located in the walkable downtown area. This beautiful setting is home to a variety of events, including concerts during the summer months.
Havre de Grace, Maryland
Meaning "port of grace," the population of the historic town of Havre de Grace is just under 15,000. About 18 percent of Havre de Grace's population is age 65 or over. Founded in 1782 and incorporated in 1785, the town is Maryland's second oldest municipality (after Annapolis) and was named by General Marquis de Lafayette, who said that the town fondly reminded him of the French port city Le Havre de Grace.
Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace is known for its history as well as its water-oriented events. The historic downtown district is a National Register Historic District of about a thousand buildings dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. It is easily walkable and contains stunning examples of Victorian architecture, as well as charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Retirees who elect to rent in Havre de Grace will enjoy low average rates of $1,184 per month. Most homes in Havre de Grace are valued between $300,000 and $499,999.
One of Havre de Grace's most attractive features is its Promenade. This boardwalk spans three-quarters of a mile along the Susquehanna River and, in addition to providing awe-inspiring views of the water, is adjacent to the Decoy Museum, Maritime Museum, Concord Point Lighthouse, and Tydings Park. It offers a great place to leisurely, peacefully stroll for seniors and residents of all ages.
Cambridge, Maryland
With a population of just over 13,000, Cambridge is a welcoming, quaint town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. In the county seat of Dorchester County on the Choptank River, 20 percent of Cambridge's residents are over the age of 65. Monthly rent in Cambridge averages an affordable $956, and the majority of homes are valued between $200,000 and $299,999.
Cambridge is a town rich in history. Author James Michener once called Cambridge's High Street one of the country's most beautiful streets and modeled his fictional town of Patamoke after Cambridge. High Street features many majestic homes built in the 1700s and 1800s. Self-guided walking tours of the historic downtown area are available, and guided tours, both on foot and by water, are also offered by tour companies.
Harriet Tubman was born near Cambridge, and a museum nearby, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, honors her great heroism. The Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, located just 12 miles south of Cambridge, encompasses over 30,000 acres of tidal marsh, woodlands, freshwater ponds, and croplands. Hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers, photographers, and retirees who have relocated to the area can often be found here.
Annapolis, Maryland
As the capital city of Maryland, Annapolis is home to just over 40,000 people, about 19 percent of whom are over the age of 65. This vibrant capital city which sits along the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay offers much to do for retirees as well as visitors and residents of all ages. Those who choose to rent housing in Annapolis will find average rates of $1,750 monthly. Homes vary in value, ranging from $200,000 to $999,999.
Referred to as a "museum without walls," there is much to do in the walkable downtown area of Annapolis, which was founded in 1649. Four centuries of architecture are featured along the historic streets of this city on the water, including homes of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park offers historic skipjack cruises that provide guided educational history about Chesapeake Bay and the city. Schooners are also available for sailing cruises and glide past the U.S. Naval Academy and historic homes.
Retirees who choose to relocate to Annapolis can enjoy the small-town feel of the larger city, with historic sites and contemporary offerings mixed. They will relish living on the waters of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay and take pleasure in the outdoor activities available at nearby parks such as Sandy Point State Park, Spa Creek, and Back Creek.
Oxford, Maryland
Although Oxford's population is just over 600 residents, this small waterfront town is very welcoming to retirees, evidenced by its hefty percentage (48 percent) of those aged 65 and over. Nestled on the Tred Avon River, Oxford is one of Maryland's oldest towns (founded in 1683) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Oxford's historic downtown area is easily walkable and includes the John Wesley Preservation Society and Museum, a Methodist Episcopal church that served black and white parishioners before the Civil War. Retirees will also want to visit the Oxford Museum, housing artifacts and memorabilia from the town's past.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is the nation's oldest privately owned ferry service, established in 1683. Crossing the Tred Avon River between Oxford and Bellevue, Maryland, it offers travelers a 20-minute round trip ferry service and accommodates vehicles of all types. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the ferry is also a form of transportation for many townsfolk.
Housing isn't quite as affordable in Oxford as in other Chesapeake Bay towns. Renters in Oxford will pay an average of $3,057 per month. Homes in the area average. Some retirees will still want to relocate to Oxford, however, for the quiet, maritime lifestyle that it provides and to live among fellow retirees, who make up almost half of the town's population.
Rock Hall, Maryland
Rock Hall is a small town of just under 1,200 residents, almost 43 percent of whom are over the age of 65. Called the "Pearl of the Chesapeake," this small harbor town along the Chesapeake Bay provides water activities, history, and land activities for retirees looking to relocate.
Rent in the Rock Hall area averages just $596 per month, and home prices range from $150,000 to $300,000. This affordable housing is one attraction for those who are contemplating retiring in Rock Hall.
Established in 1706, Rock Hall is full of history. A visit to the Rock Hall Museum provides enlightenment on the town's rich maritime history. The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center offers information on the history of the Chesapeake Bay and Kent County.
Rock Hall Beach is a small beach along the Chesapeake Bay that is popular with visitors and townspeople. The Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge is another attraction that draws many attendees, offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. Being along the bay also means that Rock Hall is full of restaurants serving local seafood, such as Chesapeake Bay crabs and oysters. Retirees will find plenty of things to do in Rock Hall.
When it comes to choosing a place to enjoy your retirement years, the Chesapeake Bay has many charming waterfront towns that offer peace and solitude, but still provide lively amenities and activities. From the truly small-town feel of Oxford to the larger city of Annapolis, retirees have many enticing choices when planning their next move. So pack up your fishing gear, floppy hat, and walking shoes and hit the road to find your next great adventure in one of these Chesapeake Bay towns.
