Top counties for retirement in Maryland
Real estate buyers and sellers—when queried about the three most critical factors regarding a property—will almost invariably answer “location, location, location.” Though this response may occasionally be said in jest, it is typically quite valid, especially for retirees compared to any other group. Settling down after years of employment and potentially raising children necessitates an ideal spot: a location where you can relish life with minimal worries.
When individuals aged 65 and above contemplate where to spend their senior years, they assess specific elements, such as living costs, public services, medical facilities, climate, crime statistics, recreational outdoor activities, dining options, cultural and entertainment offerings, among others.
Stacker has compiled a ranking of the finest counties for retirement in Maryland utilizing data from Niche. Niche evaluates counties based on diverse criteria including living costs, healthcare services, recreational options, and climate. Learn more about Niche’s evaluation methods here.
Determining a location is vital for retirees as they choose where to enjoy their leisure years indulging in cherished pastimes; however, this is a highly personal decision influenced by numerous preferences and requirements. Whether it’s lively urban areas or nearby parks, affordable housing or cultural attractions like galleries, retirees hoping to establish a lasting residence are bound to discover a tranquil haven in any of these counties highlighted by Niche, as ultimately, there’s no place quite like home—regardless of the setting.
Continue reading to uncover the top counties for retirement in Maryland.
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#14. Carroll County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C+), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: Eldersburg (A), Sykesville (A), Hampstead (A-)
#13. Anne Arundel County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: Crofton (A+), Severna Park (A), Arnold (A)
#12. Howard County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A-)
– Best places to reside: Ellicott City (A+), Columbia (A+), Scaggsville (A+)
#11. Dorchester County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (B-), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (B+)
– Best places to reside: Algonquin (B-), Cambridge (C+), East New Market (B)
#10. Washington County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (B-), climate (C+), outdoor recreational opportunities (A-)
– Best places to reside: St. James (A-), Halfway (B+), Boonsboro (B+)
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#9. Harford County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C+), climate (C+), outdoor recreational opportunities (A-)
– Best places to reside: Fallston (A), Pleasant Hills (A-), Bel Air (A-)
#8. Wicomico County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (B-), climate (B+), outdoor recreational opportunities (B-)
– Best places to reside: Fruitland (B+), Delmar (B), Hebron (B-)
#7. Montgomery County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C-), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: North Potomac (A+), South Kensington (A+), North Bethesda (A+)
#6. Queen Anne’s County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: Kingstown (B+), Stevensville (B+), Grasonville (B+)
#5. Baltimore County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B), cost of living (C+), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: Lutherville (A+), Towson (A+), Mays Chapel (A+)
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#4. Allegany County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B+), cost of living (B+), climate (C+), outdoor recreational opportunities (A-)
– Best places to reside: La Vale (B+), Bel Air (B+), Frostburg (B)
#3. Kent County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (B+), cost of living (C+), climate (A-), outdoor recreational opportunities (B-)
– Best places to reside: Chestertown (B+), Betterton (B), Tolchester (B-)
#2. Talbot County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (A), cost of living (C+), climate (B-), outdoor recreational opportunities (A-)
– Best places to reside: Easton (B+), Trappe (B+), St. Michaels (B+)
#1. Worcester County
– Niche ratings: favorable for retirees (A+), cost of living (C+), climate (B), outdoor recreational opportunities (A)
– Best places to reside: Ocean City (A-), Berlin (B+), West Ocean City (B+)
