10 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In Maryland
Maryland is known for its scenic waterfronts and proximity to major cities. It's a desireable place to live, but also surprisingly affordable for retirees of limited means. From tiny towns tucked in the mountains to waterfront communities along the Chesapeake Bay, the state provides a range of cost-effective options that don't compromise on quality of life. Homes within each of the towns described here are under the Maryland median home value of $427,629 as of late September 2025 (per Zillow.com). These 10 towns prove that retiring comfortably in the Old Line State is easier, and more budget-friendly, than you might think.
Boonsboro
Retirees looking to retire in a quiet mountain retreat might want to consider Boonsboro, Maryland. This town of 3,800 in Washington County sits at the foot of South Mountain, a beautiful backdrop for retirement. Home prices here average $404,000, well under the state average. Washington Monument State Park at the summit of South Mountain features a breathtaking view that includes sightings of migratory birds. The Boonsborough Museum of History in town tells the story of this town's rich history. Retirees may want to check out the happenings at Southeastern Congregate Site-Senior Center in the Eugene C. Smith Community Center in Boonsboro for social activities. The closest medical center to Boonsboro is the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, 10 miles away.
Cambridge
Cambridge, along the Choptank River in Dorchester County, is popular with retirees who want to live in a waterfront town with a lively arts scene. This town is home to 13,000 people, and median home prices are an affordable $264,000. Cambridge is home to the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, which showcases the life of one of the most famous American women, who was born nearby.
The Dorchester Center for the Arts in town highlights the work of local artists, and also offers art classes to interested residents. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Intergenerational Center uniquely combines services for seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities with programs for children. Should retirees in Cambridge need medical care, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is located in town.
Charlestown
The town of Charlestown, sitting along the North East River in Cecil County, is the epitome of small-town life and appealing to many retirees who long for a slower pace of life near the water. About 1,500 people live in Charlestown, where homes average $338,000. Retiress will appreciate the fact that ChristianaCare Union Hospital in Elkton is just eight miles away.
The town has a deep sense of history. St. John’s United Methodist Church, built in 1856, anchors the Historic District and overlooks a graveyard with more than a thousand headstones. Summers bring music and laughter to Avalon Park and Stage, where live bands perform beside the river. Boaters also find their place at the Municipal Boat Pier, where slips are available for rent each year.
Crisfield
Crisfield, in southern Maryland's Somerset County, may be home to just 2,400 people, but its unique natural beauty, sitting along the Tangier Sound, make it stand out from other small towns in the area. Median home prices of $166,000 mean that Crisfield is one of Maryland's most affordable towns for retirees. J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum tells the story of this crab capital of the world. Somers Cove Marina, the largest state-owned marina in Maryland, is a great place to watch boats come and go from the harbor. The Crisfield Senior Activities Center on Franklin Avenue provides a range of services for area seniors. The TidalHealth McCready Pavilion is available in town for medical needs.
Cumberland
The valley town of Cumberland is not only the seat of Allegany County, but also sits in an Appalachian Mountains valley near the North Branch of the Potomac River. The town of about 19,000 residents features extremely affordable housing, averaging $149,000. These prices, along with Cumberland's reputation for being an arts hub, draws many retirees to move here.
Ferleman Gallery and Gallery Stage is just one of many places in Cumberland where you can experience both fine arts and live performances. The Embassy Theatre also showcases live theater, and retirees sometimes work on productions. The Cumberland Senior Center on Virginia Avenue welcomes seniors for activities and meals. A top-notch hospital, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Western Maryland, is conveniently located in Cumberland for medical needs.
Elkton
Sitting at the head of the Elk River, Elkton, is Cecil County’s seat and home to about 15,800 people. Nature lovers will appreciate Fair Hill Nature Center, which spans 5,600 acres of protected land filled with trails and outdoor programs focused on environmental education.
Elkton also offers a vibrant community life. Its Arts & Entertainment District features galleries such as Art Space on Main, live performances, and local eateries. The Elkton Senior Activity Center provides social and recreational programs for older adults, while ChristianaCare Union Hospital, located right in downtown, ensures convenient access to medical care. And when residents crave the energy of the city, Philadelphia and Baltimore, are each just over 50 miles away, perfect for day trips and cultural outings. With median home prices of $366,000, Elkton gives you a lot for your money.
Hancock
The village of Hancock in Washington County, western Maryland, is home to about 1,550 people. It offers retirees a strong sense of community with a quiet lifestyle. Homes here average just $255,392. Hancock is a central location just one mile from the West Virginia border, across the Potomac River, and one mile from Pennsylvania.
The Western Maryland Rail Trail, a paved trail that passes through Hancock along its 28-mile path, is perfect for hikers and bikers. The Historic Bowles House and Visitor Center in Hancock, built in the 1780s, shares the history of the town and the area. Hancock Senior Center on High Street is popular with seniors who are eager to socialize. The nearest hospital is Valley Health War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, only about six miles away.
Hyattsville
The town of Hyattsville in Prince George's County appeals to retirees who want to live close to Washington, DC. Home to 21,000 people, it's just seven miles from our nation's capital. Homes here are under the state average, at $410,000. It is easy to see why Hyattsville's motto is "the world is within walking distance," and to understand why this is a draw for many retirees to move here.
For a walking tour of Historic Downtown Hyattsville, check out the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area. The Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center has private studios for artists as well as exhibitions of local and regional artists' work. Langley Park Senior Activity Center features programs and activities for area seniors age 60 and up. Luminis Health Doctor's Community Medical Center in Hyattsville is able to handle most medical needs.
Oakland
The county seat of Garrett County, Oakland is in far western Maryland. With only 1,850 people, it has a laid-back, easygoing atmosphere that appeals to many retirees. One of the chief appeals is the natural environment in the area. Oakland sits at an elevation of 2,500 feet in the Appalachian Mountains. The best place to appreciate the local ecosystem is at Swallow Falls State Park, just nine miles north of Oakland, filled with a series of waterfalls and hiking trails.
You should also check out the Garrett County Historical Museum to learn more about the history of the area. For seniors who need more care, the Mary Browning Senior Center on East Center Street provides various services three days per week. West Virginia University Medicine's Garrett County Medical Center is located right in Oakland if the need for medical care arises. Bargain median home values of $280,000 are all it takes to get many seniors looking to move to Oakland.
Salisbury
The county seat of Wicomico County, Salisbury houses about 33,000 residents and is only 45 minutes from Ocean City, Maryland. Retirees looking to live near the beach may wish to consider Salisbury, with its median home prices a comfortable $263,000. Salisbury Art Space is just one of many art galleries found in the town of Salisbury. The Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum at Salisbury University spans roughly 200 acres across campus and is home to thousands of mapped trees and curated plantings, making it a standout destination for nature lovers. Seniors gather at MAC Connections Senior Center for activities and socialization. TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury serves the medical needs of residents.
Affordable, Appealing Addresses
Retirees who are considering a change of scene at a new address during their golden years should consider these 10 wallet-friendly small towns in Maryland. The benefits of each of these towns include low housing costs, reasonable taxes, recreational opportunities, and access to healthcare, as well as convenient access to both the natural wilderness and the "urban jungle" of several major metropolises. All in all, Maryland's small towns offer retirees an excellent quality of life that they can enjoy without worrying they are blowing through their nest egg.
