8 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In Maryland
The US Census Bureau reports that over 17% of the approximately 6.3 million people living in Maryland are aged 65 years or older. With an established community of pensioners, this is a great incentive for anyone approaching retirement to settle down in the state.
Between the sunny shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the cool foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, newcomers can select an area that aligns with the kind of lifestyle they wish to have. There are also plenty of laid-back outdoor adventure opportunities to keep seniors active, including world-class boating in Rock Hall and paddling Tangier Sound in Crisfield, as well as a range of social services and amenities for added peace of mind. The following affordable towns to retire in Maryland promise a fulfilling new chapter, all with average home values below the state median, which is just over $420,000.
Taneytown
Taneytown has been around since the mid-18th century and appeals to retirees who love a bit of history, thanks to local resources like the Taneytown History Museum. This treasured venue shares important documents, memorabilia, and stories that explain the community's origin and development. Taneytown Memorial Park is the largest park in town and a go-to for walking trails, picnic pavilions, and playing fields in a 40-acre outdoor oasis.
For happy hour, locals head to Brewery Fire for handcrafted beers and pub food from a rotating roster of food trucks. The taproom is right next to Thunderhead, Taneytown's bowling alley, with adult leagues that include mixed seniors and regular tournaments for a bit of friendly competition. It's hard to believe that with all these attractions and amenities, the average home value in Taneytown is a relatively affordable $387,414.
Havre De Grace
Havre de Grace sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, for laid-back waterfront living with access to all the amenities retirees may need, not to mention an average home value of just $392,882. The scenic Havre de Grace Promenade invites morning and evening strolls for gentle movement. This half-mile boardwalk boasts a hushed atmosphere for meditation while watching the Susquehanna River flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Engaging live theater at the STAR Centre is an excellent way to spend an afternoon or evening. This 900-seat performance venue presents concerts, dramas, variety shows, and more in the heart of downtown Havre de Grace.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, including booking a tee time at the Bulle Rock Golf Course. This fantastic course features 18 signature holes, gorgeous tee shots, and manicured greens, challenging golfers of varying abilities in a quiet, natural environment. Elsewhere, the Havre de Grace Senior Activity Center supplies facilities for engagement and recreation, including a billiards room, fitness area, computer room, and other interactive spaces.
Frostburg
This town in the Appalachian Highlands has an average home value of $169,320, which is well below the state average. The Frostburg Library boasts a wide selection of books, magazines, e-books, movies, and other resources, and its peaceful environment brings locals together with book clubs, craft nights, and social hours. Classic movies, interesting documentaries, and foreign films are all on offer at the Frostburg Palace Theatre. This Main Street gem is a major entertainment spot in the community, and hosts various events that promote local culture, including the annual FSU One-Act Play Festival. Finally, the Frostburg Community Center is a lively hub where the generations come together to engage in activities, stay active, and feel enriched. It houses a senior center where retirees can play bingo, share a warm meal, and attend classes like dancing, painting, and quilting.
Rock Hall
Rock Hall offers an easygoing lifestyle along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, with endless opportunities to get out on the water, enjoy delicious seafood, and revel in small-town charm. The Blue Crab Chesapeake Sailing Charters charters 90-minute cruises that depart from Waterman's Crab House, making for a fun day getting to know the town from a different vantage point. Back on dry land, the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,200-acre island refuge and a sanctuary for active seniors who enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching at their preferred pace.
The Flying Decoy Bar and Grill serves fresh seafood alongside tasty cocktails and daily specials, inviting regulars and newcomers alike to make memories over a shared meal. Meanwhile, Brickwood Assisted Living ensures older adults who need a bit more support lead dignified lives through essential eldercare services, including housekeeping, laundry, recreation, communal dining, and much more, provided by a team of professionals. For those looking to purchase, the average Rock Hall home value is $344,735.
Thurmont
Thurmont is a pretty mountain town near the Pennsylvania state line that feels well-suited to older adults who value peace and serenity in their sunset years. Despite its low-key personality, there is plenty to excite energetic residents, including hikes to witness the spellbinding beauty of Cunningham Falls State Park. This natural paradise is renowned for its gorgeous waterfall and features a 43-acre man-made lake where people can swim, fish, and kayak. The Thurmont Regional Library offers the usual assortment of print and digital resources, but it also boasts a covered riverfront deck used for community events and concerts in the warmer months, as well as a nature trail and story walk for the young and young at heart.
Retirees can also unwind at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, which produces fine wines in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tailored programs and activities at the Thurmont Senior Center, including strength and balance training, card games, bingo, chair yoga, and group manicures, are an added bonus, as is the average home value in Thurmont of $388,816.
Crisfield
Crisfield has an average home value of $165,745, putting it among the most affordable towns to retire in Maryland and ideal for those on a fixed income. Apart from the low cost of living, there are several perks to coastal living, including paddling excursions with Crisfield Kayak and Canoe Rental. This is an awesome way to discover the surrounding scenery and neighboring islands.
The Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District hosts regular events, such as the Hangin' Out Art Show, the Corbin Gallery Christmas Market, and the annual Black History Month Exhibition and Soul Food Sampling in celebration of maritime and cultural heritage, making it easy to build a creative community with local writers, musicians, crafters, and artists. The annual National Hard Crab Derby is one of the town's most popular and beloved festivals, featuring crab races, picking contests, beauty pageants, a parade, and plenty of crab cooking and eating.
Brunswick
Brunswick is a quiet community along the Potomac River with a compact, walkable downtown district. Antiques N' Ole Stuff welcomes treasure hunters to browse its eclectic blend of cool vintage finds, including furniture, jewelry, lamps, and linens, while Beans in the Belfry makes guests feel at home with its country-chic decor and touch of Southern hospitality, and is the perfect setting for regular coffee dates with friends.
Meanwhile, those looking to stay fit can hike or cycle the River's Edge Trails, a 5-mile route that straddles the Potomac River and serves as a rewarding challenge. The Senior Center of Brunswick is another fantastic resource, with a qualified team of specialists who coordinate various programs to facilitate healthy eating and community connections, including free meals, exercises, group yoga, and transportation services. Lastly, the average Brunswick home value is $396,069.
Smithsburg
Smithsburg is steeped in small-town charm and enjoys a quiet downtown lined with local diners and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Rocky's is a popular spot for New York-style pizza and Italian classics in a family-friendly setting, and a bit further afield, Red Heifer Winery hosts tasting tours in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains.
Closer to home, Lions Community Park is a lovely outdoor space with a pristine pond, picnic areas, and gentle walking paths, offering a serene atmosphere for leisurely afternoons. Smithsburg's average home value is also a reasonable $359,541, and real estate options include 50+ communities, such as Maplegrove Estate, featuring an on-site community center, an emergency call system, and handicap accessibility to support aging citizens well into retirement.
These affordable towns to retire in Maryland reveal the perks of living in rural areas compared to urban settings. Lower housing costs, a slower pace of life, and tight-knit communities foster comfort, safety, and connection. Access to nature, social services, and community events balances tranquility with convenience. For those seeking value without sacrificing quality, these destinations offer financial breathing room, meaningful relationships, and a lifestyle centered on well-being for a fulfilling retirement.
