About Maryland

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Maryland

Written by Melissa McClave 

Retire Waterside in Maryland

Maryland’s seaside towns are appealing to 55+ active adults looking to live a low maintenance lifestyle near the water.

Given the state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, water sports are especially popular pastimes for active adults. This pairs well with the region’s mild weather. Seniors who love sailing, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding have their preferred activity on their doorstep. 

There are also many nature preserves and hiking trails throughout Maryland.Many of these parks and green spaces are excellent wildlife photography and bird watching locations. Flat areas by the sea often feature boardwalks and abundant bike trails.

Maryland is among the best states in the U.S. in terms of healthcare. US News consistently ranks Maryland in the top 10 for healthcare access and quality. In order to maintain a high quality of life, it’s important to have regular medical checkups with quality professionals. 

Additionally, Maryland ranks highly in diversity. Many culturally and racially diverse communities can be found in big cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. Asian and Hispanic communities in particular, are growing throughout the state. The contributions these cultures bring to the Maryland lifestyle add to the historical diversity already established in the state. 

For those looking to travel during retirement, Maryland’s location is ideal! Its small size means you’re never far from bordering states such as Virginia and Delaware, and you can easily take a day trip to the northeastern and southeastern regions. 

For active adults interested in American history, Washington D.C. is about an hour away by car. The Maryland Transit Association (MTA) operates highly efficient bus and train services. For example, the MARC will take you to Union Station in Washington D.C. as well as to Maryland’s own Baltimore/Washington International Marshall Airport (BWI). The state’s bus services are clean, reliable, and safe for commuters and day-trekkers alike.  

Maryland is also steeped with history! Residents can visit Fort McHenry, wher Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem that became the country’s national anthem. For train enthusiasts, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is worth an annual pass.

Many of Maryland’s master planned, senior housing options lie along the waterfront. Several communities have standout amenities like luxury seafood dining, gated access, and an onsite golf course. Residents can experience luxurious, low maintenance living wherever they choose to call home in Maryland.

The Regions of Maryland

Much of Maryland is coastal, but each region has its own personality. Stay close to the cities and sporting venues, or spend your days on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

Western Maryland

Western Maryland borders the Allegheny Mountains. Outdoor attractions in this region include the Wisp Ski Resort and water sports at Deep Creek Lake.

Hagerstown is nicknamed the Hub City. It is known for its Civil War battlefields that are now historic sites. There are multiple state and national parks here, which have hiking and cycling trails that wind through historical sites and forests. 

Capital Region

Maryland’s Capital Region gets its name for its proximity to Washington D.C.. The region encompasses some of Maryland’s oldest towns like Rockville and Laurel. The more modern Urbana has a suburban small town feel with parks and restaurants.

Central Maryland

Central Maryland surrounds the state capital Annapolis. It includes notable cities like Baltimore, home of the NFL’s Ravens and MLB’s Orioles.

Odenton is a suburban town just a few minutes outside the city’s best shops and restaurants. Columbia is a diverse planned community. The golf courses and sporting arenas of Harford make it attractive for sport-loving residents. Nottingham is the perfect place to for those who want to live in a town steeped in history. 

Southern Maryland

Southern Maryland is beloved for its beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. Living in White Plains grants easy access to water sports and seafood. The region also features golf courses and wineries.

Eastern Shore Maryland

Stay right along the oceanfront in Eastern Shore Maryland. Local culture abounds in Easton which is filled with boutique stores and upscale restaurants. Chester is right along the bay, and Philadelphia and Washington D.C. lie just over state lines.

Maryland’s Top Things to Do for Seniors

From beaches to wildlife preservations, Maryland offers 55+ active adults opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities during retirement. Senior friendly options are available within planned communities as well as all around the state!

Keep Active On Site in Your Community

Maryland is filled with senior communities focused on providing opportunities for staying active. Golf course communities feature their own putting greens. Waterfront communities often offer residents access to a marina with water sports.

Many master planned, senior focused communities have walking and biking trails. They may also have tennis and pickleball courts, as well as amenities like a community pool and gym.

Visit the Clubhouse

Community clubhouses are built for the sole purpose to bring neighbors together. In the summer, enjoy a community BBQ while watching the Oriels play an away game. In the autumn it’s time to gather around the clubhouse’s giant screen to cheer on the Ravens with your neighbors. It’s also the place to hold friendly competitions featuring poker, mah-jong, and a Maryland favorite, Spades.The clubhouse is also the perfect place for a game of billiards. 

Clubhouses are the place to express your creative side. They host classes on everything from baking, to quilting. Some community clubhouses also host lectures and live performances for that are of interest to the residents. 

Go Swimming in the Community Pool

Many communities designed for 55+ active adults include onsite, outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor pools are excellent for staying active during the warm summer months, while indoor community pools allow residents to swim throughout the year.

Work Out at the Fitness Center

Having a gym near your new home can be a huge motivator in sticking to a regular workout routine.

Stay active and healthy at your community fitness center with exercise machines and low-intensity workout bands. Residents can join friendly group classes such as yoga and zumba, or workout together lifting weights. 

Explore the Best Spots Around Maryland

Many of Maryland’s residents have an affinity for the sea. Seaside towns range from quiet getaways with boutique shopping to active seaports.

Indulge In Your Favorite Water Sport

The Atlantic Ocean is the perfect place to enjoy leisurely water sports. Many a Marylander has sailing in their blood. Join a friendly regata or sail solo from one small to the next. Fishing is an important part of the Maryland lifestyle. Depending on the season, residents can fish for crabs, white marlin, bluefish, and black sea bass.

Play at the Casino

Play slots, blackjack or arcade poker at a Maryland casino! Maryland’s most popular casinos include the MGM National Harbor and Rocky Gap Casino Resort. With fifteen casinos dotted around the state, there’s sure to be betting action near you. 

Hike in Nature

Maryland’s natural preserves are ideal for hiking. Explore the shrubland and wetlands of Assateague Island and encounter wild horses. Go bird watching as you walk through a blue heron rookery. Nature enthusiasts and active adventurers alike are sure to enjoy the variety of hiking locations throughout the state.

How to Know if Maryland is Right for Your Retirement

The shores of Maryland make it popular among 55+ adults who want to spend their retirement reclining on the beach, but that’s not all you can do here! Maryland is also known for its history, especially military history during the Civil War. It’s filled with senior friendly activities like casinos and golf courses.

Maryland has a vibrant food culture with diverse restaurants. Fresh caught Maryland seafood is the state’s specialty including Chesapeake Bay blue crab and Old Bay seasoned crab cakes. Others may love a pit beef sandwich with a Natty Boh to wash it down.

Seniors looking to travel during retirement love the state for its close proximity to surrounding states and an international airport offering direct flights to destinations around the world.

Residential Communities in Maryland

Many of Maryland’s senior residences are focused on upper class living. Retire to a luxury rental apartment if you’re looking for a ‘right-sized’ home offering flexibility to move when you’re ready for your next adventure. Consider a condominium (condo) as an empty nester looking to downsize and live a low maintenance lifestyle.

Most communities that cater to the active older adult are low maintenance communities. These tailor-made developments take care of the yard work and snow removal.

Age Restricted Communities

Live among fellow retirees in age restricted communities. These communities often include gate access for added safety. They also offer resident- focused amenities and activities.

Manufactured Home Communities

Manufactured home communities tend to be more affordable than alternative housing styles. This means you can enjoy perks like oceanfront property or close proximity to big cities without paying extra.

Waterfront Communities

Maryland’s waterfront communities offer easy access to beaches and water sports. They are often located along the ocean, bordering the Chesapeake Bay, or on the banks of the Potomac River.

Golf Course Communities

Golf course communities give retirees daily access to a conveniently located golf course, driving range, and putting green. Spend your retirement improving your stroke, or simply play casual rounds of golf with your neighbors.

Maryland Healthcare for People 55 and Over

Maryland’s healthcare ranks among the best states in the country. Both Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland have their own medical centers. The St. Joseph Medical Center (US SJMC) specializes in orthopedics, heart conditions, and cancer treatments.

These colleges educate future generations of doctors. They help ensure there’s no shortage of medical facilities and pharmacies within a few minutes of the state’s biggest retiree communities.