A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Maryland

 

Retire Waterside in Maryland

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

The state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay makes water sports especially popular for active adults—water sports pair 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 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. Active older adults in Maryland maintain a high quality of life, so it’s essential to have regular medical checkups with quality professionals. 

Additionally, Maryland ranks highly in diversity. Many culturally and racially diverse communities exist in big cities like Baltimore and Annapolis. Asian and Hispanic communities, in particular, are growing throughout the state. These cultures' contributions 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. 

Washington, D.C., is about an hour away by car for active adults interested in American history. 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. and Maryland’s Baltimore/Washington International Marshall Airport (BWI). The state’hys bus services are clean, reliable, and safe for commuters and day trekkers.  

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

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

 

The Regions of Maryland

Much of Maryland is coastal, but each region has its 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, which are now historic sites. Multiple state and national parks here have hiking and cycling trails that wind through historical sites and forests. 

Capital Region

Maryland’s Capital Region is known 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. Harford's golf courses and sporting arenas make it attractive for sport-loving residents. Nottingham is perfect for those who want to live in a historic town. 

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, 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 and 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 and amenities like a community pool and gym.

Visit the Clubhouse

Community clubhouses are built for the sole purpose of bringing neighbors together. Enjoy a community BBQ in the summer 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 also holds 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 that interest 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, 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 massive 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 work together by 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 Marylanders have sailing in their blood. Join a friendly regatta or sail solo from one small to the next. Fishing is an essential 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 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 proximity to surrounding states and an international airport offering direct flights to destinations worldwide.

 

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 the flexibility to move when 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 active older adults 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. Having a home in an affordable community means enjoying perks like oceanfront property or 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 play casual 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 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 no shortage of medical facilities and pharmacies within a few minutes of the state’s most significant retiree communities.