Best Cities for Retirees in Maryland
Maryland ranks #36 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 55.8. Bethesda is its best city for retirees at 76.0.
- Maryland, all states
- #36 of 50
- Population
- 69,397
What Retirees Should Know About Maryland
At #36 out of 50, Maryland isn't a traditional retirement hotspot — but that doesn't tell the whole story. The state has genuine strengths in economy, and retirees with specific priorities (safety, established communities) may find it suits them better than the aggregate ranking suggests.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Maryland's health score of 64/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.8 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 10.04% of income. The 8.95% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.02% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
At $428,308, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 60/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bethesda | A+ | 76.0 | 76.7 | 90 | 98 | 25 | 69,397 |
| 2Potomac | A+ | 73.8 | 72.9 | 89 | 98 | 20 | 45,902 |
| 3Ellicott City | A+ | 73.7 | 74.3 | 77 | 99 | 42 | 75,257 |
| 4Rockville | A+ | 72.1 | 71.4 | 80 | 82 | 36 | 67,671 |
| 5North Bethesda | A+ | 72.0 | 72.1 | 85 | 87 | 35 | 49,677 |
| 6Columbia | A+ | 70.0 | 71.5 | 66 | 84 | 49 | 104,338 |
| 7Bowie | A | 69.7 | 64.8 | 56 | 95 | 45 | 57,926 |
| 8Gaithersburg | A+ | 68.9 | 68.2 | 73 | 73 | 47 | 69,825 |
| 9Germantown | A+ | 67.1 | 67.5 | 72 | 75 | 50 | 90,719 |
| 10Bel Air South | A | 66.9 | 64.9 | 60 | 87 | 57 | 58,137 |
| 11Severn | A | 64.6 | 66.0 | 59 | 88 | 49 | 58,402 |
| 12Aspen Hill | B+ | 63.2 | 62.8 | 67 | 71 | 45 | 53,279 |
| 13Frederick | A | 62.7 | 63.5 | 54 | 66 | 54 | 83,395 |
| 14Silver Spring | A | 62.4 | 63.2 | 69 | 64 | 42 | 81,462 |
| 15Wheaton | A | 62.3 | 63.0 | 66 | 65 | 45 | 52,926 |
| 16Towson | B+ | 62.2 | 61.8 | 62 | 62 | 54 | 58,679 |
| 17Glen Burnie | B | 59.7 | 56.6 | 49 | 62 | 61 | 72,590 |
| 18Waldorf | B | 57.0 | 56.7 | 40 | 77 | 51 | 82,943 |
| 19Dundalk | D | 52.2 | 45.5 | 37 | 36 | 68 | 65,969 |
| 20Baltimore | D | 50.2 | 48.0 | 40 | 31 | 69 | 573,243 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Maryland for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maryland a good state for retirees?
Maryland ranks #36 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 55.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Economy (65/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (12/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Maryland?
Bethesda ranks #1 in Maryland for retirees with a score of 76.0/100, followed by Potomac and Ellicott City.
What factors are most important for retirees in Maryland?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.