Best Cities for Retirees in Maryland
Maryland for Retirees: The Full Picture
Maryland ranks #20 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (55/100) and heavier overall tax burden of 10.04% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Maryland's health score of 86/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 78 years, above the national average. 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 $415,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level β the statewide safety score of 51/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. 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 | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | A | 64.8 | 61.8 | 90 | 98 | 34 | 69,966 |
| 2 | Rockville | A+ | 64.2 | 65.0 | 80 | 79 | 43 | 67,298 |
| 3 | Potomac | A | 63.5 | 60.4 | 89 | 99 | 33 | 46,230 |
| 4 | Bowie | A | 62.7 | 61.6 | 56 | 94 | 50 | 57,771 |
| 5 | Ellicott City | B+ | 62.5 | 60.0 | 77 | 98 | 46 | 74,574 |
| 6 | North Bethesda | B+ | 62.1 | 59.4 | 85 | 86 | 42 | 49,498 |
| 7 | Gaithersburg | A | 59.9 | 61.1 | 73 | 68 | 50 | 69,572 |
| 8 | Columbia | B+ | 58.0 | 59.0 | 66 | 77 | 56 | 101,379 |
| 9 | Germantown | B+ | 57.8 | 57.1 | 72 | 69 | 60 | 96,698 |
| 10 | Bel Air South | B | 57.5 | 54.7 | 60 | 85 | 56 | 57,702 |
| 11 | Severn | B | 57.0 | 55.4 | 59 | 87 | 50 | 58,041 |
| 12 | Frederick | B+ | 56.4 | 59.1 | 54 | 65 | 57 | 85,803 |
| 13 | Aspen Hill | B | 55.7 | 54.2 | 67 | 71 | 49 | 53,752 |
| 14 | Silver Spring | B | 55.1 | 54.9 | 69 | 66 | 47 | 84,996 |
| 15 | Towson | B | 54.4 | 55.1 | 62 | 61 | 59 | 57,683 |
| 16 | Wheaton | B | 54.4 | 53.4 | 66 | 67 | 49 | 52,172 |
| 17 | Glen Burnie | C | 49.0 | 48.5 | 49 | 56 | 58 | 79,598 |
| 18 | Waldorf | C | 48.6 | 48.2 | 40 | 69 | 54 | 82,770 |
| 19 | Baltimore | C | 44.1 | 46.9 | 40 | 29 | 70 | 565,239 |
| 20 | Dundalk | D | 42.7 | 44.7 | 37 | 32 | 64 | 65,441 |