When considering retirement locations in Maryland, several key factors can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis examines five essential criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These metrics provide a holistic view of what each town offers retirees seeking their ideal community.
The Overall Retirement Score has many criteria baked into it, including affordability, healthcare access, community safety, recreational opportunities, and climate considerations. Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Maryland’s best towns for retirees.
Here’s the list.
18. Oxford – Trappe Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 89.82
- Walkability: 28.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 68.38
- Vibrant Score: 25.20
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Oxford – Trappe
Oxford – Trappe offers retirees a peaceful environment with an excellent overall retirement score of 89.82. While its walkability rating is moderate at 28.07, the town compensates with decent cultural amenities reflected in its urban sophistication score of 68.38. The vibrant score of 25.20 indicates a relatively quiet lifestyle, which many retirees prefer. Unfortunately, transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Oxford – Trappe is currently unavailable in our dataset.
17. Harwood Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 89.89
- Walkability: 9.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 84.81
- Vibrant Score: 11.28
- Transit-Friendly: 9.78
About Harwood
Harwood boasts a strong overall retirement score of 89.89, making it an attractive option for retirees. Though its walkability score is quite low at 9.51 and public transit options are limited with a score of just 9.78, the town excels in cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 84.81. The low vibrant score of 11.28 suggests a peaceful, quiet environment that many retirees seek. The median home price information for Harwood is currently unavailable in our dataset.
16. Aquasco Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.22
- Walkability: 31.15
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 74.92
- Vibrant Score: 2.63
- Transit-Friendly: 36.72
About Aquasco
Aquasco offers retirees an excellent overall retirement score of 90.22. With a walkability score of 31.15 and a transit-friendly rating of 36.72, getting around is moderately convenient for those who prefer not to drive. The town presents good cultural options with an urban sophistication score of 74.92. Notably, Aquasco has one of the lowest vibrant scores at 2.63, making it ideal for retirees seeking tranquility and peace. The median home price information for Aquasco is currently unavailable in our dataset.
15. Braddock Heights Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 90.79
- Walkability: 44.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 92.53
- Vibrant Score: 11.56
- Transit-Friendly: 15.92
About Braddock Heights
Braddock Heights presents an impressive overall retirement score of 90.79. The town offers relatively good walkability at 44.44, though transit options are somewhat limited with a score of 15.92. What really stands out is the exceptional urban sophistication score of 92.53, indicating abundant cultural amenities and activities for retirees. The low vibrant score of 11.56 suggests a peaceful environment without sacrificing access to cultural resources. The median home price information for Braddock Heights is currently unavailable in our dataset.
14. Spring Gap Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.52
- Walkability: 26.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.40
- Vibrant Score: 29.83
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Spring Gap
Spring Gap offers retirees an excellent overall retirement score of 91.52. With a walkability rating of 26.07, the town requires some use of personal transportation. Spring Gap has limited cultural amenities as reflected in its urban sophistication score of 25.40, but compensates with a moderate vibrant score of 29.83, suggesting some community activity without being overwhelming. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Spring Gap is currently unavailable in our dataset.
13. Barnesville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.83
- Walkability: 28.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 93.42
- Vibrant Score: 12.40
- Transit-Friendly: 22.42
About Barnesville
Barnesville provides retirees with an excellent overall retirement score of 91.83. While its walkability is moderate at 28.43 and transit options are limited with a score of 22.42, the town shines with its exceptional urban sophistication score of 93.42, indicating abundant cultural amenities. The low vibrant score of 12.40 suggests a peaceful environment that many retirees seek without sacrificing access to cultural resources. The median home price information for Barnesville is currently unavailable in our dataset.
12. Sparks Glencoe Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.29
- Walkability: 36.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 80.36
- Vibrant Score: 30.41
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sparks Glencoe
Sparks Glencoe boasts an impressive overall retirement score of 92.29. The town offers moderate walkability at 36.19 and strong cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 80.36. Its vibrant score of 30.41 indicates a good balance of community activity while maintaining a relatively peaceful environment. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Sparks Glencoe is currently unavailable in our dataset.
11. St. Michaels Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.07
- Walkability: 42.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 78.48
- Vibrant Score: 38.82
- Transit-Friendly: 13.22
About St. Michaels
St. Michaels offers retirees an exceptional overall retirement score of 93.07. The town provides decent walkability with a score of 42.51, though transit options are limited at 13.22. Cultural amenities are abundant as reflected in the urban sophistication score of 78.48. St. Michaels has a relatively active community atmosphere with a vibrant score of 38.82, offering a good balance of social opportunities while maintaining a peaceful environment. The median home price information for St. Michaels is currently unavailable in our dataset.
10. Phoenix Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.61
- Walkability: 30.01
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 96.22
- Vibrant Score: 20.23
- Transit-Friendly: 7.54
About Phoenix
Phoenix provides retirees with an outstanding overall retirement score of 93.61. While its walkability is moderate at 30.01 and transit options are very limited with a score of just 7.54, the town excels tremendously in cultural amenities with an exceptional urban sophistication score of 96.22, one of the highest in our rankings. The low vibrant score of 20.23 indicates a peaceful environment that many retirees seek. The median home price information for Phoenix is currently unavailable in our dataset.
9. Queenstown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.69
- Walkability: 24.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 89.82
- Vibrant Score: 18.95
- Transit-Friendly: 48.10
About Queenstown
Queenstown offers retirees an excellent overall retirement score of 93.69. While its walkability rating is somewhat limited at 24.12, the town compensates with relatively good transit options, scoring 48.10 on the transit-friendly scale. Queenstown excels in cultural amenities with an impressive urban sophistication score of 89.82. The low vibrant score of 18.95 suggests a peaceful environment that many retirees prefer. The median home price information for Queenstown is currently unavailable in our dataset.
8. Glen Arm Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.96
- Walkability: 42.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.28
- Vibrant Score: 9.86
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Glen Arm
Glen Arm provides retirees with an exceptional overall retirement score of 93.96. The town offers moderate walkability with a score of 42.60 and excels in cultural amenities with an outstanding urban sophistication score of 94.28. Glen Arm stands out for its extremely peaceful environment, indicated by a very low vibrant score of 9.86, which many retirees seeking tranquility will appreciate. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Glen Arm is currently unavailable in our dataset.
7. Brookeville Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.08
- Walkability: 32.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 95.62
- Vibrant Score: 29.78
- Transit-Friendly: 17.94
About Brookeville
Brookeville boasts an excellent overall retirement score of 94.08. With a walkability rating of 32.91 and limited transit options at 17.94, some personal transportation may be necessary. The town shines with an exceptional urban sophistication score of 95.62, indicating abundant cultural amenities and activities. Brookeville maintains a moderate vibrant score of 29.78, offering a good balance of community activity while preserving a relatively peaceful environment. The median home price information for Brookeville is currently unavailable in our dataset.
6. Baldwin Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.23
- Walkability: 38.94
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.87
- Vibrant Score: 17.52
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Baldwin
Baldwin offers retirees an outstanding overall retirement score of 94.23. The town provides moderate walkability with a score of 38.94 and excels in cultural amenities with an exceptional urban sophistication score of 94.87. Baldwin’s low vibrant score of 17.52 indicates a peaceful environment that many retirees seek without sacrificing access to cultural resources. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Baldwin is currently unavailable in our dataset.
5. Upperco Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 94.78
- Walkability: 35.85
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.05
- Vibrant Score: 15.63
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Upperco
Upperco provides retirees with an exceptional overall retirement score of 94.78. With moderate walkability at 35.85, the town requires some personal transportation. Upperco excels in cultural offerings with a high urban sophistication score of 88.05. The low vibrant score of 15.63 indicates a peaceful, quiet environment that many retirees prefer. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Upperco is currently unavailable in our dataset.
4. Adamstown – Buckeystown Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.36
- Walkability: 35.16
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 87.70
- Vibrant Score: 20.36
- Transit-Friendly: 56.22
About Adamstown – Buckeystown
Adamstown – Buckeystown boasts an outstanding overall retirement score of 95.36. The town offers moderate walkability at 35.16 but stands out with the best transit options in our top 18, scoring an impressive 56.22 on the transit-friendly scale. Cultural amenities are abundant with a high urban sophistication score of 87.70. The low vibrant score of 20.36 indicates a peaceful environment while still maintaining good community engagement. The median home price information for Adamstown – Buckeystown is currently unavailable in our dataset.
3. McHenry Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.78
- Walkability: 13.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.32
- Vibrant Score: 26.23
- Transit-Friendly: 6.45
About McHenry
McHenry offers retirees an exceptional overall retirement score of 96.78, placing it third in our rankings. The town has limited walkability with a score of just 13.10 and minimal public transit with a score of 6.45, making personal transportation essential. McHenry has moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 58.32. The moderate vibrant score of 26.23 suggests a balanced community atmosphere. Despite some limitations, McHenry’s outstanding overall retirement score indicates excellent quality of life factors for retirees. The median home price information for McHenry is currently unavailable in our dataset.
2. Swanton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.12
- Walkability: 5.58
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 78.15
- Vibrant Score: 9.53
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Swanton
Swanton ranks second in our list with a remarkable overall retirement score of 98.12. The town has very limited walkability with a score of just 5.58, making personal transportation a necessity. Despite this limitation, Swanton provides good cultural options with an urban sophistication score of 78.15. The extremely low vibrant score of 9.53 indicates a very peaceful, quiet environment, ideal for retirees seeking tranquility. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Swanton is currently unavailable in our dataset.
1. Rock Hall Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.92
- Walkability: 30.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.07
- Vibrant Score: 26.23
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Rock Hall
Rock Hall tops our list as the best retirement town in Maryland with an exceptional overall retirement score of 98.92. The town offers moderate walkability at 30.30 and decent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 64.07. Rock Hall maintains a balanced community atmosphere with a vibrant score of 26.23, providing social opportunities while preserving a relatively peaceful environment. Transit-friendly data is not available for this area. The median home price information for Rock Hall is currently unavailable in our dataset.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates multiple factors relevant to retirees, including affordability, healthcare access, community safety, recreational opportunities, and climate considerations. This score represents the overall suitability of a location for retirement living.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can navigate the area on foot. Higher scores indicate areas where daily needs can be met without requiring a vehicle, promoting an active lifestyle and independence for retirees who may prefer not to drive.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Reflects the availability and quality of cultural resources such as museums, theaters, restaurants, educational opportunities, and community events. This criterion is crucial for retirees seeking intellectual stimulation and cultural engagement in their retirement years.
- Vibrant Score: Indicates the level of energy and activity in a community. Lower scores typically represent quieter, more peaceful environments, while higher scores suggest more bustling, active communities. Many retirees prefer locations with moderate to low vibrant scores for a more relaxed lifestyle.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the accessibility and quality of public transportation options. This criterion is particularly important for retirees who may eventually prefer to reduce their driving or rely on alternative transportation methods.
References: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Maryland Association of Realtors https://www.mdrealtor.org/Housing-Statistics
- Zillow Research Data https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
- Redfin Maryland Housing Market https://www.redfin.com/state/Maryland/housing-market
- U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
