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Benefits of Retiring in Maryland
Nicknamed "America in Miniature," Maryland is a beautiful state to retire in. Here are some of the benefits of retiring in Maryland:
Approximately 4,000 Miles of Pure Shoreline
Maryland, in all its glory, touches three huge bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Along with these bodies of water, add a dozen rivers, 400 lakes, and numerous creeks, and you have a life that any retiree would love to have. One of the benefits of retiring in Maryland is that retirees have full and easy access to fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
Lots of Cultural Opportunities and Splendid History
Maryland is the hub of some brilliantly rich cultural history. Since it was part of one of the 13 original colonies, its history is worth mentioning and is often celebrated.
Maryland has something for all its residents so that no one ever gets bored. With theaters, including the Baltimore Museum of Art and Symphony Orchestra, along with crab feasts and concerts, Maryland is brimming with activity. Moreover, its close proximity to Washington, DC, contributes to its culturally rich environment.
Four Seasons and Mild Climate
When it comes to the weather, Maryland is known to have the correct balance. Warm summers without being too hot, the temperature in Maryland only reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even though winters in Maryland are cold, they are not extremely cold. The weather in January reaches approximately 28-degree Fahrenheit in the winters. Maryland enjoys all four seasons without being too extreme, making it a wonderful choice for retirees who want to see it all without getting involved in dangerous situations.
Tax-Friendly
The best part about retiring in Maryland is that Social Security benefits are not taxed. Moreover, the income tax rate never rises beyond 5.75 percent.
Another well-liked aspect of Maryland is that retirees can qualify for a pension exclusive of up to $29,000. Even though Maryland has an inheritance tax, siblings and children are exempt from this.
Brilliant for Sports Lovers
There is no denying that Maryland is a paradise for those who enjoy sports. It has a Major League Baseball team, an indoor soccer team, two National Football League teams (the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens play in Maryland) as well as a Major League Lacrosse team.
Even though Lacrosse is the official team sport of Maryland, die-hard fans enjoy watching all the teams, inspiring a strong sense of camaraderie and community in the state. Imagine watching your favorite sport while being surrounded by sports lovers- all the ruckus, hooting, and combined venting makes Maryland a brilliant place to retire for those who love sports.
Hundreds of Farm-to-Table Restaurants and Craft Beer Breweries
Are you a fan of craft beer? Welcome to Maryland – the absolute industry leader. Every year, Maryland holds an event by the name of the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, where more than 40 local breweries are covered.
This also includes some breweries that are not open to the public. According to an economic study, Maryland's economy flourished by $4.3 billion because of the beer industry that has operated in the state for many years.
Moreover, Maryland is also known to be a pioneer when it comes to the farm-to-table restaurant movement. This helps combine the farms in the state with restaurants so that citizens can enjoy fresh food whenever they desire.
Award-winning restaurants like Founding Farmers, a Certified Green Restaurant, and Maggie's Farm in Baltimore, known to be the Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant, have been featured fondly on the Food Network, making Maryland even more desirable to retirees who love food.
After all, there is something special about fresh food that you can find in every corner of the state, regardless of where you live.
Convenient Transportation Services
In Baltimore lies Maryland's international airport. This means that retirees who choose to live there can easily fly out whenever they want, whether to see their family, plan an adventure with their friends, or just travel alone.
Moreover, Maryland has won multiple awards because of its spectacular public transportation, including buses and trains. In fact, public transportation is encouraged and used near Washington, as well as throughout the city of Baltimore.
Loads of Educational Opportunities
Maryland is home to John Hopkins University, the United States Naval Academy, the University of Maryland, and tens and thousands of other universities and colleges that have gained immense popularity over the years.
The best part about these educational centers is that many of them offer classes specifically for retirees and seniors. Moreover, the colleges and universities ensure that world-class lecturers and speakers are made a part of this program.
This is an aspect of Maryland that we truly admire. After all, it is never too late to learn, and no one should be made to feel ashamed for wanting to gain more knowledge.
World-Class Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Maryland hospitals are known all over the world for being leaders in the healthcare world because of their incredible treatment and research options. US News and World Report named 10 hospitals in Maryland and said that they were the topmost hospitals in the country.
Some of the most famous hospitals that provide top-notch care include Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Mercy Medical Center, John Hopkins Hospital, and University of Maryland Medical Center. All of these hospitals have top-of-the-class machinery, along with skill and knowledge.
Good Percentage of Retired Population
One of the best things that makes Maryland a perfect place to retire is its population. According to the most recently updated data, the US Census Bureau states that Maryland houses a population of approximately 6,045,680 people.
Out of these, 15.9 percent of the entire state's population is 65 years old or older. This goes to show that any retiree who moves here will be surrounded by a mix of young and old people.
The youngsters keep the vibe of the state alive by ensuring that there is always some hustle-bustle around, while the older population welcomes any fellow retiree with ease, making them a quick part of the country's lifestyle.
Brilliant Food
When you move to Maryland, one of the first things you will realize is that the food options are extensive and excellent. You can find the best seafood in this state, each time seeming fresher than the last.
Regardless of whether you are craving fresh crab, half shell, or lobster rolls, Maryland has it all. Loads of chefs and restaurants that are nationally recognized, ready to serve you so that you can enjoy a wonderful meal with your friends and family.
Baltimore is slowly becoming known for its craft brewery, and the cocktail scene seems to be blowing up. You'll even find a number of ethnic dining options to treat your taste buds.
Cons of Retiring in Maryland
While there are loads of benefits of retiring in Maryland, you need to be aware of the cons as well:
Living Expenditure Is High
Regardless of what critics try to say, Maryland is one of the richest states in the whole country. According to CNBC, a huge chunk of America's millionaires live here. Recent reports show that 1 in 12 households are worth approximately seven figures or more. This means that if you are planning to rent your house, you will have to pay a large sum of money.
Of course, this issue can be avoided if you live in the rural communities of Maryland rather than Baltimore and other big communities. According to statistics, the average income per household is more than $70,000 per year, so you can decide accordingly.
The Traffic is Terrible
Since the region comes with numerous employment opportunities, the amount of traffic you will find there is massive. You may be only 30 minutes from DC, but on some days, you will have to spend 60 to 90 minutes in the car dodging the worst traffic of your life.
The worst part is that the traffic never seems to die down. There are barely any off times that you can choose to travel in since both the big cities lie so close to each other.
High Property Taxes and Home Values
If you're looking for properties to buy, you will soon realize that Maryland has more expensive options than other areas in the country. In Maryland, the average price of a home is more than $330,000. In fact, you'll find more expensive homes in the market because of how high-paying the jobs are and the average household income in the state.
This also means that a significant amount of money will be paid towards taxes. While retirees can enjoy some exemptions, their family members may not be eligible for these.
The State is Not Considered Safe
When thinking about retiring, one of the major aspects to consider is how safe the place is. Unfortunately, our research showed that Baltimore ranks third on the list of most dangerous cities in the United States.
This is because of the number of cases of violent crime that have recently been reported in the city. A number of incidents highlighted involve drugs, especially in some of the most neglected parts of the city. However, the effect of these incidents spills over to the rest of the state as well.
When living in Maryland, you will have to be particularly aware of your safety. When you get out of the car, lock your steering wheel. Moreover, avoid keeping any valuables in the car. We would also advise against walking alone at night, especially in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Even though the state is actively trying to address safety issues, some work still needs to be done for Maryland to be considered a safe space to retire.
Lots of Homelessness
Like any other urban area in the United States, homelessness is a common issue present in all parts of Maryland. Baltimore sees the worst side of this. Even though the state is actively trying to clear encampments and relocate squatters, drugs are extremely common in these areas.
Over the years, fundraising activities have created temporary housing solutions so that people can find their way back into supporting themselves, but this is a temporary solution that needs immediate attention.
Now that you are aware of the benefits of retiring in Maryland, as well as the disadvantages, you can make a well-rounded decision. Good luck.
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