Independent Living in Maryland

Maryland Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in Maryland.

Independent living communities – also known simply as retirement communities – in Maryland are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Maryland is considered to be less affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 131
• Groceries: 109
• Housing: 185
• Utilities: 107
• Transportation: 117

Demographics

About 16% of Maryland’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Maryland leaned liberal.

2016 Presidential Election

• 60% voted Democratic
• 34% voted Republican
• 6% voted third party

Population

• Median age: 39
• Over the age of 55: 29%
• 2018 population: 6,042,718
• 2020 population: 6,078,530
• Estimated 2025 population: 6,168,993

Miscellaneous

• 31% regularly attend a religious service
• 36% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 5,336 congregations
• There are 218 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Because of elevation changes and surrounding bodies of water, Maryland’s climate varies depending on the area of the state. Overall, the state has four distinct seasons including warm summers and cold winters. In the far western, more mountainous Allegheny region of the state, the climate is classified as humid continental, which means temperatures are slightly lower throughout the year. The climate in the middle region of the state is slightly warmer with an oceanic climate. In the humid subtropical climate of Maryland’s eastern region, which borders Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures and humidity are higher than the rest of the state.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 69%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 6” (May)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 40 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 49 in July (Good)

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 55°F
• Average summer temperature: 74°F
• Typical summer high: 91°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 53°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 35°F
• Typical winter high: 51°F (December)
• Typical winter low: 16°F (January)