Living in Maryland With Access to Care and Coastal Comfort
Living in Maryland is great for seniors because there are excellent social connections and access to healthcare. You can also avoid tourists while enjoying good access to major cities.
What if we told you you could retire in California for less than the national average cost of retirement? It's true to an extent, but don't pack your bags and head west just yet, because we're talking about senior living in California, MD. No, not the state; this is one of the USA's most charming Maryland retirement towns.
According to content from SteveTheAgent, living in Maryland is cheaper than living in California. It's also cheaper than the national average, making it a great place to enjoy your golden years.
The California Lifestyle
According to Kiddle, California, Maryland was given the name back in 1897, but no one knows for sure who gave it the name and why. Some think a family from California moved to Maryland and imported building materials from their home state to create a California homestead.
Others think the name is less literal and that it's supposed to reflect the optimism of the Gold Rush era. It's one of the most attractive elder lifestyle options in the region because it offers waterfront living in a coastal area. But don't expect a beachfront.
While the ocean isn't nearby, the community sits along the Patuxent River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Seniors who like spending time in nature find Chesapeake Bay aging so appealing because of the stunning scenery and local wildlife. There are plenty of opportunities for activities like:
- Boating
- Crabbing
- Kayaking
- Birdwatching
For seniors who like spending time out in nature, living in Maryland could be a dream come true.
Social Connection and Daily Life
Targeted support means mobility difficulties and chronic health issues are less debilitating. Living in a community of like-minded peers means there's no shortage of opportunities to socialize with your fellow residents. While things like practical support are essential, many seniors underestimate how helpful it is to have a supportive social network.
Retirement can be lonely, particularly for seniors without a driver's license. But a budget-friendly senior care community represents an exciting new chapter.
Don't Compromise on Access to Care
But it's not just the natural beauty and stunning outdoor spaces that attract seniors to senior living in California, MD. It's also appealing because of its proximity to some great hospitals and other healthcare services. The MedStar St. Mary's Hospital is located in nearby Leonardtown and offers full-service medical care, including the all-important geriatric services.
Proximity to hospitals offering great senior care is important because a lack of adequate geriatric resources can result in misdiagnosis, which causes unnecessarily low quality of life. Thankfully, St. Mary's Hospital has a great reputation for delivering quality senior care. The hospital is close enough to California, MD, that it's easily accessible for residents there.
So, the Cheapskate Bay region is ideal for seniors who want to live among nature without losing access to healthcare services.
Avoid the Tourists
If you're from out of state and you've heard of Cheapskate Bay before, you might be wondering if California indeed is a tourist hotspot during the summer. Well, Cheapskate Bay is an incredibly popular region with summer tourists. They largely flock to places like Annapolis or Ocean City.
In Ocean City, for instance, during the peak tourist season, it can get very busy. According to the local tourism board, as many as 8 million visitors make the trip every year. Such numbers will:
- Drive up prices
- Clog up the roads with traffic
- Make a lot of noise
Thankfully, California indeed is much quieter. And while some tourists will make their way there, it's largely overlooked by visitors. This means that the local seniors are free to enjoy the following spots without feeling overrun with tourists:
- Stunning nature trails
- Peaceful parks
- Picturesque water views
Of course, the touristy cities are all within driving distance. So, if you want to check out one of the many marina festivals in Annapolis, nothing is stopping you from making a trip for the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Local Senior-Friendly Museums?
There are two great museums just a few miles away from California, MD, which showcase different parts of the local history of the Chesapeake Bay.
Patuxent River Naval Museum educates visitors about the history of aviation in the area and the role of the nearby naval air station. Here, visitors can view full-sized replica aircraft and learn more about how they work, and seniors feeling adventurous could try their hand at the flight simulator. The museum has all the necessary accessibility features for seniors, like ramps and wide walkways.
Another nearby museum is the Calvert Marine Museum. This explores the maritime history of the Cheapskate Bear as well as the local ecology. You'll be able to see the historic Drum Point Lighthouse as well as a fantastic aquarium. It's an open, accessible space that's easier for seniors to navigate.
Which Big Cities Are Most Accessible From California, MD?
While California, MD, isn't part of a major metro area, it's still in a reasonably favorable location for accessing cities on the East Coast. Let's look at a few of the closest major cities:
- Washington, DC: It's just an hour and 45 minutes away by car, making it an easy trip for seniors to make.
- Baltimore, MD: While it's not a top tourist destination like DC, Baltimore is a useful city to have within reach.
- Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia is around four hours away by car, but for seniors with family in Philadelphia, it could be a manageable distance.
Experience Living in Maryland
If you want to experience the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay without dealing with the chaos of mass tourism, California, MD, could be the place for you. Here at Discovery Commons at Wildewood, we help all our residents get the most out of living in Maryland.
Our Celebrations Activities and Events program makes full use of the outstanding beauty of the area. Residents can expect regular trips scheduled around the local area that include shopping destinations, restaurants, and museums.
The best way to understand the lifestyle here in California, MD, is to see it for yourself. Contact us today, and let's set up a tour.