Teacher moving to Eastern Shore (Salisbury, Easton: sales, rentals, crime)

[SEAWEED]

Hello,
I am a teacher looking to relocate with my senior mother to the Eastern shore. I am used to the small town etc. , but one thing would be, a commutable distance to a decent hospital due to my mother's heart problems. Also, I will need to rent a house, so am wondering about the rental options. Are the areas close to the "bridge" too touristy and expensive or do they have a community? I have heard some things about Chestertown area? I grew up ont he water in California and like watersports , though don't know if that is relevant. Anyway, I don't mind the country but do not want to live next store to ATV racing, gun shooting maniacs like we have here in Front Royal Va. A little land and a grocery/hardware store somewhere nearby, and as stated, a decent hospital not too too far away would be ideal.
I am middle aged so don't really care about the nightlife (lack of etc).
Thanks ahead for any input from locals or whoever

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Chestertown isn't a bad idea given your criteria.

[Cruzincat]

Easton would be worth looking at. It has the closest hospital to the Bay bridge, unless you consider the one at exit 45 on Rt50 a hospital. It's more of an emergency care center only.

The Hospital in Easton will be building a totally new hospital slightly north of town in the next few years.

[slowlane3]

Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury, is probably the largest one on MD's eastern shore. Salisbury has a state university, but I would venture to say more crime and poverty. Easton and Chestertown are classier and attractive towns, and they both have hospitals, and are closer to the Bay Bridge. Don't overlook the state of Delaware too - it attracts a great many retirees due to its much lower taxes - in fact no sales tax (partly made possible due to its gambling revenue).

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Cambridge might be an ok choice. It has a hospital and is on the water.

[goldenage1]

I considered Chestertown and Easton for retirement. They both are real towns with amenities, some culture, and not just a strip mall. Both have some 55+ communities where rentals might be available.

If you don't have a job tied down yet, you should also look at Delaware. There are hospitals in Seaford (the closest to Maryland), Lewes and Dover. There are dozens of 55+ communities varying in cost from budget to luxury.

[SEAWEED]

Thank you ! I never even thought about Delaware I will look into it, Easton does look nice too

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by SEAWEED

Thank you ! I never even thought about Delaware I will look into it, Easton does look nice too

I should have mentioned that you could probably live in a 55+ community with your mother, even if you are only (say) age 45. I believe the community needs only to have an average age over 55. They typically might prohibit teens under 18, but allow younger family members, as long as one person is older than 55.

BTW, I believe the areas near the bridge are too touristy. There is also a K Hovnanian Four Seasons community planned on Kent Island, but I believe it is never going to be built. The state government vetoed it because it would be too close to endangered wetlands.

[htownterp]

Some teaching jobs are really hard to get. You should try to land something before you move, otherwise you may be subbing in different counties for a while.

[SEAWEED]

Yes I realize I may have to sub awhile, I am a special ed teacher so it is a little bit easier. I don't mind having to commute within 30 miles or so, just looking for an area to settle into. My mother lived many years in Shady side Md. , and worked at the Naval Academy, I miss the Ocean, so this is our compromise.
@Goldenage, yes I am only 44 so that is good to know. I would feel better if I could get my mother into a 55Plus community so she will have some friends etc. Are there any that stand out above the rest?