Areas Near Annapolis to Retire? (Baltimore, Silver Spring: condos, crime, chapel)

[macalan]

I've always loved the mid-Atlantic, but here we are in SC (from coastal MA - Newburyport), and thought we'd stay here.

But after going through hurricane Ian, we're re-thinking our plans. Even though it was only a Cat 1, it was scary. I huge branch broke off one of our trees and crashed into our driveway. My husband and dog had just been out 5 min before. Had it happened when they were out and hit them, it would have easily killed them.

Aside for the damage, it's a royal pain for put the hurricane shutters up as they are heavy plywood panels, which require 4-5 guys and being on a ladder. As my husband gets older it gets less and less attractive. We could move to a condo, but we still face the possibility of evacuation, and remembering my neighbor who had to evacuate shortly after major heart surgery, it's just something that we don't want to deal with as we age.

We also miss being near a bigger city (Charleston is ok for what it is, but it's not Boston). Baltimore is not a place we'd probably frequent, but having Johns Hopkins available would be nice, since I had a surprise bout of breast cancer last year and although MUSC is good, it's not on the same level.

As much as I love Annapolis, I know the crime is really high, so probably would not consider that. We'd love to be within striking distance of it though for an afternoon out. We also have family in Annandale, VA and friends in Kensington and Bowie, MD.

Our friend from Bowie is moving to Four Seasons at Kent Island. It looks gorgeous, and I would love one of the condos there, but I worry that it might be too isolated. Would it? We have a dog, and from past experiences, vet ERs happen in the middle of the night, and I can't imagine a long drive over the Bay Bridge to get to the ER Vet in Annapolis when time is of the essence.

Are there any communities that might fit? Parole? Arnold? Riva? Centreville? We prefer smaller communities, but with some amenities - medical offices, vet, grocery stores, etc., so not so sure about rural. 10K-50K population would work or perhaps even smaller if the amenities were there. We've been to Easton and St. Michaels and although nice for a visit, seemed too remote to us. We'd love to be in a 55+ community that is pet friendly, and at this point prefer a condo so we can do away with yard work, and not have to worry about stairs as we or the dog age, but want some green space around for the doggo.

Budget is @500K, and anything 1,100sf or so would work, 2 BR/2BA with a garage.

Thanks!

[westsideboy]

Originally Posted by macalan

I've always loved the mid-Atlantic, but here we are in SC (from coastal MA - Newburyport), and thought we'd stay here.

But after going through hurricane Ian, we're re-thinking our plans. Even though it was only a Cat 1, it was scary. I huge branch broke off one of our trees and crashed into our driveway. My husband and dog had just been out 5 min before. Had it happened when they were out and hit them, it would have easily killed them.

Aside for the damage, it's a royal pain for put the hurricane shutters up as they are heavy plywood panels, which require 4-5 guys and being on a ladder. As my husband gets older it gets less and less attractive. We could move to a condo, but we still face the possibility of evacuation, and remembering my neighbor who had to evacuate shortly after major heart surgery, it's just something that we don't want to deal with as we age.

We also miss being near a bigger city (Charleston is ok for what it is, but it's not Boston). Baltimore is not a place we'd probably frequent, but having Johns Hopkins available would be nice, since I had a surprise bout of breast cancer last year and although MUSC is good, it's not on the same level.

As much as I love Annapolis, I know the crime is really high, so probably would not consider that. We'd love to be within striking distance of it though for an afternoon out. We also have family in Annandale, VA and friends in Kensington and Bowie, MD.

Our friend from Bowie is moving to Four Seasons at Kent Island. It looks gorgeous, and I would love one of the condos there, but I worry that it might be too isolated. Would it? We have a dog, and from past experiences, vet ERs happen in the middle of the night, and I can't imagine a long drive over the Bay Bridge to get to the ER Vet in Annapolis when time is of the essence.

Are there any communities that might fit? Parole? Arnold? Riva? Centreville? We prefer smaller communities, but with some amenities - medical offices, vet, grocery stores, etc., so not so sure about rural. 10K-50K population would work or perhaps even smaller if the amenities were there. We've been to Easton and St. Michaels and although nice for a visit, seemed too remote to us. We'd love to be in a 55+ community that is pet friendly, and at this point prefer a condo so we can do away with yard work, and not have to worry about stairs as we or the dog age, but want some green space around for the doggo.

Budget is @500K, and anything 1,100sf or so would work, 2 BR/2BA with a garage.

Thanks!

Crofton instantly came to my mind.

[ion475]

Annapolis crime is really high? Huh?

Some part of Annapolis is bad but I feel perfectly safe around Annapolis lol...it's definitely not Baltimore.

Anyway, for Crofton area (extending to Waugh Chapel area...) there are a few 55+ communities scattered around that are not bad. There's also Two Rivers, but it's probably out of your price range as it's SFHs that starts at like 650k.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by macalan

.......
We also miss being near a bigger city (Charleston is ok for what it is, but it's not Boston)......

Budget is @500K, and anything 1,100sf or so would work, 2 BR/2BA with a garage.
.......

The large Leisure World community in Silver Spring might work. I am thinking of the high-rise condos where you get a view of green space from you balcony. You are also right at a grocery store, pharmacy and medical offices. You are a short bus ride to Metro for the sights of Washington, DC.

The hurricanes rarely hit the area, but we did have power outages from the heavy rains and wind that followed the one in 2007(?). I think a friend in the high-rise said their power stayed on.

Another option is not a senior community, but Oxon Hill's National Harbor high-rises have Potomac River views, and shopping and dining steps away. This is one is in your budget:
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...5_M63776-38045

BTW, I also think Four Seasons in Kent Island is a good option. It sounds like there would be many social clubs. I had also used the Annapolis emergency vet when we lived in Silver Spring, and they are very good. One consideration is that your property and income taxes will be higher in Maryland than in South Carolina.

[macalan]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

The large Leisure World community in Silver Spring might work. I am thinking of the high-rise condos where you get a view of green space from you balcony. You are also right at a grocery store, pharmacy and medical offices. You are a short bus ride to Metro for the sights of Washington, DC.

The hurricanes rarely hit the area, but we did have power outages from the heavy rains and wind that followed the one in 2007(?). I think a friend in the high-rise said their power stayed on.

Another option is not a senior community, but Oxon Hill's National Harbor high-rises have Potomac River views, and shopping and dining steps away. This is one is in your budget:
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...5_M63776-38045

BTW, I also think Four Seasons in Kent Island is a good option. It sounds like there would be many social clubs. I had also used the Annapolis emergency vet when we lived in Silver Spring, and they are very good. One consideration is that your property and income taxes will be higher in Maryland than in South Carolina.

Thank you. We're not a fan of high-rises. Too long to get out with the dog for pee breaks and they are just too "city" feeling for us. Mid-rise is ok, like Four Seasons in Chester. The condo buildings are 3 stories.

I'll check out Leisure World. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Patrick1973]

Something to consider about retirement in Chester. Bridge traffic from May through September. There are shopping areas there but if you have been in an area with access to varied stores you will need Annapolis.

[GunsMass]

For decent medical care, you'll have to look to Baltimore / Baltimore County or DC / Montgomery County. Anything over the Bay Bridge will not feel like civilization.

[LynchburgLover]

I know you’re focusing on Maryland but have you considered Fredericksburg, VA?

Historic/quaint, reasonable size city, U of Mary Washington healthcare system, also access to Charlottesville for UVA hospital system. VRE or Amtrack Train into DC.

Just a thought.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by GunsMass

For decent medical care, you'll have to look to Baltimore / Baltimore County or DC / Montgomery County. Anything over the Bay Bridge will not feel like civilization.

I disagree. There is a decent hospital in Anne Arundel County and many specialists. There is also a cardiologist in Stevensville near the Four Seasons community. The OP should also check for other doctors near there.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by LynchburgLover

I know you’re focusing on Maryland but have you considered Fredericksburg, VA?

Historic/quaint, reasonable size city, U of Mary Washington healthcare system, also access to Charlottesville for UVA hospital system. VRE or Amtrack Train into DC.

Just a thought.

Excellent idea, as the train service to DC is much better than in Maryland. There are condos in the downtown part of Fredericksburg, and some in the Del Webb community of Falls Run.