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Retirement Living In Washington County - Maryland


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Area Description

Washington County, Maryland, is in Western Maryland, where Maryland is narrow, fitting between the Pa. Border and the Potomac River, and West Virginia.

The City of Hagerstown and surrounding rural communities, offer a very nice location to retire. Housing prices are cheaper than prominent nearby cities, and all services are offered that make for a good life. We have all major shopping, good arts opportunities and even a good Museum and Symphony!

We are just over an hour and a quarter from Baltimore and Washington, DC, with all the arts, sports, hospitals and services one could possibly need. NYC and Pittsburgh, PA are doable day trips. Further to the west within 2 hours are ski and lake recreational opportunities.

Life in our county allows one to sample American Civil War History first hand. Farms and fruit and vegetable stands are ample during the summer. The weather is not too extreme, though we do have the 4 seasons, and sometimes snow will need to be shoveled. A ski area is nearby in the neighboring Pennsylvania county. Hikers will appreciate that the Appalachian Trail traverses our county.

As a 64 year old man, I have lived in Hagerstown for the last 19 years. I plan to keep my home here, while hopefully escaping the snow along with many other snow-birds when I fully retire.

Region Characteristics





Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness
   Washington County Maryland is a terrific place to enjoy life. There is ample opportunity to be engaged in many areas of life, whether you are active or more sedate. For example, the Appalachian Trail passes through our county for the more active. For the sedate, there is a lovely walking/biking trail on the historic C&O Canal tow path. We also have several public gyms, including a brand new YMCA with lots of "senior" opportunities. Summertime concerts by our Hagerstown City Band are held every Sunday night! Downtown hosts the beautiful "Maryland Theatre" which hosts many events all the year. There are several small theatres. Also, you will find that the city of Hagerstown hosts two major events downtown: The Augustoberfest (a German festival of food, music and beer) in August, and in June there is a Jazz/Bluegrass Festival.

Cultural Activities
Summertime concerts by our Hagerstown City Band are held every Sunday night in the beautiful city park! Downtown offers the beautiful "Maryland Theatre" which hosts many events all the year, including the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. There is also a public Arts High School which offers plays, dance, and more. Downtown one will find the Washington County Playhouse, a dinner theatre. There is a fine chorus called Hagerstown Choral Arts in the city. The Hagerstown Community college is also a venue for concerts and plays. The city also hosts events, such as the very popular Jazz Fest every May and the Augustoberfest - a traditional German event each August. In nearby Shepherdstown West Virginia, there is additional arts and entertainment opportunities.

Public transportation
While Hagerstown does have limited air service, major airports are within an hour and a half. Subway into Washington is accessible about 45 minutes away. The Marc Train into Washington and points elsewhere is about 20 minutes south of Hagerstown. The County has a commuter bus for those without autos. I believe most people are best suited to have cars.

Medical Facilities


All medical services are available locally, however it is not difficult to access Major Hospital services within an hour and a half.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Washington County, Maryland?

For those of you that retire in Washington County, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 30's and highs in the low 40's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 20's. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume a few days of snow with some days having snow remaining on the ground.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Washington County such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Spring, great for a day of shopping in Washington County!

Summertime in Washington County is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the low 70's and highs in the mid 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Expect a few days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Washington County, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the mid 50's and highs in the mid 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 40's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  22 F°  31 F°  39 F°
 Feb  24 F°  33 F°  43 F°
 Mar  31 F°  41 F°  51 F°
 Apr  41 F°  52 F°  64 F°
 May  50 F°  61 F°  73 F°
 Jun  60 F°  71 F°  82 F°
 Jul  64 F°  75 F°  86 F°
 Aug  62 F°  74 F°  85 F°
 Sep  55 F°  66 F°  77 F°
 Oct  43 F°  54 F°  66 F°
 Nov  34 F°  45 F°  55 F°
 Dec  25 F°  34 F°  43 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  27  0
 Feb  0  24  0
 Mar  0  17  0
 Apr  0  4  0
 May  0  0  0
 Jun  3  0  0
 Jul  7  0  0
 Aug  6  0  0
 Sep  1  0  0
 Oct  0  3  0
 Nov  0  12  0
 Dec  0  25  0

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  3 "  10  21 %
 Feb  2 "  9  23 %
 Mar  4 "  10  28 %
 Apr  4 "  11  38 %
 May  4 "  12  49 %
 Jun  4 "  10  59 %
 Jul  4 "  11  63 %
 Aug  3 "  10  62 %
 Sep  4 "  9  56 %
 Oct  3 "  9  44 %
 Nov  3 "  10  34 %
 Dec  3 "  10  25 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  8 "  10  4
 Feb  8 "  7  3
 Mar  4 "  3  2
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  1 "  1  1
 Dec  4 "  4  2


Natural Disaster Areas

Cost of Living for Washington County, MD

Washington County, Maryland cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options





 Seniors who live in the region have ample residential opportunities. This is not an expensive area in which to live.

Senior Assistance in Washington County, MD

Washington County, Maryland offers the following assistance for seniors:

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Washington County Offer For Retirees?

Jobs are available in many retail settings. Volunteer opportunities are also abundant.

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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