Baltimore, known as the birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner, is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of dining, sports, and cultural events. With a thriving art scene, delightful neighborhoods, and a wide range of culinary delights, there is always something to explore, experience, and savor along its inner and outer harbors.
Independent living in Baltimore is ideal for individuals seeking to maintain an autonomous lifestyle and be involved in a community of like-minded people while avoiding the burdensome responsibilities associated with homeownership. Expect housing with all the familiar comforts of a home, with additional maintenance services and community events.
Within this guide, you will discover valuable information about independent living in Baltimore, including cost and payment options, legislation designed to protect seniors, transportation choices within the city, and many activities to enjoy alone or with loved ones.
I am satisfied with my stay at Park View at Taylor. The apartment size that I have is perfect for what I need and is nice and roomy. The staff are extremely friendly and they have a lot of good activities...
The community is a very nice place to live and it's in a nice area. Because of covid, it's hard to get to know people but that's understandable. I am happy with my apt.
They are taking good care of my loved one. They are supplying meals four days a week. They have lots of activities for the residents. My loved one was starting to make friends prior COVID.
When my mother told me she wanted to relocate to the Towson area to be near me I knew it was time to look for just the right place. I toured both independent living and assisted living communities in the...
My Mom moved to Brightwood 6 months ago and we all are so happy. The building as well as the grounds are beautiful and the staff is super accommodating and pleasant. We are so glad to have found Brightwood!
The people here are wonderful and really caring. We love this place there is just so much to do and see. The only thing that I would change is that they only have one elevator for all the residents. Other...
The community is very nice, neat, and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The only issue has been due to the pandemic the activities have been sparse and we would like to see those get going...
I am very happy with this community, they based the rent on income. The room sizes are good, she has a one-bedroom, kitchen with new appliances and a living room I would recommend this community to...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Baltimore community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, the average cost of our partner independent living communities in Baltimore is $4,933.[01] This includes fees and service add-ons, such as in-home care and meals, and may differ depending on location, floorplan, and amenities offered.
The chart below illustrates the average baseline cost of independent living in Baltimore without taking add-on services into account.
There are several methods available to finance independent living. While long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not directly cover independent living costs, they can still be utilized in different ways to help with expenses related to in-home care and necessary medical services.
Individuals often opt to combine multiple financial sources, such as retirement savings and Social Security benefits, to afford independent living. This section will provide insights on how private payments, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all contribute toward funding a transition into an independent living community.
Unlike other long-term care facilities, independent living communities do not provide on-site health care, so they are not subject to the same regulatory guidelines as assisted living or skilled nursing care communities. Instead, they are required to comply with rental property laws and regulations, of which state and federal laws are in place to safeguard tenants.
Before being made available for rent, all rental units in Baltimore City must be registered, inspected, and licensed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The DHCD provides a publicly available list of inspection requirements to ensure compliance. Direct inspection inquiries should be sent to: S8Landlord@habc.org or HCVInspections@habc.org.
Tenant protection against discrimination is enforced at both state and federal levels. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) safeguard individuals from discrimination and ensure that housing is accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, Maryland prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities under State Government Article 20-701 — 20-710.
Some independent living communities also have minimum age requirements. Generally, individuals must be 62 years or older in Maryland to reside in an independent living community. However, some facilities may accommodate younger individuals with disabilities or spouses under the age of 62.
Independent living is sometimes combined with assisted living. If that’s the case, then it is subject to the same laws that apply to assisted living. Assisted living facilities in Maryland must abide by several regulations set by the Maryland Department of Health, including:
Inspections of these facilities should occur every 15 months or as needed. You can find inspection reports on the Maryland Health Care Commission search portal. Just click on the name of the particular facility and then the inspection reports tab.
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
At present, there are no specific city or statewide regulations pertaining to COVID-19. Instead, adhering to the latest guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommended. It is advisable to check with individual facilities, however, as they may have their own regulations. In Maryland, the current long-term care guidelines align with the recommendations outlined by the CDC.
Baltimore, the birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner, is a dynamic and diverse city with much to offer its residents. Baltimore’s strategic location along the East Coast provides convenient access for travel enthusiasts, with easy drives or train rides to popular destinations such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Many individuals considering independent living also contemplate their future care needs. In Baltimore, four facilities within a 25-mile radius of the downtown area offer combined long-term care services, such as assisted living and memory care, offering a convenient option for avoiding potential stress associated with moving to a new care facility in the future and making it much easier to age in place.
Seniors have ample opportunities to forge new friendships through shared hobbies like golf and art or group activities such as cooking classes. Many independent living facilities provide games rooms for enthusiasts of table or card games, and they also organize day trips and group outings, allowing residents to explore and socialize with newfound friends beyond the confines of their community center.
There is also the National Aquarium at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you and a group of friends can marvel at thousands of marine creatures before indulging in a delightful meal at one of the upscale crab shacks conveniently located nearby. For sports enthusiasts, the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens provide the perfect opportunity to catch an exciting game with a friend throughout the year.
Experience the comfort of home in our partner independent living communities in Baltimore. These facilities offer various amenities to suit your unique preferences. Join fellow residents in the dining room for restaurant-style meals or cook in your own kitchen. Enjoy leisure time by the swimming pool, watch a film in the theater room, or stay active at the fitness center in select communities. Many of the independent living communities allow you to bring your dog or cat — because home is where your pets are.
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Baltimore’s relatively compact layout makes it a pedestrian-friendly city for seniors who prefer walking. Though it has a walk score of 64 and a bike score of 53 (out of 100), most residents rely on cars for transportation, although efforts are being made to enhance the city’s transit infrastructure.[07] Walk Score grades neighborhoods across the U.S. on walkability, bikeability, and ease of public transport.
For individuals who prefer not to drive, Baltimore’s Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates a comprehensive city bus service with multiple high-frequency routes, including CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink services. Additionally, the MTA provides subway and light rail services in downtown Baltimore. The Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle system, operates four routes within the central business district, catering to those interested in exploring downtown Baltimore.
Baltimore’s TaxiCard program is an excellent transportation alternative for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This subsidized program offers transportation services through approved taxicab companies. Eligibility requirements must be met, and registration can be conveniently completed online.
Baltimore is a city that celebrates its diversity, which is evident in its vast array of attractions and activities. History enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice, as the city boasts an abundance of traditional museums and historical landmarks.
For a unique glimpse into Baltimore’s industrial past, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is a must-visit. It provides fascinating insights into the innovators who shaped the city’s industrial age. Whether your interest lies in garment making, airplane manufacturing, or even video game design, the museum showcases a vast collection of exhibitions complemented by live demonstrations and interactive hands-on activities.
A visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture is highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of Maryland’s rich culture. The center houses an impressive collection of over 200,000 items and artifacts that vividly depict the story and history of life in Maryland. It serves as a captivating resource for exploring the cultural heritage of the state. Seniors can purchase tickets to the center for a discounted rate of $18.
Baltimore offers a plethora of options for sports enthusiasts. Situated side by side, Camden Yards hosts the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, while M&T Bank Stadium is home to the NFL’s Ravens. The timing of both seasons means there is nearly always a live sports game to enjoy with friends and family.
If you want to discover more about Baltimore’s impact on the U.S., don’t miss out on some historic houses in the city. The Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, designated as a national historic landmark, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the residence where Poe began his writing career. Open from Thursday to Sunday, the house is conveniently located near Poe’s grave, making it a worthwhile visit for enthusiasts. Another notable house to explore is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, once the home of Mary Pickersgill, the talented seamstress who crafted the U.S. flag that inspired the iconic poem and national anthem of the United States.
Baltimore is dedicated to providing seniors ample opportunities to engage in trips, classes, and recreational programs. The Department of Recreation and Parks organizes these events regularly. Information can be found online, often with transportation included in the ticket cost. Joining one of Baltimore’s numerous senior centers is another excellent way to establish regular connections with local seniors and participate in community activities.
Lighthouse Senior Living at Martin’s Wood LLC for Hopkins Creek, Tribute at Melford by Cogir and Brighton Gardens of Columbia are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Baltimore, MD. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Baltimore is $3,525 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Baltimore.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Baltimore.