The D.C.-Baltimore metro area continues to attract active adults looking for well-designed communities that enhance their lifestyles. In 2024, 55places.com expanded its listings to include several new retirement communities near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. These communities offer convenience, recreation, and quality living, making them ideal for those seeking a fresh start in retirement years. Let’s take a look!
Why the D.C.-Baltimore Area Is Perfect for Active Adults
The D.C.-Baltimore area is a cultural, historical, and recreational opportunity hub. Its central location on the East Coast offers proximity to major cities, scenic landscapes, and coastal destinations, all within a few hours’ drive. Let’s break it down:
A Rich Blend of Culture and History
Living in this region means immersing yourself in history and culture. From the Smithsonian museums to the maritime charm of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the area provides endless opportunities for new adventures.
Also, the surrounding countryside has historic towns like Annapolis and Leesburg, where residents relish a slower pace of life while still having easy access to urban amenities. If you enjoy theater, music, and fine dining, the metro area has a renowned arts scene and award-winning restaurants.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
The D.C.-Baltimore Area also has numerous parks, trails, and waterways, like the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Great Falls Park, and the Chesapeake Bay. Hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking are popular pastimes here. Also, golfers have their choice of well-maintained public and private courses.
Easy Access to Transportation
The D.C.-Baltimore region offers modern, efficient transportation options. Three major airports—Reagan National, Dulles International, and BWI—provide domestic and international travel. Additionally, the Amtrak and Metro systems make commuting and exploring the region straightforward and convenient.
You’re also in luck if you enjoy road trips! The area’s well-connected highways make it easy to visit the beaches of Delaware, the mountains of Virginia, or other big cities like New York and Philadelphia.
About the Washington, D.C. Metro Area
The Washington, D.C. Metro Area encompasses the District of Columbia and surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. That includes Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs like Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria. Known for landmarks like the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, and Embassy Row, this area is the pulse of our country.
The DC Metro region also features extensive greenspaces, recreational trails, and diverse dining and entertainment options. Many of the latter are in Georgetown, which makes for a fine day trip. The region’s respected colleges and universities include Georgetown University, American University, and George Washington University.
About the Baltimore Metro Area
The Baltimore Metro Area includes the city of Baltimore and surrounding counties such as Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, and Howard. Its historic Inner Harbor is a significant tourist attraction. Landmarks include the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and Camden Yards.
Baltimore and its suburbs offer a mix of lifestyle settings with diverse real estate and recreation options. Residents enjoy access to waterfront parks, hiking trails, and cultural institutions like the Baltimore Museum of Art and local theaters. With its central location, major highways, and MARC train service, the region connects easily to Washington, D.C. and other nearby areas.
BUY
Discover the exciting opportunities in the new retirement communities near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore! These communities combine modern amenities, prime locations, and active lifestyles, perfect if you’re searching for a home designed to suit your retirement goals.
Gatherings at Perry Hall Station – Perry Hall, MD
High $400ks – High $500ks
Smaller is better at Gatherings at Perry Hall Station, a 55+ community designed for 29 attached residences from Beazer Homes. There are two available floor plans:
- The Rowan: 2,056 to 3,289 square feet, three to five bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and an attached one-car garage. It also has a first-floor primary suite, a great room, a loft, a patio, and a formal foyer.
- The Ashton: 1,922 to 2,830 square feet, three to four bedrooms, two- to three-and-a-half baths, and an attached one-car garage. There’s also a first-floor primary suite, and the spacious kitchen offers island seating and opens to a dining area.
Gatherings at Perry Hall Station is an Energy Series PLUS neighborhood, so the homes are ENERGY STAR® certified and indoor airPLUS qualified. Also, the homeowners’ association (HOA) fees cover snow removal and community landscaping.
While this community doesn’t have a clubhouse, its prime location puts you within reach of essential services and recreation opportunities. Just 30 minutes from Baltimore, Perry Hall is close to three golf courses, parks, and the Lost Pond hiking trail. Aside from the town’s galleries, shops, and restaurants, you can also visit Perry Hall Mansion and Bengies Drive-In Theatre.
Gatherings at Perry Hall Place – Perry Hall, MD
Mid $400ks – Mid $500ks
Gatherings at Perry Hall Station is similar to its sister community described above and is less than a mile away. Built by the same developer, it offers 45 attached homes. It has the same floor plans, an HOA, and similar onsite amenities: an outdoor gathering space, walking and biking trails, and lovely scenery.
These two active adult neighborhoods are near trusted health care providers, such as The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and White Marsh Health Center. It’s easy to visit both of these Perry Hall 55+ communities on the same day. After that, you can drive 90 minutes west to our next new property.
Gatherings at Cabin Branch – Clarksburg, MD
High $400ks – Mid $600ks
This third entry in our collection of new retirement communities near Washington, D.C. is Gatherings at Cabin Branch, featuring 135 condos and appealing onsite amenities. The modern floor plans are 1,203 to 2,031 square feet with one to three bedrooms, one to two baths, and attached one-car garages. Look for features like updated appliances, primary bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and open-concept floor plans.
Many of these elegant condos have upgrades like finished basements, covered porches, and media rooms. This community will have a brand-new clubhouse with a fitness center, gathering rooms, and bocce ball and pickleball courts. Outdoors, there’s a fire pit, gardening plots, and a pet park.
This upscale neighborhood is about 30 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and close to Clarksburg Medical Center, Alteon Health, and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Clarksburg offers easy access to stores, restaurants, and bars, but drive a bit further and you’ll find the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Theatre, and Gaithersburg Community Museum. When you’re ready for outdoor fun, Clarksburg is near Little Bennett Golf Course, Needwood Golf Course, Little Bennett Regional Park, and Waters Landing Local Park.
Gatherings at Potomac Station – Leesburg, VA
Mid $400ks – Mid $500ks
Also a Beazer Homes condo property, Gatherings at Potomac Station was completed in 2024 with 55 homes. It’s in northern Virginia, about 39 miles northwest of D.C. The models differ from Gatherings at Cabin Branch, ranging from 1,410 to 1,871 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, and private garages.
These inviting, open-concept floor plans feature primary bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and balconies. You’ll also like their kitchen breakfast bars, spacious living rooms, and maintenance-free lifestyle. The community’s HOA fees cover grounds maintenance plus all interior and exterior home maintenance. Some of these modern condos also have desirable upgrades like window treatments, flex space, oversized showers, and dual closets.
Gatherings at Potomac Station also offers its homeowners a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spacious courtyard. The fitness center has pilates and yoga classes as well. And if you like to golf, it’s easy to get to Belmont Country Club, River Creek Club, and The Golf Club at Lansdowne.
Robinson Manor – Gainesville, VA
Mid $600ks – Mid $700ks
This active adult community comes to us from Van Metre Homes, with just 50 new attached homes. The property sits about 45 minutes from D.C., and the two-story, open-concept floor plans range from 2,188 to 2,580 square feet. The homes offer three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half or three-and-a-half baths, and attached two-car garages. Look for features like en-suite bathrooms, kitchens with central islands, rooftop terraces, and fireplaces in these tasteful homes.
The Robinson Manor HOA fees cover common area maintenance, snow removal, and lawn care. There’s also a resort-style outdoor pool with a pool house and sun deck. Plans also call for greenspaces and pickleball courts.
The nearest golf courses include Heritage Hunt Country Club and Stonewall Golf Club. Area parks like Silver Lake Regional Park and Conway Robinson State Forest offer kayaking, hiking, and even archery opportunities. Also, Robinson Manor is a short drive from StoneSprings Hospital and UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center.
RENT
If you’re considering renting instead of buying during retirement, explore the new retirement community near Washington, D.C.! This community features modern amenities, stylish homes, and a maintenance-free lifestyle designed for active adults.
Alate Old Town – Alexandria, VA
$2,000s – $3,800s
If you’ve never visited Alexandria, VA, it’s a suburb about eight miles south of D.C. It’s home to Alate Old Town, a gated rental community with 133 apartments built by Greystar. This neighborhood is pet-friendly, restricted to ages 62 and up, and is a fine choice for active adults who don’t want to apply for mortgages.
Alate Old Town offers 16 floor plans, ranging from 512 to 1,075 square feet. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom models range from 512 to 805 square feet, with open-concept designs. Two models offer two bedrooms and one bathroom, sized at 792 and 880 square feet. Garage parking is available for a fee.
These upscale apartments have desirable features like in-unit washers and dryers, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and custom cabinets. Upgrades may include balconies, patios, walk-in closets, and keyless entry. The Alate Old Town property management company and onsite, 24-hour emergency maintenance team handle security, repairs, and landscaping.
Central to this community is a modern clubhouse with a fitness center, hobby rooms, a performance/movie theater, an outdoor patio, and a dog park. It’s easy to meet new friends here, with fun events to attend like game nights, movie nights, and yoga classes.
Start Your Next Chapter in the D.C.-Baltimore Area
How can you decide between Washington, D.C., Virginia, or Maryland? These new retirement communities near Washington, D.C. highlight some of the best real estate this region offers, with modern home designs and top-tier amenities. Want to keep looking? Download The Ultimate 55+ Homebuying Guide: Washington D.C.-Baltimore and explore more top active adult communities in the D.C.-Baltimore area!
