Glenwood, MD 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Glenwood is a small unincorporated town in Central Maryland. It is located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it popular for retirees who want to be close to major metro areas. In addition, residents enjoy the local golf course, hiking trails, and nearby shopping centers. 

Climate and Geography

Located in Howard County, Glenwood has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, often reaching the 80s. Winters are cold, and residents can expect 24 inches of snow. There are also 211 sunny days per year. 

Glenwood is located in the Piedmont Plateau region of Maryland, giving the area rolling hills. There are several bodies of water in and around Glenwood, including Little Cattail Creek and Middle Patuxent River.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Residents of Glenwood have plenty of opportunities to get outside. The Triadelphia Reservoir is popular for fishing and boating, and the Rachel Carson Conservation Park has wooded hiking trails. Golfers are also close to the Cattail Creek Country Club, one of the top courses in the state.

One of Glenwood's biggest attractions is The Vintage Marketplace at Glenwood, open on the weekends for antique buyers. There are also several shopping centers nearby, including River Hill Village Center in Clarksville and The Mall in Columbia, both of which offer name brands and high-end designers. 

In addition, Baltimore is only 45 minutes away, and D.C. is just over an hour away.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Glenwood is higher than both the state and national averages. This is primarily due to high housing costs, which are nearly three times the national average. 

Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits. Other forms of retirement income, including withdrawals from savings accounts and public pensions, are taxed but eligible for deductions. Property taxes are high, but the state offers a homestead credit to limit annual increases. Maryland has a statewide sales tax rate of 6 percent, which is lower than average.

Health Care

The Baltimore metro area ranks in the top 115 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

There are several hospitals in Glenwood’s surrounding area that are high performing by U.S. News, including Howard County General Hospital and Northwest Hospital. Nearby nationally ranked hospitals include University of Maryland Medical Center, Sheppard Pratt Hospital, and Hohns Hopkins Hospital.