Overview
A small town in Central Maryland, Upper Marlboro is popular for its abundant outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. With a large local farmers market, popular arena for sporting and community events, and nearby outlet shopping, Upper Marlboro has it all. Besides this, its proximity to Washington, D.C. make it a popular destination for active adults looking to retire close to a major city.
Climate & Geography
Upper Marlboro has a humid subtropical climate characterized by its hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Though cold spells can happen, winter temperatures are moderated by nearby water. Precipitation is evenly spread throughout the year, with more rainfall than average but less snowfall. Residents can expect 206 days of sunshine each year.
Located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Upper Marlboro’s terrain features gently rolling hills and is surrounded by large sections of agricultural land.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Upper Marlboro is surrounded by green and natural spaces. The Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary to the south features wetlands and the Patuxent River for fishing and birding, as well as walking trails along the water. Additionally, the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for wildlife viewing and birding, and residents can fish for trout at Schoolhouse Pond inside the city.
The center for entertainment in Upper Marlboro is the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, which hosts an annual county fair, an annual antique show, and other large events. The Show Place Arena, within the center, has local hockey games, rodeos, and trade shows. Other popular local amenities include the Dutch Village Farmers Market, a local brewery, outdoor movie nights, and three golf courses.
Residents can find several local restaurants and eateries along Main Street. Though Upper Marlboro offers limited shopping, the popular Tanger Outlets are a half-hour drive to the west, with hundreds of name brand stores. In addition, the cultural events and historic sites of D.C. are just over a half-hour northwest.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Upper Marlboro’s cost of living is higher than the national average. Transportation is a major factor, but groceries, utilities, and housing are all above average as well. Health care cost are below average.
Maryland does not tax Social Security, and while it does tax all other forms of retirement income, the state offers a deduction for retirees. Property taxes are close to the national average, and there is a homestead tax credit available. The state’s 6 percent sales tax is below average, and there are no additional local taxes.
Health Care
The D.C. metro area scores very well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 22 communities across the country.
There are no hospitals in Upper Marlboro, but there are several hospitals within 10 miles that U.S. News rates as high performing. These include University of Maryland Capital Region Health Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, and Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham.