Cost of Living in Hagerstown, MD (Should You Retire Here?)

Hagerstown sits in the picturesque Cumberland Valley, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.

It’s always been an important “Hub City” (one of its nicknames), being a historic center of both roads and railroads in the area. 

Hagerstown is about 25 minutes north of Frederick, MD; 8 minutes south of Pennsylvania; and provides easy access to I-81 and I-70 for easy travel in all directions.

And because it’s surrounded by so much nature, history, and opportunity, Hagerstown has become a fantastic retirement destination.

DRB Homes is proud to bring over 30 years of building excellence to the new homes we build in Hagerstown. We improve the lives of homeowners with our personalized approach that turns buying a home into a rewarding experience.

Let’s explore some of the many factors—and two of our exceptional communities—that make Hagerstown a city you should consider when you’re ready to retire.

Why Consider Hagerstown, MD, for Retirement?

Retiring to Hagerstown means there’s something fun to explore every day. Being in a valley, you’ll enjoy hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between. That means, you don’t just get to hear about seasons, but actively experience them. Smile with the flowers of spring, splash in the pools of summer, marvel at the hues of fall, and bundle up for the coziness of winter.

Hagerstown also has a vibrant community full of arts, culture, and history. Tour nearby Civil War battlefields and forts, play in local parks, explore the visionary Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (and other museums), enjoy dinner and a show at Antietam Entertainment, and revel in the talent at The Maryland Theatre (home of traveling shows, guest concerts, and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra).

Downtown Hagerstown is a place in transition, as it undergoes a massive revitalization. More funding for the arts, rebuilt libraries, and a new baseball stadium (home to the future Hagerstown Flying Boxcars) are just some of the exciting things you’ll find. And should you ever need them, respected healthcare providers abound, including Family Healthcare of Hagerstown and Meritus Health.

And we mustn’t forget to mention Hagerstown Regional Airport! Just down the road (less than 10 minutes away), you can hop on a flight to Orlando (year-round), or St. Petersburg/Clearwater or Myrtle Beach (seasonal) to soak up some sun. And best of all, parking is free!

Understanding the Cost of Living in Hagerstown, MD

Hagerstown is semi-rural, but the cost of living is a little more (18.4% higher) than the national average due to its proximity to Washington, DC. It is, however about 27% less than our nation’s capital, and about the same when compared to the closer-to-the-district suburb of Bethesda, MD.

Frederick, MD, much closer to Hagerstown than either of those two cities, and that’s reflected in the cost-of-living difference: Hagerstown 12.9% less than Frederick. And going back to the national average to delve deeper, Hagerstown is lower in many important categories: energy is 8.5% lower, housing is 5.4% lower, transportation is 13.6% lower, healthcare is 24.7% lower, and food is 27.9% lower! This makes Hagerstown a very affordable place to live and live well.

DRB Homes In Hagerstown

To welcome new homeowners to this fantastic city, DRB Homes has two communities in and near Hagerstown. Each of these provide easy access to everything mentioned above (and more!) that makes this area such a great place to retire to and call home.

Rosehill Manor Active Adult Villas

Rosehill Manor is a 55+ active adult community offering ranch and villa floorplans to match any lifestyle with 2–3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a 2-car garage, and up to 4,437 Sq. Ft. of living space. Surrounded by towering trees in a quiet setting on the highly desired north end of Hagerstown, you’ll not only enjoy your spacious new home, but also that lawn maintenance and snow removal is included! Rosehill Manor And you’ll never be far from the coffee shops, dining, shopping, grocery stores, and outdoor recreation you picked Hagerstown for in the first place.

Westfields Single Family Homes

Westfields offers one- and two-level single family homes mere minutes from I-70 and all that Hagerstown has to offer. Though not a 55+ community, you’ll enjoy 3–4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a 2-car garage, and up to 5,592 Sq. Ft. of home. Plus, you’ll adore all the community amenities, including a swimming pool, gazebo, park with playground, basketball court, tennis courts, and a walking trail. And right up the road, you’ll quickly be whisked away for a day shopping at Hagerstown Premium Outlets or the Valley Mall. Living in Westfields means you can always savor fine dining in downtown Hagerstown, or spend the day hiking the Appalachian Trail, exploring the historic Antietam Battlefield, or fishing in the creek at Devils Backbone Park.

Retire to Hagerstown

Hagerstown is a fantastic destination when you are seeking a great city to retire to. Full of culture, history, and natural wonder, this dynamic-yet-laid-back has everything to make your retirement rewarding. Mountains, lakes, trails, and parks are waiting to be explored. Battlefields and museums are perfect places to wander and learn. Exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment options anticipate your every whim and need. Hagerstown has it all.

And when you want your new home to have it all, come tour these DRB Homes outstanding new residences in Hagerstown and then find the perfect home to retire to!