When WorldAtlas put out a ranking of Maryland’s most ‘under-the-radar’ retirement towns, it was immediately apparent why the small city of Cumberland was ranked the most underrated retirement town in the state.
Why is Cumberland one of Maryland’s most underrated retirement towns?
Located just a few hours from the District in Allegany County, this small Appalachian city with a population of around 20,000 people is known for its low cost of living and incredible selection of outdoor activities.
Cumberland is a picturesque city where you can find quirky museums, plenty of fantastic local wineries, and easy access to hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for hiking or biking.
Additionally, the local hospital, UPMC Western Maryland, actually ranks among the top 100 best hospitals in America for spinal surgery and earned an excellence award for cardiac surgery.
And for aspiring retirees looking to get into golf, there may not be a better town in all of Maryland to do so, with the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the entire state located at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort just a few miles away.
Another aspect of Cumberland that makes it an attractive destination for retirees, which we mentioned earlier, is its low cost of living!
According to Niche.com, the median house price in Cumberland sits at around $120,000, and the median rent is only around $728, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the entire state.

What are the other underrated retirement towns in Maryland?
The other places that made the list for more ‘under-the-radar’ retirement towns in Maryland were:
- Chestertown
- Easton
- Cambridge
- Thurmont
- Berlin
- Sykesville
- Saint Michaels