As one of America’s oldest and most historic cities, Baltimore is a diverse location with plenty of dining, sports, and cultural events to offer — especially for seniors who are looking for an exciting spot to spend their golden years.
Senior apartments in Baltimore are a fantastic option for those who want to continue an independent lifestyle but don’t want to continue bothering with the upkeep and responsibilities of owning a home. Expect senior apartments to have all the regular features of a home but with the added benefits of apartment maintenance and community events.
In this guide, you’ll learn about senior apartment living in Baltimore, including payment options, legislation that protects seniors, transportation options in the city, and ways you can spend your time solo or with friends and family.
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The average cost of senior apartments in Baltimore is $1,700 but ranges from $1,532 to $2,930.[01] Factors like floor plan, location, and apartment size all influence final costs.
The figures in the following chart represent the average baseline costs and don’t include additional service and amenity fees.
There are several methods available to finance a senior apartment. While long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not directly cover the costs of living in senior apartments, they can still be utilized in different ways to help with expenses related to in-home care and necessary medical services.
Individuals often opt to combine multiple financial sources, such as retirement savings, Social Security benefits, or veteran’s benefits, to afford senior apartments. This section will provide insights on how private payments, public assistance, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all contribute toward funding a transition into a senior apartment community.
Seniors can use several different private pay methods to fund senior apartment costs. These most commonly are savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. They can also include any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Baltimore
About 51% of Baltimore veterans are 65+
Seniors needing financial support can access various VA benefits that cater to housing expenses and health-related costs. One such benefit is Aid and Attendance, which provides additional monthly payments to wartime veterans receiving a VA Pension. This benefit assists those who need help with daily activities, are bedridden due to an illness, or have impaired vision.
While the Aid and Attendance benefit application can be found online, we recommend speaking to a veterans services officer before applying for any benefits. These VA-vetted officers provide veterans with the most up-to-date benefits advice and will ensure a veteran is able to claim everything they’re entitled to.
In Baltimore, veterans can find an officer through the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These organizations can also provide guidance beyond veterans services officer information. They can serve as a point of community and provide access to other local resources that may be less well known.
For additional support or questions, Baltimore’s Commission on Veterans Affairs and the VA’s Regional Baltimore Office are also on hand.
Resources for Baltimore veterans
Baltimore Regional VA Office
31 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs
400 Washington Ave.
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-887-2450
Email: johnnyo@baltimorecountymd.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
16 Francis St., 4th Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-260-3838
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Post Paul Thompson Mem #1
2324 McElderry St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-274-6328
Paralyzed Veterans of America — Baltimore Office
31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 1236
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-230-4470, ext. 1020
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8509
337 E. North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-547-9455
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3065
1202 Union Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-235-1920
Email: vfw3065@gmail.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10078
425 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-539-4210
Email: commanderpost10078@gmail.com
The American Legion — Department of Maryland, Inc.
101 N. Gay St., Room E
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-752-1405
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid (known as Medical Assistance in Maryland) doesn’t cover rent costs for a senior apartment. However, it can offset the costs of in-home healthcare through home and community based services (HCBS) waivers. Several waivers in Maryland can be used toward in-home health care costs, each with different eligibility requirements. Two of these specifically target older people:
Medical Assistance is available for individuals over 65 who meet income, Social Security, and residency status requirements. More information on income guidelines can be found online, while an in-depth guide to Medicaid eligibility is available on Maryland’s Department of Health website. People can apply for Medical Assistance online through myMDTHINK, or an application can be submitted to the Maryland Department of Human Resources.
The state’s Department of Health is a great resource for any Medicaid-related questions, as are the Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. If you have grievances or need additional advocacy services, Maryland’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman is also available to lend a helpful hand.
Baltimore resident Medicaid resources
Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services
417 E. Fayette St., 6th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-4932
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
10 N. Calvert St., Room 300
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-3144
Maryland Department of Human Services
311 W. Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-332-6347
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Phone: 855-642-8572
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hopkins ElderPlus
4940 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-8093
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare can be a valuable resource for those with short-term medical needs to help cover in-home health care costs. This federal health insurance program is open to people over 65 and will cover qualifying expenses like hospital stays, doctor visits, and certain medical equipment. Medicare applications are available online on Maryland’s Department of Aging website.
For those who need financial assistance with the costs associated with Medicare, Maryland has several organizations which may be able to help:
Another helpful resource is Maryland’s Program of the All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), Hopkins ElderPlus. Run through Johns Hopkins Medicine, this program provides support, coordinates care services for seniors, and ensures they get the benefits they are eligible for. More information on PACE and eligibility requirements is available online.
Applications for Medicare can be submitted to the Social Security Administration. For advocacy and support for Medicare grievances, both the Maryland and Baltimore City Divisions of Aging and Care Services are available to assist. The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman can provide direction and guidance.
Baltimore resident Medicare resources
Baltimore City Social Security Administration
1010 Park Ave., Room 200
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services
417 E. Fayette St., 6th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-4932
Maryland Department of Aging
301 W. Preston St., Suite 1007
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hopkins ElderPlus
4940 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-8093
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Maryland Medicare Savings Program
Maryland Department of Health
Phone: 800-638-3403
Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)
Phone: 800-551-5995
Fax: 800-847-8217
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 800-243-3425
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
10 N. Calvert St., Room 300
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-3144
For individuals who have a fixed low income, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) may be an option to supplement senior apartment costs. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City administers HCVP and assists in paying for rental costs in approved apartments.
In addition to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, other local organizations can support low- and moderate-income individuals:
Seniors can also use Social Security benefits to cover their living expenses, including rent. Various Social Security benefits are commonly utilized to provide housing assistance, each with its own set of eligibility criteria. The Social Security Administration is the best place to find more information about the different coverage types.
Baltimore resident public assistance resources
The Housing Choice Voucher Program of Baltimore City
1225 W. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
Phone: 443-984-2222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Department of Aging Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program
301 W. Preston St. #1007
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1100
Department of Aging Congregate Housing Services Program
301 W. Preston St. #1007
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1100
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Maryland Department of Human Services
311 W. Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-332-6347
Baltimore City Social Security Administration
1010 Park Ave., Room 200
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Because senior apartments do not provide health care or assistance like other long-term care communities, they don’t follow the same regulatory guidelines. Instead, senior apartments must comply with the same laws and regulations as rental properties.
In Baltimore, state and federal laws are in place to protect tenants and ensure housing is safe and accessible. Before going on the market, all rental units in Baltimore City are registered, inspected, and licensed by the Department of Housing and Community Development, with a complete list of inspection requirements available to the public. Direct inspection inquiries can be sent to: S8Landlord@habc.org or HCVInspections@habc.org.
Renters are also protected from discrimination at the state and federal levels. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect from discrimination and ensure housing is accessible for those with disabilities. Maryland prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities under State Government Article 20-701 – 20-710.
Senior apartment housing also has minimum age requirements. In Maryland, senior apartments generally require individuals to be 62 and older (though some facilities accept younger people with disabilities or spouses under 62).
Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Currently, there aren’t any city or statewide ordinances related to COVID-19. Instead, officials recommend following the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may find some facilities have their own regulations, so it’s always wise to check before visiting a specific community.
Current long-term care guidelines in Maryland are similar to those advised by the CDC.
Masking. Health care personnel and volunteers should wear a well-fitting, medical-grade face mask. Visitors can wear cloth face masks.
Facility cleanliness. Dedicate specific equipment to each resident as much as possible and disinfect between residents. High-touch surfaces should also be disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Quarantining. A separate observation or quarantine area should be available for those requiring quarantine. This includes new admissions and current residents exposed to COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.
The home of Major League Baseball’s Orioles and the National Football League’s Ravens, Baltimore is a fun, vibrant, and diverse city with plenty to offer residents of all ages. Known for its rich art scene, charming neighborhoods, and tasty food offerings, there’s plenty to do, see, and taste along its inner and outer harbors. Baltimore is also considered part of the so-called Northeast Megalopolis, making it an easy drive or train ride to other cosmopolitan cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C. for those who love to travel.
Many senior apartments have on-site parking facilities. While some may include this in the rental cost, it may also be offered for an add-on fee, providing seniors easy access to their vehicles. For those who don’t have a car or would prefer not to drive, many senior apartments offer at-cost or complimentary transportation, typically including shuttle services to shopping centers, doctor’s appointments, and senior centers.
There are many opportunities for seniors to make new friends at Baltimore’s senior apartments, whether bonding over shared interests like golf and art or participating in group activities like a cooking class. Most facilities have games rooms for people who enjoy table or card games, and many organize day trips and group outings for those who prefer to explore with new friends beyond the limits of their community center.
Baltimore is a city that loves its big-time sports, and there’s plenty year-round to follow. Aside from the aforementioned Orioles and Ravens, Charm City is also just a 40-mile trip to the nation’s capital, which boasts the Washington Commanders (NFL), Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), and Nationals (MLB). Horse-racing aficionados can also travel to Pimlico Race Course, which hosts the Preakness Stakes, the “middle jewel” of the elusive Triple Crown, on the third Saturday in May.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Baltimore
Median annual income for Baltimore seniors 65 and older
Ranked as the best health care facility in the state of Maryland, Johns Hopkins is a nationally acclaimed hospital that’s internationally recognized for Rheumatology, Neurology, and Psychiatry. U.S. News and World Report rates it as high performing in nearly all procedures and conditions it offers.
This general medical and surgical facility is nationally ranked for its Ear, Nose, and Throat procedures and is ranked as high performing in five adult specialties and 12 conditions by U.S. News and World Report.
U.S. News and World Report has recognized this Baltimore hospital for its high performance in orthopedics and 11 other procedures and conditions.
Baltimore is a relatively compact city, meaning it’s reasonably walkable for seniors who prefer to get around on foot. With a walk score of 64 and a bike score of 53, however, most people still get around by car.[07] Walk Score grades cities across the country on walkability, bikeability, and ease of public transport. Efforts are being made to improve the transit infrastructure in the city.
For those who don’t want to drive, Baltimore has a city bus service through the Maryland Transit Authority, which provides multiple high-frequency bus routes, including the CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink services. Additionally, the MTA offers subway and light rail services in downtown Baltimore. The central business district also has a four-route, free shuttle system called the Charm City Circulator for those who want to explore downtown Baltimore.
For seniors and those with disabilities, Baltimore’s TaxiCard program is a great alternative. This subsidized transportation program provides transport with any subsidized taxicab companies. Individuals must meet program requirements and registration can be completed online.
Baltimore is a diverse city, something that’s reflected in the sights and activities that fill the calendar year. Those interested in history will be inundated with options, from traditional museums to historical landmarks.
The Baltimore Museum of Industry offers unique insights into the innovators behind Baltimore’s industrial age. Whether you’re interested in garment making, airplane manufacturing, or video game design, this museum offers a vast number of exhibitions along with live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
To understand a little more about the culture of Maryland, consider a visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which houses more than 200,000 items and artifacts that tell the story and history of life in Maryland. For those interested in the city’s historic landmarks, be sure to visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Listed as a national historic landmark, the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum lets visitors explore the house the famous poet lived in when he launched his career. Open Thursday to Sunday (reservations are required), the house is a short distance from his grave. Another house worth visiting is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, which was home to Mary Pickersgill, the woman who sewed the U.S. flag that inspired the American national anthem.
Ranked as one of the top three aquariums in the nation, the National Aquarium is located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and has discounted rates for seniors aged 70-plus. Another great daylong excursion is the Maryland Zoo, which is located just minutes outside of downtown in Druid Hill Park and also offers discounted rates to senior visitors.
It’s worth noting that the city of Baltimore puts a lot of effort into ensuring seniors have access to trips, classes, and recreational programs. The Department of Recreation and Parks frequently hosts these events. For those who would like a more regular opportunity to connect with local seniors, consider visiting one of Baltimore’s many senior centers.
Lorien Bel Air, Bowleys Garden Plaza and Regency Crest are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Baltimore, MD. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Baltimore is $1,152 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Baltimore, Maryland.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Baltimore, Maryland.