The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Baltimore City, MD for 2023

Baltimore City is home to approximately 593,000 people. Home to John Hopkins University, one of the top 10 universities in the country, Baltimore is also a city of parks and quiet residential neighborhoods that attract seniors. Lutherville-Timonium, Woodstock and Pikesville are great examples of the city’s more gentrified locations on the outskirts. However, there are also pleasant neighborhoods closer to the city center, such as Hampden and Mount Vernon.

Baltimore City’s many assisted living communities provide seniors with the care services they need, such as cleaning their rooms, while not infringing on their independence. They’re also safe spaces, with 24-hour supervision and security. Costs in Baltimore City, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, average $5,000 per month. This equals the state average, although it’s $700 more than the national average.

This guide covers assisted living costs in Maryland, which vary between cities. It also explores the advantages and disadvantages of living in Baltimore City and lists some of the resources that can make assisted living more affordable.

The Maryland Department of Health is responsible for ensuring the state’s assisted living facilities conform to standards. The day-to-day work is carried out by the Office of Health Care Quality, which issues and revokes licenses. Some work is also carried out by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, whose reports can influence decisions regarding licensing.

• According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Baltimore City is significantly lower than the national average of 100. The overall average for the city is 88.2. Breaking it down into different categories, it’s noticeable that housing costs disproportionately affect the score. However, it’s not the only category where costs are lower. Groceries are at 98 while average health costs are much lower at 89.6
• Crime statistics never make good reading, and there’s no denying that Baltimore City’s don’t show the best sides of the city. According to Neighborhood Scout, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 53, compared to 1 in 220 for the state. For property crime, the figures are 1 in 23 and 1 in 51, respectively. However, it should be noted that seniors are much less likely to be crime victims, and every city has its safer neighborhoods. In Baltimore City, these tend to be in the northern suburbs, such as Stoneleigh and Evergreen. Many assisted living facilities have security measures in place to keep residents safe.
• Seniors who need to get around the city have several choices in regards to free or subsidized transportation. Medical Assistance Transportation is a program managed by the Baltimore City Health Department that uses wheelchair-friendly vehicles to take seniors to medical appointments. TaxiCard Program is a low-cost option for adults aged 60 and over that’s managed by the Division of Aging Services. 
• Baltimore’s climate is relatively favorable for seniors. Although average lows sit at around 29 degrees Fahrenheit in January, highs of 89 degrees are normal in July. This ensures older citizens typically don’t have to deal with weather extremes endured by their peers in other states.
• Baltimore City’s seniors are very well served by the city’s medical facilities. In addition to having many Medicare registered physicians, there are 72 hospitals in and around the area, including the nationally-ranked University of Maryland Medical Center and John Hopkins Hospital, ranked #3 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

In Baltimore City, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $5,000. Families comparing individual assisted living communities may want to consider other cities as costs can differ greatly, as the figures revealed in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show.

Baltimore City’s assisted living costs of $5,000 are typical for Maryland. Although they’re above the national average, this is expected, considering the city’s proximity to Washington D.C., where costs average $6,000 per month. Hagerstown is the only city in the area with lower costs than Baltimore City. At $4,500, they’re $1,000 less than the fees paid by Salisbury’s seniors and $1,700 below California’s typical costs.

Despite assisted living including room and board, its fees of $5,000 are only slightly above home health care, which typically costs $4,957 (although home care is a more affordable $4,671). The least expensive option is suitable for mobile seniors who can attend adult day care centers, where fees average at $1,896. The least affordable option is nursing home care. Seniors can expect to pay around $11,984 for a semiprivate room and $12,805 for a private room.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Maryland page.