Essex is a small unincorporated community just 19 minutes from downtown Baltimore. The city has a population of just over 40,500, with 15% ages 65 and older. With a low cost of living and tax breaks for retirees, the city is an option for seniors looking for an affordable place for assisted living. There are also four distinctive seasons for seniors who enjoy the outdoors.

Assisted living communities provide housing for seniors who need customized levels of medical and personal care. These types of adult living facilities have different types of living spaces, including apartments, individual rooms, homes and shared living quarters. This home-like atmosphere encourages seniors to remain independent for as long as possible. Assisted living communities in Essex cost an average of $5,000 per month, which is comparable to the state average but is slightly more than the national average.

This guide describes assisted living in Essex and provides an overview of the costs of assisted living throughout the state. The guide also covers the other types of care available and a list of free and low-cost resources to seniors in the area.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Essex, MD

Gloria Friends Home

Everything is fine.
Everything is fine.

Charter Senior Living of Towson

We toured Charter Senior Living of Towson. I liked the person that did the interview, she was wonderful and a very compassionate person. The location was a little too far for me to travel to visit, bu … (read more)
We toured Charter Senior Living of Towson. I liked the person that did the interview, she was wonderful and a very compassionate person. The location was a little too far for me to travel to visit, bu … (read more)

The Cottages of Perry Hall

When I first began my search for Assisted Living for my dad I placed a call to The Cottages of Perry Hall and got the most pleasant voice on the other end of my phone, the Sales Director Missy. She wa … (read more)
When I first began my search for Assisted Living for my dad I placed a call to The Cottages of Perry Hall and got the most pleasant voice on the other end of my phone, the Sales Director Missy. She wa … (read more)

College Manor

College Manor was a beautiful facility. There were some very beautiful furniture. I thought it was a really large place. It just didn’t seem to be as well kept as some of the other ones we looked at. … (read more)
College Manor was a beautiful facility. There were some very beautiful furniture. I thought it was a really large place. It just didn’t seem to be as well kept as some of the other ones we looked at. … (read more)

Angelic Care

I was nervous about finding a place for my mother, but when I found this one, I was so glad I did ! . Not only was my mother well cared for here, but the staff and owner of the facility made me feel v … (read more)
I was nervous about finding a place for my mother, but when I found this one, I was so glad I did ! . Not only was my mother well cared for here, but the staff and owner of the facility made me feel v … (read more)

The Woodlands

Woodlands Assisted Living was very clean, very ornate, and very fancy on the inside, as far as the foyer went. It was very nice. The apartment was very clean and small. The good thing was it had its o … (read more)
Woodlands Assisted Living was very clean, very ornate, and very fancy on the inside, as far as the foyer went. It was very nice. The apartment was very clean and small. The good thing was it had its o … (read more)

Symphony Manor at Roland Park

My brother-in-law was at Symphony Manor for almost 2 years. EVERYDAY he got extraordinary care at every level. This is a place where staff took the time to get to know him (He had had a stroke), found … (read more)
My brother-in-law was at Symphony Manor for almost 2 years. EVERYDAY he got extraordinary care at every level. This is a place where staff took the time to get to know him (He had had a stroke), found … (read more)

Loving Care Assisted Living

Loving Care Assisted Living was great. This is the one that I would like to send my mother to. Jasmine was wonderful. She had a wonderful set-up. My mother enjoyed the people and staff that were there … (read more)
Loving Care Assisted Living was great. This is the one that I would like to send my mother to. Jasmine was wonderful. She had a wonderful set-up. My mother enjoyed the people and staff that were there … (read more)

Lighthouse Senior Living at Hopkins Creek

I toured and it was spacious. They only offered me a studio apartment, which isn’t big enough. The facility looked excellent, and the staff was very informative. They had different types of rooms to o … (read more)
I toured and it was spacious. They only offered me a studio apartment, which isn’t big enough. The facility looked excellent, and the staff was very informative. They had different types of rooms to o … (read more)

Angel Core Home of Care

I liked the fact that Angel Core Home of Care is small and that they only have five residents. Each person would have their own room, so there won’t be any shared rooms. All three meals a day are prov … (read more)
I liked the fact that Angel Core Home of Care is small and that they only have five residents. Each person would have their own room, so there won’t be any shared rooms. All three meals a day are prov … (read more)

Optimum Care Homes LLC

My mother has stayed there now for almost a year. Clean environment. Friendly staff. Happy we were able to get her in this place.
My mother has stayed there now for almost a year. Clean environment. Friendly staff. Happy we were able to get her in this place.

Up & About Care

Up & About Care was really clean. The backyard was pretty big, so if they want to do activities there is plenty of space. The only downfall I didn’t like was how far off it was. If a person got on … (read more)
Up & About Care was really clean. The backyard was pretty big, so if they want to do activities there is plenty of space. The only downfall I didn’t like was how far off it was. If a person got on … (read more)

Serenity Garden Manor

I went to Serenity Garden Manor and visited the assisted living, but they also provided memory care. I liked everything about it. I liked the neighborhood and how they had things set up. I had no nega … (read more)
I went to Serenity Garden Manor and visited the assisted living, but they also provided memory care. I liked everything about it. I liked the neighborhood and how they had things set up. I had no nega … (read more)

Ebenezer House LLC

We toured Ebenezer House. It was clean and bright. It was kind of tight but roomy enough for the residents. The level of care seemed to be okay. They only had one caretaker there for like eight people … (read more)
We toured Ebenezer House. It was clean and bright. It was kind of tight but roomy enough for the residents. The level of care seemed to be okay. They only had one caretaker there for like eight people … (read more)







What to Consider About Assisted Living in Essex

Assisted living in Maryland is regulated by the Office of Health Care Quality, which is a division of the Maryland Department of Health. These regulations cover everything from the levels of care to staffing.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Essex

  • Essex is an affordable city in Maryland with a cost of living that is lower than the national average and the state average. Seniors can expect to pay less than the national average for groceries and healthcare.
  • Summers in Essex are hot with July highs around 89 degrees, but with 210 sunny days per year, Essex provides plenty of opportunities for exploring the outdoors. The city gets around 15 inches of snow each year, which is ideal for seniors who appreciate colder temperatures as well.
  • Seniors living in Essex can keep more of their money in comparison to other states because Maryland is moderately tax-friendly towards retirees. The state doesn’t tax social security income and withdrawals from retirement accounts are only partially taxed. Public pension is also only partially taxed.
  • Seniors who need transportation services in Essex can use Connect-A-Ride (CAR) for medical appointments, errands and other outings. The service links seniors with public, private and volunteer services. It is funded by the Montgomery County Government and is available Monday through Friday.
  • For illness and injury, there are several hospitals in the Essex area. These facilities include MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and the Baltimore Medical System

Paying for Assisted Living in Essex

At $5,000 per month, assisted living in Essex is the same as the state average. It’s $700 more than the national average of $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Cumberland is $4,665 per month and in Hagerstown, seniors pay around $4,500, $500 less than Essex. Salisbury is one of the more expensive cities for assisted living at $5,500 per month — $500 more than Essex. 

$5000

Essex

$5000

Maryland

$4300

The United States

$4665

Cumberland

$4500

Hagerstown

$5500

Salisbury

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living is just one type of long-term care option for seniors in Essex. Adult day health is the least expensive option, at $1,896, for seniors who need supervision during the day. Homemaker services at $4,671 and home health care at $4,957 are ideal for those who prefer to age in place. A nursing home is the most expensive option for those who need round-the-clock care. A semiprivate room costs around $11,984 per month and a private room costs around $12,805.

$4671

Homemaker Services

$4957

Home Health Aide

$1896

Adult Day Health Care

$5000

Assisted Living Facility

$11984

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$12805

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Note: Care cost data for Essex was not available, so data for the closest city, Baltimore, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Essex

Seniors in Maryland who are eligible for Social Security payments, or would be except for their income, may be able to access financial assistance through the Optional State Supplement (OSS). Residents of small assisted living facilities may also be able to get help from the state’s Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Maryland page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Maryland

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

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.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Essex

Essex has many different resources to offer seniors in the area. These services range from low-cost help to free resources and benefits that focus on health and well-being.

Resource

Contact

Service

(410) 887-0267

The Essex Senior Center serves seniors in Baltimore County. It provides a safe and secure environment for recreational activities like games and parties and fitness and health activities, including exercise classes. The center offers arts and crafts, social groups, dances and scheduled outings.

(410) 887-2594

MAP helps seniors get information, referrals and options counseling for services and benefits. The group also provides brochures and booklets on a variety of topics involving aging, guest speakers for community organizations, information and assistance for loved ones and helps seniors obtain loans for medical equipment. It can also help low-income individuals obtain financial benefits to pay for care.

(410) 887-2594

The Baltimore County Department of Aging serves as the Area Agency on Aging. It provides program information and services for older adults and their caregivers. Through the Department of Aging, seniors have access to available services, including mobility assistance programs, meal plans, help with housing, individual counseling, respite care and supplemental services.

(866) 635-2948

Maryland Legal Aid helps seniors by offering free limited legal services by phone and in person. Help involves topics like debt collection, elder abuse, landlord/tenant information and other civil matters.

(410) 260-3838

The Baltimore Department of Veterans Affairs helps prior military obtain and identify available services and benefits. Once benefit, the aid and attendance benefit helps veterans pay for home and community-based services in long-term care. The agency can also assist with housing, medical care and counseling.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Essex

Essex-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Maryland are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Maryland page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Maryland