111 Assisted Living Facilities near Essex, MD

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Essex

• Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides public transport in the Essex area. Seniors who are unable to use the fixed-route service may be eligible to use MobilityLink, a door-to-door service run by MTA.
  
  
• Essex has an overall crime rate of 44 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 94 percent of Maryland's other towns and cities. The violent crime rate is 8.21, almost four points higher than Maryland's state average of 4.72. Property crime is similarly high, with a rate of 35.48, compared to the state rate of 22.48, which may bother seniors who are concerned with their safety.
  

• The cost of living in Maryland is rated 109 in Sperling's index, 9 percent higher than the national average. The cost of transportation has the largest impact on this number. Day-to-day costs like groceries and health care are slightly lower than the U.S. average, which means seniors can save money for retirement living.
  

• The Baltimore area is home to world-class medical facilities, including MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
  
  
• Social Security income is exempt from income tax in Maryland, but income from private pensions is fully taxed. Retirement funds and public pensions are subject to income tax, but residents aged 65 and over can claim a deduction. The state also has an estate tax and an inheritance tax, which may impact any legacy seniors wish to leave for their loved ones.
  

• Air quality in Baltimore County, including Essex, is mixed. The county received an A grade for particle pollution in the State of the Air Report 2018. However, ozone pollution is high, receiving a failing grade, which may have health implications for seniors with respiratory problems.