A child asked how much they could save by moving to a small house with central air conditioning, worried about the summer electricity bill at their parents' home with several window air conditioners running. In searching for an answer, it became clear that the bigger difference was in the home prices themselves.

Looking at the numbers, Hagerstown is one of the most affordable areas in Maryland. The average price for a single-family home is $326,000, while condos are around $140,000. In the past year, the median price has dropped by 3.16 percent to $309,900. At this price point, the financial burden of moving from a single-family home to a townhome is not significant.

Among the townhome listings, there are places where the HOA fees, which include lawn care and snow removal, are around $100 to $115 per month. This is not a large amount to pay for not having to manage the yard yourself. In contrast, single-family homes often have temperature variations when running multiple window air conditioners, and cooling a larger area tends to result in higher summer electricity bills. Many townhomes or condos come equipped with central air conditioning systems, and since the area that needs cooling is smaller, the costs are generally lower.

The property tax rate in Washington County is notably lower at an effective rate of 0.88 percent, compared to the Maryland state median of 1.21 percent. The median annual property tax is $2,083, which is lighter compared to other areas in Maryland examined. With both home prices and taxes being relatively low, Hagerstown can be an alternative for families looking to reduce fixed costs after retirement.

Maryland offers a Homeowners' Property Tax Credit to homeowners with an income under $60,000 and net worth under $200,000, limiting property taxes to a certain percentage of income. There may also be additional local support in Washington County, so it's best to check with the county finance department for accurate information.

For those considering relocating after retirement from Montgomery County or Howard County, Hagerstown is sometimes suggested. Even within the same Washington DC commuting area, showing the stark differences in home prices and tax burdens with actual numbers often surprises people. However, it's important to note that commuting distances will increase, so it's wise to first confirm whether commuting will be necessary after retirement.

For parents, the first thought might be to reduce air conditioning usage to save on cooling costs. However, keeping indoor temperatures too high in summer can be a health risk, so a more realistic approach to cutting costs is to reduce the area that needs cooling rather than just enduring the heat. Ultimately, the conclusion reached in this consultation was the same for the child advising their parents.

When moving to Hagerstown, it's also important to note that the items included in the HOA can vary by community. Some complexes only include lawn care and snow removal, while others may include reserves for roof and exterior wall repairs in the HOA fees. When comparing listings, it's essential to not only look at the monthly HOA amount but also to check the regulations to see what is actually included to avoid unexpected expenses later.

• Single-family homes - Running multiple window air conditioners can lead to temperature variations and higher summer electricity costs.
• Townhomes - Many have central air conditioning, and there are lower-priced listings with HOA fees around $100 to $115.
• Condos - They have the smallest cooling area, resulting in the lowest electricity costs.
• Active senior communities - Designed with energy efficiency in mind, they tend to have smaller fluctuations in summer cooling costs.

Ultimately, the most effective way to save on cooling costs is not to frequently change filters or close curtains, but to reduce the space that needs cooling. Since taxes and HOA conditions can change over time, it's advisable to consult with real estate and tax professionals before making any decisions. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice.