Warm climates and recreational amenities attract many retirees.
The best place to retire and the best winter climate depends upon the individual retiree. If money is tight, affordability will influence your choice. If you anticipate a part-time job to supplement retirement funds, employment opportunities will factor in. Recreational amenities may play a major role. Good public transportation will probably make your wish list. When you add in all of these considerations, you'll be able to make an informed decision.
Top Retirement Cities
According to CNN Money's 2010 list of Best Places To Retire, the best cities boast ample amenities for seniors. Durham, North Carolina, with its mild winter climate, tops Money's list. The median house price in Durham is an affordable $163,000 and its Performing Arts Center advertises Broadway shows and other cultural events.
For seniors with a healthy nest egg, Hanover, New Hampshire, provides lush wilderness and winter skiing for outdoor enthusiasts. Those who prefer warm winters might like St. Petersburg, Florida, with a median home price of $150,000 and cultural opportunities provided by Eckerd College.
Most Affordable
US News and World Report lists Portland, Oregon, as a bargain spot for retirees. Housing prices have come down in recent years, at publication time, winter temperatures are mild and free amenities abound. You may explore lush rose gardens, taste beer at the local brewery or hike the scenic mountain parks.
Trading in a home in a high-priced area, such as Washington D.C. or New England, and buying a similar home in Tallahassee, Florida, Chattanooga, Tennessee or Iowa City, Iowa, may make sense. The move will bankroll your retirement without sacrificing the comforts of a single-family home.
Seniors in College
Although retirement communities have long provided social opportunities and recreation, college-based housing now offers a popular choice for retirees. A growing number of schools have teamed with community developers to offer seniors a lifelong educational experience. Choices include senior housing at Dartmouth College and Cornell University.
Stanford University's Classic Residence by Hyatt, a college-based senior community, had already sold over 300 units at a cost of between $600,000 and 3.9 million dollars, at time of publication. This development provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, higher learning and California winters.
Military Retirement
For military personnel, affordability and the chance to purchase groceries from a commissary can figure into retirement plans. According to the website Military.com, the top three locations for seniors who have served in the military were Waco, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Austin area of Texas. Waco has a median home price of just over $84,000 and offers quaint neighborhoods, warm winters, a V.A. medical center and numerous recreational amenities.
Those who prefer northeast winters may choose Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city often named in the top ten best places to live. With a median home price of $116,000 and universities second to none, its V.A. hospital and cultural diversity will appeal to many military retirees.
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