Choosing the best place to retire is an important decision, and it is essential to factor in the various requirements that make for a fulfilling retirement. These include the cost of living, climate, healthcare options, recreational activities, and an overall high quality of life. The U.S.A. has many great places to choose from in retirement. Each retirement location has something unique to offer to the retiring U.S. citizens. Here are 18 retirement locations to consider.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is known for its beautiful art districts, which are full of various galleries, theaters, and music venues; this is one of the reasons many people favor Asheville. Asheville is located right in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. That means there are just as many adventurous things to do and see outside of Asheville for all ages.
Sarasota, Florida
Beyond the beaches for which Sarasota is famous, the city is also a thriving center for the arts, with numerous theaters, concert halls, and opera houses. Sarasota is a paradise for golfers with no shortage of quality golf courses. There is a course for every week of the year. One often overlooked but advantageous characteristic of Florida is its lack of state income tax. Finally, later in life, Sarasota provides easily accessible and top-quality healthcare facilities for retirees.
Austin, Texas
Austin is lauded as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” making it a prime destination for retirees looking for a place to kick up their heels and enjoy music any night of the week. The city also boasts myriad outdoor recreational options, such as parks and lakes, and a mild climate that allows outdoor activities year-round. Texas’s lack of a state income tax also makes Austin an affordable place to live.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to retire to. The city is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training and the famous Box of the Gods. Its strong economy and lower-than-average crime rate make Colorado Springs a great place for retiring.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the quintessential southern city with its stunning historical architecture and legendary history. This city is known for its festivals, music, and events, placing it high on the list for retirees. Finally, Norman, Oklahoma, is the perfect spot for someone who wants to live college life outside of their retirement days. With small enrollments, retirees can enjoy enrollment in courses and student activities at the University of Oklahoma.
Tuscon, Arizona
The warm climate is one of Tucson’s big attractions, but the city isn’t just about the heat. It claims a rich cultural heritage, which it absorbed from its Native American, Spanish, and Mexican roots and carries on today. Outside of the city, Tucson is surrounded by the kind of desert landscapes that define the American West and provide plenty of opportunities for adventurous inhabitants.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Homes range from colonial to modern, and prices vary; some five-bedroom homes can cost over a million. Portsmouth Main Street is congested with traffic and often full of cyclists and pedestrians walking on the brick sidewalks. Although inappropriate, this scene is impressive to view from the restaurant’s second floor as we did when the occasion arose.
Naples, Florida
Naples is dedicated to the retiree who enjoys the finer things in life; it’s old Florida beauty at its best. This city is definitely for those looking to enjoy a good retirement. There’s the high-end shopping, the fine dining options, the waterfront living, and so many more take your breath away features of this cozy city. For this retiree, Naples art galleries, theaters, and a philharmonic orchestra make for a town with an exciting cultural scene. Added to that is the fact that Naples is home to many quality hospitals and medical centers, enhancing retirement in Naples even more.
Bend, Oregon
Situated in the Cascade Range, Bend is a paradise for people who love the outdoors for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and mountain biking options. The city’s craft brewery scene, a multitude of recreational activities, and a strong sense of community are all aspects that make Bend one of the most likable cities in the U.S.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh combines a thriving economy with cultural offerings, including museums, theaters, and music festivals. The city’s commitment to green spaces and outdoor activities, including the Neuse River Trail, reinforces the high quality of life for which the area is known.
Boise, Idaho
A vibrant downtown scene compliments Boise’s outdoor lifestyle – think cultural events, farmers’ markets, and dining options. What puts it ahead of other outdoor retirement places is the cost of living, which is 24% below the national average. The Boise River Greenbelt is another major draw – it’s a 25-mile biking and walking path that borders the river in the city and is an easy hop to swimming, fishing, and other water activities, plus 130 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The adobe architecture and local art scene make Santa Fe unique. It’s famous for opera, impressive Native American art, and excellent restaurants. Retirees can take in the historic Plaza, the many museums, and the annual Santa Fe Indian Market.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The revitalized downtown keeps visitors returning with its pedestrian bridge, scenic riverfront attractions, and an unbeatable combination of outdoor activities and cultural events. Take a boat ride to the base of the majestic American Falls, or bring a poncho and experience the Niagara hop-on-hop-off style.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers, located along the Gulf of Mexico, offers a laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches, delicious waterfront dining, and plenty of shopping. This is a great place to enjoy golfing, fishing, and shelling!
Ithaca, New York
Ithaca in New York State is a great favorite among intellectuals and nature-inspired people. The Finger Lakes area offers wine production and various outdoor recreations, while the underlying town provides attractive gorges and waterfalls. Finite work has to be inputted into it, necessitating a proper application and essay.
Greenville, South Carolina
The transformation of downtown Greenville is genuinely awe-inspiring. The park is picture-perfect, flawlessly integrated with the picture-perfect Liberty Bridge overlooking waterfalls. The result is the most picturesque downtown I have ever been in. Greenville features a fantastic array of cuisines and flavors, drawing hungry visitors from around the region.
Medford, Oregon
Medford, Oregon, is incredible for seniors because of the mild climate. The fantastic climate changes are also a big reason seniors chose this city as their home. Enjoying all of the outdoor attractions makes for a very active retirement. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland is another excellent reason senior citizens chose Medford, Oregon.
San Luis Obispo, California
With a serene climate, stunning landscape, and relaxed pace of life in San Luis Obispo, California, it will make sure to make you want to retire. Go wine tasting at the many wineries nearby, visit Pismo Beach, and enjoy the city’s numerous community events and farmers’ markets.
