Best Places to Retire
Where would you like to spend your retirement?
As baby boomers reach retirement age, more and more people are planning where to retire. Seniors today are benefiting from longer and healthier lives. They expect to lead active retirement lifestyles or continue to work beyond age 65. While other generations were content to retire quietly, the boomers are in no rush to head for the rocking chair.
While deciding where to retire is not easy, the following factors are important to most people 50 and older when selecting the best places to retire:
- Jobs
- Affordable housing
- Arts and entertainment
- Outdoor recreation
- Security
- Universities
- Community
- Health care facilities
- Good public schools
- Public transportation
Location is crucial to having the perfect retirement lifestyle. It could mean being closer to the grandkids, moving to more affordable housing or to a coveted spot on the water. Here are some places to retire you may wish to consider.
Retirement on the Water
Many of us spend our working lives daydreaming of the time when we can retire on a place close to the water. Here are some spots that can turn the dream into a reality:
- Dunedin, Florida is a great option to consider for those looking for warmth and water upon retirement. Located slightly north of Clearwater and 20 miles west of Tampa, Dunedin is less crowded and less expensive than many of the towns on the east coast of Florida. Condos close to the water can be had for $100,000 to $200,000. It boasts the best beach in America (Caladesi Island State Park), a 385-acre recreation area and plenty of snorkeling, swimming and kayaking fun. The only drawback to this paradise is the threat of hurricanes.
- Marble Falls, Texas is another great retirement spot with less risk of hurricanes. The small town is located 43 miles northwest of Austin – far from the Gulf of Mexico, yet situated in the middle of a chain of seven large lakes on the Colorado River. Vineyards, colorful wildflowers and trees dot the landscape. Home prices are more expensive at about $250,000 for a place near the water, and while property taxes are high there isn't any income tax. Triple-digit summer temperatures may be too much for some to handle, however.
Affordable Retirement Living
While opting to work beyond 65 may be increasing in popularity, there are many that would rather retire on a fixed income and enjoy more free time. Here are some affordable retirement options.
- Fort Smith, Arkansas offers an affordable alternative to retirement while offering pleasant scenery at the same time. Situated in the Ozark Mountains and encircled by the Arkansas River, the median home price is only $87,000. Fort Smith retains a Wild West charm with yearly festivals and the Old Fort Days rodeo. There is plenty of whitewater rafting and canoeing for those that seek excitement, and it's only about an hour away from wine country to enjoy tastings and tours.
- Benbrook, Texas is known is a little bedroom community a short distance away from Fort Worth. For those looking for good clean living, Benbrook offers plenty of outdoor activities including golfing, swimming, fishing, boating and horseback riding. Bars and hard liquor sales are forbidden. The average price for a home is $145,000 with Benbrook Lake at most a 10-minute drive away. Shopping, fine dining and sporting events are within accessible with a short drive to Fort Worth.
Ultimately, choosing the best place to retire is up to you. There are plenty of options out there, whether you're focused on finance or sun and surf. With a little research and planning you could find yourself living out the retirement of your dreams.
