With as many retirees as reasons a retirement location would be a great option, choosing a city to spend the rest of your days can easily become a daunting task. You aren’t in it alone. With as many retirees as reasons a retirement location would be a great option, choosing a city to spend the rest of your days can easily become a daunting task. You aren’t in it alone. Around 2/3 of retirees contemplate relocation.
There are many things to consider when making this decision. A lot of retirees opt for retirement communities like Starhaven Villas in Utah, but one of the biggest deciding factors in where they choose to live is what the city has to offer.
Do you feel enlivened by the crisp air hitting your face while partaking in winter sports, or do you prefer a round of golf in the sun? Whether you’re a homebody or a thrill-seeking adventurer, we’ve compiled a list of cities you may like to make your new home.
1. Minnetonka City, MN
Minnetonka has an optimal balance of big-city living and nature. The 63-mile former railroad, Luce Line Trail, offers ample opportunity for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Mosey along the 73-ace Noerenberg Gardens, only 30 minutes away in Lake Minnetonka.
Ridgedale Center is a local mall with several restaurants, over 100 stores, and a mall walker’s delight on those bad weather days. If you’re into the bustle of the big city, Minneapolis is a short 20-minute drive away.
45% of Minnetonka City’s dwellers are over 50 years old, 69% of which are homeowners. There are several retirement communities and assisted living options available in the city and its vicinity.
2. Carlsbad, CA
Want a retirement community with an ocean view? Carlsbad has plenty to choose from. With a small-city vibe and the big-city amenities easily accessible, Carlsbad possesses a cultural community, a sunny climate, and ocean-side living. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails, 40 parks, and a plethora of art events offered.
The downside may be affordability. A common Californian problem, the cost of living is well above the national average. In Carlsbad, the median home value is over $850,000, compared to the national average of under $250,000. Coupled with hefty taxes, a move to Carlsbad is easier for those retirees with plush bank accounts.
3. Bonita Springs, FL
Enjoy the kayaking, walking trails, and other activities offered by the barrier islands of Lovers Key State Park. Farmer’s Markets, seasonal festivals, and local concerts take place throughout the year.
After extensive rebuilding and cleaning efforts following Hurricane Irma in 2017, Bonita Springs has begun several projects to combat the effects of future flooding.
With a whopping 57% of its residents at or nearing retirement age in this small city of 55,000, be prepared for a slow-paced environment. Bonita Springs offers an abundance of both volunteer opportunities and sunshine.
4. Phoenix, AZ
Many choose the Valley of the Sun for its picturesque natural scenery, others may boast how great the retiree-friendly weather (average yearly temp of 86 degrees) is for your joints. The Greater Phoenix area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, thanks to the plentiful biking and hiking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, and several awaiting outdoor adventures in Scottsdale, Glendale, and Tempe.
There are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied. Greater Phoenix is home to a variety of museums, cultural attractions, 5 professional sports teams, world-renowned restaurants, and more. Every January, over 500,000 golf lovers disembark on the area for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
With an average home costing under $250,000 and properties with plenty of outdoor activities available to share with your loved ones, it’s a wonder why you haven’t contacted a real estate agent in Scottsdale, AZ already!
5. Clarkstown, NY
Offering the best of both worlds by being surrounded by nature and near a big city, Clarkstown is nestled among a bevy of state parks and only 30 miles from New York City.
If you don’t find traversing in the great outdoors appealing, the nearby Palisades Center has an abundance of entertainment, shopping, and dining options to meet your needs. The center holds an ice rink, bowling alley, 4-level shopping mall, and a comedy club.
Clarkstown has a thriving retirement community with 44% of its 85,000 residents being over 50 years old. It’s also home to national landmark, Old 76 House.
It may be worthwhile to take into consideration each city you’re interested in’s diversity, safety, amenities, weather, cost of living, quality of life, economic health, and healthcare among residents aged 50 and up.
