Places to Retire
When searching for places to retire, the sheer magnitude of choices can be overwhelming. The world is full of beautiful cities and towns, but only some of them are ideal for the unique needs of retired seniors.
Ten Popular Places to Retire
The following popular retirement spots feature good climates, housing options, recreation activities and amenities.
Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan is an idyllic city, with a pleasant mix of breathtaking scenery and entertainment opportunities. The European-like city has a decidedly Victorian feel and features old-fashioned cafes, red brick walkways and gable roofs. It is also home of the beautiful Hope College. In a nod to the Netherlands, Holland hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival in May. With millions of tulips blooming in a dazzling array of colors, this festival is a sight to behold.
Named as a top place to retire by CNN Money, Holland, MI offers beaches, parks, festivals and farmers' markets. Visitors and retirees alike enjoy:
- Boating
- Golfing
- Hiking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Skiing
Boulder, Colorado
In June 2006, Fortune named Boulder, Colorado, the ideal retirement city for outdoor types. With mile after mile of hiking and biking trails, along with numerous rivers for fishing, Boulder is an outdoorsman's paradise. Other popular activities in the area include:
- Skiing
- Mountain climbing
- Shopping
It is important to note that Boulder is home of the University of Colorado. While some retirees dismiss college towns, there are several advantages to choosing one; they generally boast low crime rates and plenty of cultural opportunities.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota sunset
Florida is a perennial favorite among retirees and Sarasota is among the best. Whether you enjoy spending your time outdoors or you prefer indoor entertainment, Sarasota offers something for everyone. The white sand beaches provide endless opportunities for walking, collecting seashells and splashing in the surf. Cultural opportunities also abound, including the ballet, opera, symphony and several museums. If you are interested in the seniors dating scene, you'll be happy to know that Forbes named Sarasota the best retirement place for singles.
Whether single or married, retirees in Sarasota enjoy:
- Wine tasting
- Ballroom dancing
- Jazz concerts
- Plays
- Golf
- Tennis
- Water sports
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is located along the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain range in western North Carolina and is listed as the number one retirement town on TopRetirement.com. Its antique stores, art galleries and quaint shops make it a popular vacation and retirement spot. Visitors and residents enjoy the many hiking trails and visits to the famous Biltmore Estate. Outdoor cafes and musical venues offer an endless array of entertainment as well.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, located in the mountains of north central Arizona, continues to make the top retirement community lists year after year. In fact, Money Magazine listed Prescott number four of the top 25 retirement communities. What was once an old mining town has become a popular retirement community that features a pleasant climate and a variety of activities. Throughout the year, craft fairs, antique fairs and art shows entertain visitors and residents.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers continues to reign as one of Florida's most popular retirement destinations. Listed by U.S. News as one of the best places to retire, Ft. Myers offers a variety of activities for the young at heart. Beaches and golf courses abound and those looking for the outdoor life will love Ft. Myers' sunny year-round climate. Seniors can enjoy plenty of water sports and shopping venues as well.
Austin, Texas
Also listed as one of U.S. News' Best Places to Retire, Austin, located in south central Texas's Hill Country, offers a variety of cultural and outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy. In addition, Austin is noted as the live music capital of the world; seniors can listen to an array of musical flavors. Austin is billed as cosmopolitan, high-tech and soulful and many seniors find that it's the perfect place to enjoy retirement.
Paris, Tennessee
Many seniors yearn for the peacefulness of small town living. Paris, Tennessee, fits this bill completely. Listed as one of the top retirement locations on BestRetirementSpots.com, Paris is in northwest Tennessee near the popular recreation area known as Land Between the Lakes. Seniors enjoy this small community of approximately 10,000.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beautiful Beaufort is a popular retirement community of approximately 11,000 residents. Its Old South charm and seaside setting make Beaufort a popular destination. The town is filled with history and seniors find plenty of wonderful activities to keep them as busy. Beaufort continues to earn recognition as a top retirement town. Listed as one of the "Top 5 Retirement Towns" by Fortune Magazine in 2004 and labeled one of the "Top 10 Places to Buy a Second Home" by MSN Money, Beaufort continues to attract retirees from all over the country.
San Diego, California
San Diego, with a population of nearly 1.3 million, is a much larger city than some of the other retirement spots listed. It offers the possibility of an active lifestyle for seniors to enjoy and many choose to do so in San Diego simply because its pleasant climate offers year-round activities. In fact, according to RetirementReview.com's latest home consumer index, San Diego is one of the best cities to purchase or build a retirement home.
Evaluating Retirement Spots
Just as people are unique, so are retirement needs. One person's ideal retirement haven would be completely inappropriate for another. The decision of where to retire is largely personal, but there are several general considerations:
- Access to healthcare
- Cost of living
- Availability of social activities and entertainment
- Climate
- Crime rate
Spend time evaluating each possible location, do some background research, then, if possible, visit the area. Wander the streets, talk to the locals and read the latest edition of the local newspaper. Then, go back home and think some more. Select a spot that suits your needs, but also one that felt inviting when you visited.
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