Places to Retire

Evaluating Places to Retire

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:

• Does this city provide adequate medical care?
• Is the cost of living manageable?
• Does it provide activities, entertainment, and social opportunities?
• Is the climate tolerable?
• Is the crime rate low?

With these considerations in mind, LoveToKnow Seniors recommends the following as the best places to retire.

Holland, Michigan

If you ever dreamed of visiting the Netherlands, you'll find it in 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 observance of its Dutch ancestry, 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 one of Money Magazine's "Top 5 Places to Retire", Holland also offers: beaches, parks, festivals, and farm markets. Visitors and retirees alike enjoy:

• Boating
• Golfing
• Hiking
• Biking
• Swimming
• Skiing

Boulder, Colorado

In June 2006, Fortune magazine named Boulder, Colorado, the ideal retirement city for outdoor types, and LoveToKnow agrees. With mile after mile of hiking and biking trails, along with numerous rivers just made for fishing, Boulder is an outdoorsmen's paradise. Other popular activities in the area include:

• Skiing
• Mountain climbing
• Shopping

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the view is phenomenal. It is important to note that Boulder is home of the University of Colorado. While some retirees shun college towns, this is not necessarily the best approach. College towns generally boast low crime rates and plenty of cultural opportunities.

Awards and Titles

In addition to Fortune's vote as an ideal retirement destination, Boulder has received a host of other awards and titles, including:

• #4 Heart Healthiest City by Men's Journal (2006)
• Best All-Around Dream Town by Outdoor Magazine (2006)
• #1 America's Smartest City by Forbes
• Top Places to Retire by Retire Magazine (2006)
• Best City for Cycling by Bicycling Magazine (2006)
• Place You Dream of Living by Backpacker Magazine (2006)
• Top 10 Places to Retire by Bottomline Retirement (2006)

Sarasota, Florida

Watch the sunset in Sarasota.

Florida is a perennial favorite among retirees, and Sarasota is the best of the best. Whether you enjoy spending your time outdoors or you prefer indoor entertainment, Sarasota, Florida, offers something for everyone. The white sand beaches provide endless opportunites for walking on the sand, 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 also enjoy:

• Wine tasting
• Ballroom dancing
• Jazz concerts
• Plays
• Golf
• Tennis
• Water sports

More Places to Retire

While these cities represent our top three picks, there are many other wonderful places to retire in the United States. Some of our other favorites include:

• Maui, Hawaii
• Athens, Georgia
• St. Simons Island, Georgia
• Austin, Texas
• Lexington, Virginia
• Walla Walla, Washington

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