Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Beyond the University, you can find a world of outdoor recreation with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birding, whitewater rafting and more throughout the hills and valleys of Appalachia. These great spots are surrounded by incredible views, great hiking trails, gorgeous fall foliage, and more restaurants, art galleries, museums, music venues, and parks than you'll know what to do with. The Milken Institute actually credits the area's abundance medical servicesincluding orthopedic surgeons, primary-care clinicians and home-health-care professionalsfor contributing to Morgantown's high ranking (18th) among small metro areas. Home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville campus of the University of Alabama, the city offers a robust economy and a highly educated population. Plus, you can choose among a host of retirement communities with ocean views. Active Adult Communities | This Western North Carolina town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1. With a population of 54,334,Idaho Fallsis the states fifth-largest city that sits along the Snake River at the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, has been named one of the best places to raise kids, is home to the College of Eastern Idaho,and offers all sorts of outdoor fun, from camping and hiking to fishing and snowmobiling. 7. Part of the San Diego metro area, Carlsbad offers a small-city feel with easy access to big-city amenities alongside seven miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. 9 Things You Must Know About Retiring to Arizona. Cadence at Lansdowne is a brand new 55+ active adult community offering a vibrant lifestyle in Lansdowne, Virginia. Published 11 January 23. real estate There is a vibrant downtown with a busy new library and great outdoor stores. Knoxville is particularly affordable for retirees, compared with, say, Nashville, where living costs among retired people are about the same as the national average. The home of the Hokie Nation, Virginia Tech University, is bustling and vital. . In reading coverage of this weeks NY Marathon, I saw that many of Americas top runners live and train in Flagstaff (AZ) because of its altitude and great places to run. As one of the 10 Cheapest States Where You'll Want to Retire (opens in new tab), the Heart of Dixie boasts many great spots for affordable living. The nearby Green Mountains offer some of Vermonts best skiing. And recent job growth has increased by 2.8 percent (higher than the national average of 1.6 percent) with manufacturing, retail trade and public administration ranking as the citys leading industries. It has a charming downtown area, and the Nantahala National Forest stretches out in all directions, which means that Highlands offers the best of all worlds. The capital of Alaska is on the coast beneath mountains as they rise away from the coast. Buyers Market vs. Sellers Market: Whats the Status Right Now? Mt. This giant area contains many small towns and areas where you will find happy and active retirees. Las Vegas is not only home to some of the countrys most popular resorts and casinos, but also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. As one of the 10 Cheapest States Where You'll Want to Retire, the Heart of Dixie boasts many great spots for affordable living. Cresswind Charleston is Charleston-area's BEST active adult lifestyle community. Published 23 January 23. Taking a month to spend with my sons and their families across the country is one of the joys of unretirement. Another popular mountain town in Arizona is Prescott. Homebuyers hoping to find their ideal Tennessee mountain home should consider looking to Knoxville. Named for American pioneer Daniel Boone (youll want to take visitors to Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Daniel Boone Park andHorn in the West,the long-time seasonal outdoor drama that tells the story of Boones adventures), the population is 18,156 (it nearly doubles when you factor in students), the average home sale price is $220,700, job growth is higher than the U.S. average and education, tourism and retail are the top three employment industries. Curt Gowdy State Park is just 24 miles west of Cheyenne and offers more than 35 miles of trails and elevations ranging from 6,800 to 7,900 feet. One potential drawback is there are only 2 ways to get here by sea or air. Topretirements has several friends who have retired to Whitefish, which they think is a magical place. Think in terms of two towns: Escanaba, on Lake Michigan, and Iron Mountain, an hour inland on the border with Wisconsin. Some popular attractions within city limits include the Denver Art Museum, Coors Field, and The Denver Central Market. Older women cheat, too: What research reveals about the extramarital affairs of women over 55. A typical Social Security payment is likely to cover basic costs in these areas. We can't think of a better place to put down new roots than these fun-loving, laid-back communities. Published 9 December 22. state tax Its a city of 12,000, about 45 miles north of Interstate 80 and 2 hours south of Buffalo, N.Y., in an area the tourism people call the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Details here. Another time back before we retired, I extended a business trip to Switzerland where one night we stayed at 8000 feet. Disadvantages Colder winters. This location allows for easy access to the Bradshaw Mountains, which are about an hour away from Prescott. New England is notoriously expensive, but Pittsfield, located in the western part of Massachusetts, offers a small pocket of relative affordabilitymore reasonably priced than Boston and Cambridge, where living costs are, respectively, 48.1% and 38.1% above the U.S. average. Sound fun? Should we cut my sister out of the family inheritance? Unlike some of the state's other top retirement. Snowy peaks, amazing trails, clean air, and majestic scenery that one never tires of. Wears Valley, TN 37862, USA 2. Consider your health care plans, income sources and tax bracket before making the transition. Escanaba, which bills itself as one of the safest natural harbors in the upper Great Lakes, is the larger town, with about 12,000 people and without the triple-digit snowfall totals elsewhere in the region. Its part of the same metropolitan area as Logan, Utah, suggested here. The famed Clark Art Institute, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are just some of the proud artistic accomplishments of the town. There are many things to consider before selling your own home. Last updated 12 February 23. state tax Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get investing advice, rankings and stock market news. Im 73 and will only have my 401(k) after retiring. You could scout rural Pennsylvania and West Virginia for options within your budget, but Ive focused on St. Marys in the northern part of the state. Nestled among the mountains, youll find plenty of ski runs (the town hosted three venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics) and hiking and mountain bike trails, plus nearby lakes and rivers for water sports and nearly 40 parks in the area. To get the No. We would like to have a vegetable garden. She holds a B.A. Advertise | Only 10.1% of the entire state's population is age 65 and up compared with 14.9% of the whole U.S. And being the capital city, you can find plenty of attractions to keep you busyworld-class restaurants, professional sports teams and an array of museums, theaters and other cultural attractions. This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. The attractions of the city arent the only advantage of living in Seattle. Few aspiring retirees have enough saved to buy a retirement home in Aspen, Colorado, or Jackson, Wyoming. Its setting among the beautiful San Francisco Peaks and Coconino National Forest was one reason. When it's time to pack up your things and start a new adventure, try one of the South's mountain towns on for size. Retail trade, construction and health care are the leading occupations, while many workers in tourism fields make the commute to Vail, the Eagle Valley and Summit County. About Us | Or if you're 50 or older, you can join the local chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Livability explores what makes small-to-medium sized cities great places to live. Note this is Part 2 of Mountain Towns for Retirement, see Further Reading at end for 10 more. Salt Lake City in Utah is one of the countrys most prominent mountain towns as it is located along the border of the Oquirrh Mountains. But at least that's more affordable than capital city Honolulu, on Oahu, where living costs are a steep 101.1% above the national average. 2007 2023 55places.com, a division ofNeighborhoods.com. Knoxville is also bordered by the Tennessee River on the southern end of the city, providing residents and visitors alike with access to the waterfront and scenic views. Charlottesville also ranks fifth for overall well-being, out of all 187 metro areas included in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index, with above-average scores in all categories, including physical health and resident satisfaction. And the local lifestyle is still priceless. It is located in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Living in an age-restricted community is often new to active adults moving into a 55+ neighborhood. Come summer, theres mountain biking and hiking for all levels, boating and water sports at the nearby Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes and ATV off-road thrills. Email Address Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 50, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 59 , The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 65, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 66, The Most Important Ages for Retirement Planning: Age 70 . Median rents in Elk County, where 30,000 people live, are just under $600 a month and are a touch lower than in neighboring Cameron County, which has just 4,500 residents. Mentone, Alabama. Home toAppalachian State University,Booneoffers an adventure-lovers dream year-round, with mild summers (when you can hike, fish, horseback ride, mountain bike, canoe you name it), snowy winters (find three nearby ski resorts), cool springs and colorful falls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Site Map | And beyond the college campus and city center, you can find plenty of options for outdoor recreation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including more than 100 miles of of the Appalachian Trail in nearby Shenandoah National Park. on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. The surrounding Ozark Mountains afford residents outdoor recreation and natural wonders to enjoy while the downtown area, home to the University of Arkansas, provides restaurants, shops and a lively music and arts scene, including the Walton Arts Center. For flexibility and a sense of purpose, consider these jobs for people over 50. Before joining Kiplinger, Rapacon worked as a senior research associate at b2b publishing house Judy Diamond Associates. Elevation-wise, it's also one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, so there's nowhere to go but up in this charming small town. There is a vibrant downtown with a busy new library and great outdoor stores. The site lists Parade Road-Old North Main Street and Weirs Beach-Lakeport as the safest neighborhoods in Laconia. Another big local attraction: Every summer since 1897, Cheyenne hosts the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, Frontier Days, now a 10-day event. Privacy | Or you can enjoy more leisurely paths of the Huntsville Greenway system. With a population of 84,000,Ogdenis on the smaller side, but when it comes to outdoor adventures, the opportunities are massive. Ogden is not as well known asPark City, UT, but offers some advantages and similarities to that resort town for a lot less money. Burlington, Vermont. Taxes and living costs in this area are high. A part-time career could mean a stressful future if you don't use some of these tips to prepare for retirement. Of course, you have to be able to afford it. This nature-rich refuge of inviting streetscapes, manicured landscaping and miles of walking trails October 30, 2019 Ahh, the mountains. Winters here would be a touch warmer than Michigan and Maine, with average highs around freezing. 15 Best Small Towns in Colorado - Affordable Small Mountain Towns to Visit and Live In CO 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 Amazon's Best Winter Fashion is on Sale Right Now 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is located about 10 miles from the citys downtown region. Seems like a fair trade. That adds up to favorable odds for a balanced budget. For another it is less of a resort and more of a community, with a strong local economy. It is the largest city in New Mexico. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. The average household income for 65+ households in Alabama is $46,318, according the Census Bureau. It has a population of 583,200that's just about six people per square mile. Youll find trails, hell find deer hopefully they wont find your vegetable garden. As a trail walker, you might enjoy the 25.5-mile crushed-stone rail trail from Escanaba to Hermansville. Iron Mountain is the snowier of the two. Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. Heres more on why urban age-targeted and active lifestyle communities are so rare. Pair that with a strong local arts scene (First Friday Art Strollstake place monthly; catch live music at the downtown amphitheater; find annual events ranging fromPioneer Daysto theBlues & Brews Festival to aChristmas Village); great shopping along Historic 25th Street; and great dining options, breweries and distilleries for a well-rounded experience. Coravllis is home to more than a dozen wineriesnaturally, being in the heart of the Willamette Valleyas well as four craft distillers for whiskey, vodka and more and six breweries right in town. Yes, Coloradoboasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous:Aspen,Vail,Breckenridge,Tellurideand the like. (By comparison, the country's smallest state in size, Rhode Island, hosts more than a million peopleabout 871 people per square mile.) Pittman Center Wikipedia/Brian Stansberry Of course, outdoor enthusiasts have more than enough to enjoy, too: The Phoenix Mountains Preserve alone, including Piestewa Peak (2,608 feet) and Camelback Mountain (2,707 feet), offers many hiking and biking trails just 20 minutes from downtown. There are also more than 200 wineries within a 50-mile radius, offering beautiful views and many wines to sample. Here's a look at the Best. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound, as well: Hiking and biking paths around and throughout the city include the advanced slopes of Monte Sano Mountain (meaning "Mountain of Health" in Spanish), which has an elevation of 1,621 feet. Cresswind_Charlotte But don't expect total isolation. and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other It would be hard to find a more picturesque setting. See "How We Picked the Best Places for Retirement" at the end of the list for details on our data sources and methodology. It is known for its outdoor recreation, especially fishing. Heres how it works. The city has its very own range, the Phoenix Mountains. Published 8 December 22. The Beehive State, 10th in our 2018 rankings of the best states for retirement (opens in new tab), is a sweet spot for active retirees. Whether you're looking to fly fish or see a show, take up a new hobby or develop an old one, the close-knit communities in these mountain towns have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, meet someone new, and make a fresh home in a beautiful place. Welcome to Cresswind Charlotte! Or consider Piscataquis County to the west (nearly 17,000 people). You can also find 40 parks and more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including the variety of options covering the Rancho La Costa Preserve's Denk Tank Mountain, the highest point in Carlsbad. Undoubtedly, many of you have considered the Grand Canyon State for its retiree-friendly climate and beautiful natural scenery. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, home sales averaged $260,000, as of May 2022, making beach living seriously affordable. A trip to Colorado a few years back to test as a possible new home proved very stressful for my lungs with severe hard breathing, coughing and general fatigue. Updated 12 February 23. state tax Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved new 55+ active adult |... Best skiing think of a better place to put down new roots than these,. 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