The Best Active Adult Communities for Boaters. By Dan Burrows Regardless of which stage you're at in your retirement planning, it's important to save as much as you can in a tax-advantaged account like a workplace 401(k) plan or an IRA, which you can open at several banks. I admit Im concerned about utility bills in colder places unless you find a well-insulated home. If the draw of nearby destinations likeYellowstone,Grand Teton National Parksor theCraters of the Moon National Monumentisnt enough to lure you to this small town in EasternIdaho, maybe the promise of a symphony, opera, museums, zoo and minor league baseball teamseal the deal. Older folks don't seem too interested in facing the Last Frontier in retirement. A state fund fueled by oil wealth gives all permanent residents an annual dividend. Hunting and fishing are also popular local activities. Its location atop the Snake River Canyon provides for outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hiking, golf, whitewater rafting and skiing. Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles! A health savings account is a beneficial tool for retirement planning. 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. Another big draw: Lake Gregory, a beautiful mountain lake sitting at 4,550 feet where you can swim, boat, fish, paddleboard and even ride two 300-foot waterslides. This is a golfer's paradise with more than 100 courses in the area. Newsletter Archive | Homebuyers hoping to find a city that balances nightlife and outdoor activities will feel right at home in Las Vegas. Train aficionados can enjoy the area's railroad history and displays of locomotives, including the world's largest steam engine (also retired). Site Rules | 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. Fans of the TV series Breaking Bad will recognize the scenery around this town butting up against the Sandia Mountains. Take a peek at why Wears Valley is the best mountain town in Tennessee. This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Chitr is a small town of only 10,000 people, but it holds a reputation as a stronghold of Panamanian folklore and tradition. By signing up, I agree to 55places.com privacy policy and terms of use. Even nearby towns like Salt Lake can't compete with Ogden's low prices. We then leverage that expertise to develop city rankings for a range of topics including small towns, college towns and our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live. Active adults hoping to find a unique city for their retirement should consider everything Salt Lake City has to offer. Fayetteville ranks 11th for community well-being on the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index with residents reporting high levels of liking where they live, feeling safe and having pride in their community. On top of its friendly-tax status, most parts of Tennessee have below-average living costs across the board for retired residents. If you're age 65 and up, you can take WVU courses, for credit or not, at a discount. The cost of living is 10%. Sitting above the Snake River Canyon, this town is known as the hub of the eight-county Magic Valley region. If youre ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider. Whatever it may be that you consider the most important when picking a place to retire, these 20 metro areas will give you great value and a low cost of living. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, home sales averaged $260,000, as of May 2022, making beach living seriously affordable. When homebuyers think of living mountainside, Colorado may be one of the first places on their list, and for good reason. It gets its name from the naturally heated springs in the area, which you can find in Hot Springs National Park, and also Bathhouse Row, which is home to bathhouses that date back centuries. 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. If rising before the sun to get in an early ski run or mountain bike adventure before work sounds like your idea of bliss, the mountains are calling your name. There are plenty of benefits to living exclusively among your generational peers, and also perhaps a few challenges. Could you live in the mountains, or would you prefer lower altitudes or the coasts. It can cost your family thousands of dollars each year if you end up in one of the worst states for taxes after a move. When we retire, we lose a lot. How to avoid retirement shock. Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. Silvia Ascarelli is a senior news editor for MarketWatch based in New York. Seattle is home to famous sights and attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Mammoth Lakes, CA - Average Home Cost: $438,686. Chattanooga, Tennessee. By David Muhlbaum The metro area of Fayetteville, which includes Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville, offers low costs but plenty of attractions. It is home to a number of ski resorts, including Big Mountain Ski Area. With a population of 84,000, Ogden is on the smaller side, but when it comes to outdoor adventures, the opportunities are massive. One potential drawback is there are only 2 ways to get here by sea or air. Phoenix, though, offers a pocket of affordability, plus typically higher incomes. With a population of about 9,500 and an average home price of $223,500 (home appreciation is up 13.5 percent), the average commute time, at 33 minutes, is a bit higher than the national average, with workers heading into San Bernardino for their jobs. Readers, where do you think Lisa and her husband should retire? Or you can enjoy more leisurely paths of the Huntsville Greenway system. Not that there are really seasons in Carlsbad: Throughout the year, average highs fall between 62 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and average lows only go down to between 45 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Weather.com. Another time back before we retired, I extended a business trip to Switzerland where one night we stayed at 8000 feet. Foodies will enjoy retiring in Palm Desert with 150+ restaurants offerings cuisine of all types. 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. Idaho Fallsmight not be a mountain town in the literal sense, but asthe closest metropolitan area to any of Yellowstone National Parks entrances, it serves as a gateway to some of the countrys most stunning mountain terrain. Free Baby Boomers Guide | This nature-rich refuge of inviting streetscapes, manicured landscaping and miles of walking trails Cadence at Lansdowne is a brand new 55+ active adult community offering a vibrant lifestyle in Lansdowne, Virginia. AdvantagesFor those who aspire to a mountain retirement, here are some of the advantages that come with them: Cooler summers. And many people aren't able to strike a balance: The poverty rate in Albuquerque among residents age 65 and up is 9.9%, compared with 9.3% for the U.S., but better than the 11.9% rate for New Mexico. A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests is sure to restore your sense of wonder. Pigeon Forge, one of Tennessee's favorite towns, is a longtime favorite spot for vacationers, but it's also a great spot to retire. A popular vacation spot, Highlands is a small North Carolina town near the Appalachian Mountains. It is located in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by mountains on all sides. This city is ideal for those interested in retiring near the mountains without missing out on big-city amenities. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older. Buyers Market vs. Sellers Market: Whats the Status Right Now? Daytona Beach has a population of nearly 75,000 and 20% of people are age 65 and up. What is your favorite mountain town for retirement? Taking money from your IRA may seem like a simple matter, but it's a decision that must be timed right. 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. Bozeman area mountains Bozeman, Montana. If youd love to make your vacation spot a year-round residence, this smallCaliforniatown, about a 20-minute drive fromSan Bernardino, is worth a look. Homebuyers hoping to find their ideal Tennessee mountain home should consider looking to Knoxville. And nearby is the tallest peak in Georgia,Brasstown Bald, which welcomes hikers, nature lovers and picnics too. You know your budget best. This mountain resort town in Colorado draws tourists for its sports and views. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Current market conditions bring both opportunity and risk. Las Vegas may not be the first city on the list when it comes to mountain views, but Sin Citys location along Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area puts homeowners within reach of the McCullough Range and the Spring Mountains. I want to retire in a liberal-thinking area on $3,000 a month, including rent where should I go? There are many parks, a national forest, and the popular Shoshone Falls. Any time you look you will see a dazzling array of cliffs, trees, peaks, and more. How do I make it last? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Site Map | For people with respiratory or circulation problems, the thinner air can be problematic. Less daylight. Q and A These high-altitude spots offer residents an active lifestyle and stunning scenery without breaking the bank. Laid-off Meta cafeteria workers ask for the same severance as the companys employees, Why a change of scenery can be life-changing in retirement, Lawmakers consider plan to raise Social Securitys full retirement age to 70. A small mountain town? It's also just north of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, another great mountain community with a charming downtown that's well worth a visit. Of our 50 picks, these 20 retirement spots across the U.S. offer the added benefit of nearby peaks and valleys to explore. With plenty of things happening at the town's art center, community theater, breweries, and restaurants, there's lots to enjoy in town. 16 Great Small Towns for Early Retirement. 1. Loner types should love the Cowboy State. I love to trail walk. Tax Breaks Classifieds | A north Georgia mountain town with an old soul, Blue Ridge is a fun town for retirees. Average income for population 65+: $51,853 (U.S.: $56,453) As one of the 10 Cheapest States Where You'll Want to Retire, the Heart of . Its part of the same metropolitan area as Logan, Utah, suggested here. The nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range and Lake Tahoe provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking and boating in warm weather, and skiing in winter. Thats quite a challenge. Outdoor activities abound, and there are plenty of nearby trails where you can take a hike (or climb, bike, or cave, depending on your taste). I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting [emailprotected] Message/data rates may apply. 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. Denver offers 14,000 acres of parks nearby in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with ample opportunity for hiking, biking and exploring. And when the sun goes down, local casinoscomplete with concert venues, restaurants and more, along with table games, slots and bingohelp energize the local nightlife. Great Places to Retire Early Near the Beach. Georgetown is a haven for the old and the young. The city's median home value is just $173,900 versus $262,900 in Nashville and $229,000 throughout the country. For flexibility and a sense of purpose, consider these jobs for people over 50. A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests is sure to restore your sense of wonder. Learn which one is right for you. 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. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. The population is 86,000, and Weber State University is located in town. In general though, the city's violent crime rate is a low 175.4 reported incidents per 100,000 residents, compared with a 297.8 rate for all U.S. cities of similar size, according to the FBI. Greylock rises to 3,500 above town. From his University of Virginia's hollering Hoos to the artists on the downtown promenade, the Charlottesville community is an unexpected blend of Southern charm and liberal edge, a nice choice for a range of retiree personalities. Published 11 January 23. real estate 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. Living costs throughout Alaska are significantly higher than is typical across the continental U.S. We will email you a link to quickly reset your password. Hunting, fishing, hiking are excellent. All Rights Reserved. You can follow her on Twitter @SilviaAscarelli. All that comes with below-average costs, but also below-average incomes. Theres also world-class art at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCa, for short) in North Adams. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Another popular attraction in the area is Dollywood, a theme park modeled after Dolly Parton and her early life growing up in Tennessee. , Blue Ridge is a small North Carolina town near the Mountains without missing out on big-city.! Only 2 ways to get here by sea or air Fayetteville, which includes Springdale, and. 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