Community Support And New Connections With Nature
David Hintz / Alamy Stock Photo
Falls Park Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Suzanne Miller recalls making childhood visits in the 1960s to Falls Park, the site of the raging waters that gave Sioux Falls its name. You had to know how to get there back then, says Miller, 67, a former U.S. State Department resource officer who returned to her hometown in 2019 after nearly 50 years. There were all these warehouse buildings and salvage yards and not much else.
Today, Phillips Avenues entry to the Falls is lined with restaurants and trendy shops, not to mention Levitt at the Falls, an outdoor music venue whose summer lawn-chair crowds include many older people enjoying the groove.
Such scenes help illustrate Sioux Falls transformation from flyover outpost to emerging destination for retirees seeking affordability and open spaces without sacrificing cultural opportunities and social connections.
Miller, who lived in California for two decades and worked in far-off locales such as Egypt and Ukraine, has joined a book club in Sioux Falls and plays pickleball through Active Generations, a nonprofit organization that provides activities and other support for about 15,000 older residents of Sioux Falls. Social engagement is critical to peoples health, says Active Generations president and CEO Gerald Beninga. And you cant enjoy retirement if youre not healthy.
Stu Whitney
Sioux Falls, South Dakota butterfly house and aquarium
Population
A Diverse Place Thats Easy To Get Around
Jeff Nelson
Mr. Joseph of Jamaican and African Cuisine a small restaurant off Interstate 40 serves his signature dish, which includes Oxtail, steamed cabbage, yellow rice and plantains.
Charles Blalark had his pick of places to retire after 37 years as a street supervisor for the town of Elgin, Illinois. But he returned to the place where he grew up: Jackson, Tennessee. At the end of the day, its still got that hometown feeling, the 72-year-old says. And the cost of living is fantastic.
Its status as a majority-minority city is a big draw for retirees looking for a diverse place to live. Jackson also prides itself on being gridlock free drivers can zip through town in 15 to 20 minutes. Even with the relaxed pace, Jackson was among the first cities in Tennessee to get ultrafast internet with download speeds of 1 gigabit per second.
Jackson has abundant parks, greenways and walking trails. And retirees will find plenty of opportunities for golf, fishing and hiking. There are numerous fitness centers, including Lift, an 84,000-square-foot facility with a medical clinic, three indoor pools and a healthy café. Jackson offers free concerts at the Amp, an outdoor amphitheater next to the farmers market. And retirees can see musicals and plays at the performing arts center that locals call The Ned.
Sheila Burke
Jeff Nelson
On this beautiful fall afternoon, The Jackson Amphitheater known as The Amp, showcases local performers for the residents.
Population
Peter Frank Edwards
The Best States To Retire In 2022
According to Bankrates study, Florida is the best state for retirement in 2022, followed by Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri. Alaska, on the other hand, held last place in our ranking. The state was dragged down by back-of-the-pack scores in affordability and weather. Alaska did rank first in one subcategory its residents bear the nations lowest tax burden.
Why should retirees pick Florida? The Sunshine State has long been a haven for retirees. If you like a warm climate, Florida has the second-hottest average temperatures, right behind Hawaii. However, the high incidence of hurricanes and tornadoes hurts Floridas weather ranking.
The state topped our ranking of culture and diversity. If youre looking for retirement-age friends, youll have a good chance of finding them in this state where 21 percent of the population is age 65 and older. Thats the second-largest share of 65+ folks of any state, Census data shows. Meanwhile, for potential retirees seeking a cultural melting pot, Florida boasts solid racial diversity and a significant LGBTQ population.
Affordability was once a big selling point for Florida retirees, but that advantage is fading. The states cost of living has been rising, although the tax burden remains light. Florida ranks No. 18 in Bankrates affordability index.
The rest of the top five:
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Cheapest States To Retire
If you are looking to save some money while in retirement, start by choosing one of the cheapest states to retire. The following are a few of the cheapest states based on tax rates for retirees, cost of living for seniors, and health care costs.
Alabama is considered a tax-friendly state for retirees according to Kiplinger. This means that most senior benefits including Social Security and pension funds are not taxed by the state. In addition, homeowners who are over 65 do not have to pay property taxes to the state. Alabama doesnt have an estate or inheritance tax either. You will have to pay for sales taxes on food, personal items, and medicine, which is something to consider.
Arizona offers a cost of living for seniors that is nearly 4 percent lower than the U.S. average. It is little wonder that Arizona is home to some of the biggest senior cities in the nation including Peoria, Tempe, and Mesa. In fact, Kiplinger notes that Prescott, Arizona is one of the cheapest cities to live for seniors in Arizona, while still offering a goldmine of senior services and activities for retirees. Plus, Arizona offers some of the best weather in terms of sunshine and mild winters, which is why it is a hot place to go for senior snowbirds from northern states.
Here are some of the other cheapest states to retire to:
Top 10 Best Cities For Seniors In Florida
With Floridas unique landscape and pleasant year-round weather, its very common for senior citizens to either move here permanently or become snowbirds. Many cities in Florida offer ideal places for seniors to live.
In addition to its warm climate, Florida offers beautiful beaches and natural preserves as well as high-quality dining and entertainment. With home values below the national median and #29 ranking as far as cost-of-living, its not surprising many retirees flock to Florida. But where are some of the best places to live in Florida for retirees?
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Most Affordable Places To Retire In America
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Once senior citizens hit a certain age, they start to think about retiring. There are many locations across the states that offer what each person may be looking for when moving to that perfect paradise to live out the rest of your days, no matter how long you may have. It is not surprising to see that the State of Florida is well known to have a caravan of snowbirds from the northern states to find their way down to the sunshine state to retire here. Some also come to Georgia, Arizona, South Carolina, or other States that provide lots of fun and exciting attractions for seniors to do once they put in their notice and start receiving their long-awaiting pension. However, not every senior wants to spend the price it cost to live off the coast. The good news is that there are places within these towns that still provide affordable housing for seniors to kick back and soak in the sun.
Top 10 Cities In India To Live After Retirement
If you are looking for the best places to live in India after retirement, here are 10 Indian cities you can consider:
Chandigarh is a senior citizens haven, Indias first planned city with excellent connectivity, and a pollution-free environment.
- Cost of Living: Mid to High
- Liveability of Community: Good
- Monthly rent: 20k to 40k for a 2-3 BHK apartment
- Air quality: Good
- Medical facilities: Good with ample public healthcare units
- Banks and financial institutions: Average
With an inflow of thousands of foreign tourists throughout the year, Rishikesh is probably the best place to live after retirement in India. There is nothing quite like Rishikesh to receive spiritual guidance. It is also a popular destination for alternative medicine including Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Moreover, having multiple health clubs and yoga centres makes staying active in Rishikesh easier. Rishikesh is also much cheaper than major Indian cities in terms of accommodation and daily activities.
Mumbai is rightly called the cultural capital of India owing to a booming music and film industry. However, the city is extremely populated, which might be to your liking if you like the hustles and bustles of a metropolitan city.
- Cost of Living: High
- Medical facilities: Good
- Banks and financial institutions: Good
With excellent connectivity and medical facilities, Delhi is suitable for senior citizens, although the high crime rates and ever-growing pollution might make it unliveable for some retirees.
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Where To Retire In Port St Lucie:
Building on the resounding success of both Valencia Cay and Valencia Grove, which sold out at unprecedented rates, GL Homes is excited to introduce Valencia Walk coming soon to Riverland! The third 55+ community to be built as a part of the overall 4,000-acre Riverland masterplan, Valencia Walk will offer the next generation of new home designs, incredible amenities and is located in very close proximity to Riverlands 5-acre Arts & Culture Center, as well as the future City Parks and Town Center.
Anchor In Affordable Arkansas
Arkansas is famous for diamond mines, and its also fast becoming famous for the rental diamonds that can be found in The Land of Opportunity. It shares the top spot for lowest rental prices with Iowa, and that puts the state right up there with the cheapest states for seniors to retire in.
2022 Average Rent: $707
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Where To Retire Near Palm Beach
Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake is an active adult community located in Westlake, FL between Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens. The clubhouse offers residents a place to gather and participate in social activities facilitated by a full-time Lifestyle Director.
Outdoor amenities include pickleball & tennis courts, walking trails, a resort-style pool and spa, a resistance pool, a dog park, and event and entertainment areas.
Health Care Total Points: 25
- Percentage of Residents Who Are Fully Vaccinated: Double Weight
- Family Medicine Physicians per 10,000 Residents: Full Weight
- Gerontologists per 10,000 Residents Aged 65 & Older: Full Weight
- Dentists per 10,000 Residents: Half Weight
- Nurses per 1,000 Residents: Full Weight
- Physical Therapists per 10,000 Residents: Full Weight
- Number of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors per 10,000 Residents: Full Weight
- Suicide Rate for Elders: Full Weight
- Health Care Facilities per Capita: Full** Weight
- Quality of Public Hospital System: Full** Weight Note: This metric is based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ranking of public hospital systems.
- Top-Rated Geriatrics Hospitals: Full Weight
- Home-Care Facilities per Capita: Full Weight
- Life Expectancy: Full Weight
- Death Rate of Population Aged 65 & Older: Full Weight
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Spain Second Most Popular Place To Live
Also based on Google searches, a study by insurance company American Home Shield, found that after Canada, Spain is the most popular country to which Americans move residence.
Search data shows that interest in moving abroad has soared by as much as 29% in the U.S, the study reports, adding that Spain boasts Europe’s largest American population and endured a 13% rise in U.S.-born residents between 2019 and 2021.
Various surveys confirm a recent wave of Americans relocating to Europe. As reported by Bloomberg, Americans who cant afford homes are moving to Europe instead and Spain, with its mild weather, rich culture and good quality of life is naturally a big draw.
What Makes Windriver Unique
WindRiver is a debt-free resort style planned community, with waterfront property on beautiful Tellico Lake. The community is family owned and operated by the Ayres, who have strong ties to the East Tennessee area. The Ayres have called WindRiver their Legacy Project and treat it as such, you will see them on property 7 days a week and at majority of the community events.
WindRivers beautiful amenities create a perfect place for those wanting an active lifestyle. With the lake in your back yard, 30 miles of hiking trails, a sports complex and a championship course all at your fingertips not to mention all of the events held on property there will always be something to keep you active.
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Experience The Luxurious Lifestyle Here At Windriver
With some of the most stunning property anywhere in Tennessee, including the inherent beauty of a lakeside landscape, the gentle rustle at the shoreline of the lake, the skyscapes that provide vast and majestic sunrises and sunsets on the horizon, WindRiver has developed a community with breathtaking homesites, luxurious homes, and resort amenities. The WindRiver lifestyle is transforming.
Most Affordable & Best Places To Retire In California In 2023
Why is California a popular retirement destination?
Well, California is a popular retirement destination because everyone wants to reside in a place thats economy is financially stable. California exempts retired people and military retirees from personal income tax which is the main reason every retiree wants to reside here. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in California but the stunning beaches and few affordable places make it one of the best retirement hubs for senior citizens.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you wont pay any extra penny, but Ill get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Retiring In California
Pros:
- From the epic national park, and incredible nature to mountains, beaches, and hiking trails, California has everything.
- The temperature in summer is around 80 degrees to 85 degrees F, whereas in winter it is 65 degrees to 68 degrees F.
- California is the hub of tech companies and the film industry. California is home to Google, Facebook, Netflix, Tesla and many more such big companies.
Cons:
- The fire danger in California is real, and we all know past news.
- The overall cost of living is much higher compared to America. However, the fastest-growing cities in Californiaare hoping for newcomers.
- Driving from point A to Point B in California is a nightmare, everyone owns a car and the traffic jam is tremendously annoying.
- Some California cities have higher crime rates than the national average. These are the most dangerous cities in California that you should avoid.
Final Words
So, is California a good state to retire? Of course, it is. If California was always your dream then please make sure you reside in any of these top places to retire in California. Here you can have a life that you always dreamt of. Its time to give wings to your dreams and reside in any of these affordable retirement homes in California. You deserve it! Read our ultimate California moving checklist.
Sacramento Is One Of The Cheapest Places To Live In Northern California
Its relative proximity to San Francisco, wine country, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and the Sierras puts Sacramento in an enviable position for active retirees. The leafy downtown riverfront has a historic “Old Town” and the city’s dining scene is tagged as “farm-to-fork,” emphasizing access to the extensive Central Valley’s fresh, local produce. Sunny days and mild evenings year-round do become hot in summer.
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Best Places To Retire In Texas Under 100k Population
Where you choose to live in retirement may be based on your life circumstances such as the need, or desire, to be in relatively close proximity to family, part time work, or even your doctor and/or medical treatment facility. However, if you are more flexible, but still want to live in Texas, weve put together a nice list of the best places to retire in Texas.
With local.niche.com doing the heavy lifting of gathering data on cities and towns across Texas, weve focused our efforts on the top 10 best places to retire. The key factors for grading each town included monthly housing cost, crime rate, property tax rate, weather, access to doctors, and access to grocery stores. Additional factors considered were access to golf courses, recreation, and restaurants. Also more heavily taken into consideration were the number of residents in the communities age 65 and older and those of that age group who had recently moved into the area.
When grading the best places to retire in Texas, town population was also a key factor. For this article, only towns of less than 100,000 residents were considered. If youd prefer a larger city, we did a nice piece last year on the Top 10 Cities for Retirement in the U.S.
Lets get going on our countdown of the 10 best places to retire in Texas with a population of less than 100,000 residents. The number 10 spot goes to
#10 Silsbee
Tampa Fldo You Like Riverwalks Sporting Events And P P P Pirates
Coming in at #5 on our list of The Top 5 Best Places to Live in Florida for Seniors, Seashells and Serenity is Tampa, Florida. Tampa is the third largest city in the state of Florida and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. It is also ranked 6th in The Best Places to Retire in 2021-2022 according to U.S. News and World Report.
If you are a senior who enjoys the perks of big city amenities and great weather, Tampa might just be the perfect location for you. Tampa is located right on the ocean and is known for its metro vibe but still maintains its carefree, beach-loving, roots. The area includes Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Brandon. Tampa ranks on our Top 5 Places to Live for Seniors because of its ability to create a lifestyle where seniors can stay active, have fun and socialize with friends in a city environment where events are just blocks away.
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