Ideally, when you are ready to retire, you will have saved up the right amount of money to relocate to an area that will give you the quality of life you deserve. You’ll be able to leave that congested, crowded city and move to a location that better suits your interests. With so many beautiful cities in the United States, how do you choose which one is best for your retirement move? We want to ease the stress of making your decision by giving you our top six best places to retire.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Coming up on number one of your best places to retire is Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is known for its proximity to the scenic blue ridge mountains with amazing views and air quality. The town has a notably homey, rustic feel and outstanding eateries. A thriving town of just over 93,000 residents, Asheville has an abundance of doctors for any medical needs you may have, although, for some, the cost of living may be higher than expected. The median home price is about $308,000, 8% above the national median of $285,000. So, if the price seems just right for you, Asheville may be worth looking into!
2. Lewiston, Maine
With its location on the Androscoggin River, plentiful trees, and the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, Lewiston is a city fit for nature lovers. It’s a scenic town of 36,000 (the state’s second-largest city after Portland) about 25 miles northwest of the coast in southeastern Maine. Locals love going to museums, hearing live music, going on hikes, attending the theater, or eating at the plethora of restaurants available. The air quality is exceptional, the crime rate is very low, and medical care is abundant. The median home price is $165,000, 42% below the national median, making the cost of living 5% below the national average.
3. Pensacola, Florida
For those seeking a more affordable retirement spot with tropical weather, Pensacola is a suitable contender. Not only does the town have tons of family-friendly attractions, but you also get access to a variety of beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Take a walk along the shore or a boat ride on the Gulf of Mexico to scout dolphins, sea turtles, and rays. The median monthly mortgage cost is about $1,287 – marking this city as very affordable.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
In this location, you could make the vacation lifestyle your everyday lifestyle. Myrtle Beach is known for its golf courses, over 60 miles of beaches, fresh seafood, and captivating nightlife. The area is considered very affordable for all it has to offer; it has a reasonable median monthly mortgage cost of around $1,267. Aside from the beautiful beaches and delicious food, the city has famous museums, helicopter rides, theaters, aquariums, sports, and a boardwalk with plenty of water activities. It’ll be hard keeping the grandkids away when living in a city like this!
5. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. While Texas has bigger, more popular cities with a higher cost of living, San Antonio is located about 90 miles from Austin and has far lower living costs. The city has a median monthly mortgage cost of about $1,458, making it very affordable for many retirees. The city offers scenic views, amusement parks, museums, and much more. Not to mention that Texas doesn’t have a state income tax; retirees who work get to keep more of their earnings.
6. Naples, Florida
If we wanted to make this list consist of Florida-only cities, we could have. So, it’s no surprise that there’s yet another Florida city on our list. With a Median monthly mortgage cost of about $1,787, Naples is more expensive than other Florida cities. However, the price is small to pay for a higher quality of life. According to an annual Gallup survey, Naples residents report the greatest sense of well-being in the country. Residents can enjoy the white-sand beaches, spacious golf courses, and mild winter weather. What more could you ask?
Choosing a retirement town is a significant step in life. Do plenty of homework to ensure the retirement destination you select meets your needs and expectations and is worth the investment. We would recommend doing your research on finding the best places to retire and taking a short vacation to your prospective area. Aside from your future city’s traits, you also want to make sure you have the funds to live comfortably. At RITA, we have IRA custodians who can guide and assist you and all your financial retirement planning needs. It’s best to prepare now so you can enjoy your retirement to the fullest later.