10 Top Retirement Locations

Top 10 Retirement Locations In The US

The best retirement places will depend on what factors are being included in the search.  No two searches will come up with the same list of places, though there are many overlapping or common cities in every search.  Each retirement area will have different activities, costs, and other factors when compared to other cities, and these will be important determining factors.

Once such search for retirement new homes and retirement communities in the US listed Boulder, Colorado; Bend, Oregon; Annapolis, Maryland; Austin, Texas; Charlottesville, Virginia; Columbia, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; Sarasota, Florida; Asheville, North Carolina; Ashland, Oregon; Silver City, New Mexico; Sonoma County, California; Key West Florida, and Reno, Nevada as all great areas to retire to.  They included large cities, small towns, and quirky neighborhoods.

Additional Details On Some US Retirement Cities

The South Loop of Chicago is considered an excellent area for retirement new homes, as the South Loop is not in a large city, but is close enough to visit Chicago whenever you desire.  Most of the neighborhoods are converted lofts and condos that were once warehouses, and there is plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping in the area.  This spot is perfect for those retirees that are still socially active, but don’t want to deal with a large house.

Liberty Station is just 2.5 miles from San Diego and is a retirement new homes development.  It spans 125 acres and has scenic riverside walks, biking trails, a golf course, and park.  Punta Gorda, Florida is also a popular retirement area, as Florida has the highest number of retirees.  The housing is very affordable, and the community is very tight with something always going on.

Goose Hollow just outside Portland, Oregon was designed for retirees, and the retirement new homes were developed to escape the demands of the city without completely going into the wilderness.  This retirement area is very quaint and will remind you of those old, small New England towns.  Nature lovers will enjoy themselves, and there are many parks and conservatories close to this area.

Georgetown, South Carolina is the third oldest city in South Carolina and has many activities.  There is a wide range of museums and theaters in town, and you can relax in the rural atmosphere and have fun exploring the historical sections of town.  The Museum district in Houston has many townhouses and condos available for retirees.  Despite being located in the city, you would never notice it when visiting the area.  Historians and art lovers will love this area, and even if you don’t want to live there, you can still come for a visit.

Ocean Pines, Maryland is a private retirement community that provides seclusion.  The area has several pools, golf course, country club, and yacht club.  You will feel like you are on a permanent vacation.  Jacksonville, Florida is a bit different from Punta Gorda, as it is not as rural and you will find there is more going on here.  This area is a popular destination for jazz lovers, with many different types of entertainment and other activities to choose from.

Cape May, New Jersey is a great retirement choice if you love your seasons and don’t want to miss out on winter.  This is a popular tourist spot in the summer, but is less crowded during the other seasons.  The Jersey shore has museums, wineries, lighthouses, boardwalks, and beaches to visit, and you are only a short distance from the airport and Atlantic City casinos.

If you are looking for warm weather all year round, then Mesa, Arizona is the perfect retirement area.  It is usually sunny and warm and contains many historic sites in the surrounding area.  There are plenty of outdoor activities, and this is home to some sports teams’ spring training.

Overseas Retirement

Those looking to retire overseas are looking for some personal freedom and financial opportunity.  They also enjoy the different cultures and activities that each country offers.  There are many great areas you can retire to outside the United States, but there is some important information you should be aware of before purchasing international property.

Overseas retirement is more popular then ever, and despite the fact that retiring in another country is exciting, there are some challenges.  You need to be wary of market trends, as the real estate market is not that great, and the currency conversion is currently not at its best for you to get all you can from retiring to another country.  You should investigate countries that are stable.  A country that has good health care, safety, and proximity will make traveling back to the US much easier.

Before purchasing property in your dream location, you should give it a try and live in the area for a year.  You may find that you love it, or you may find out that it is not as great as you think.  If you rent for a few months, you will be able to uncover the challenges or difficulties that occur when living in that area.  When investigating the area of interest, you should look for other expatriates that live in the area, as they will have knowledge of any difficulties that might arise.

If you are unsure of whom to talk to about finding property, then go to a large, international real estate company, as they will be able to contact agents in the area you are interested in.  You can find a list of companies from the National Association of Realtors.  You should also be aware of how you can buy.  Many retirees tend to pay in cash, but many areas may actually have some financing options.  Even with the current turn in the economy, you may be able to apply and receive a mortgage.  Finally, you need to have a good lawyer who can navigate the ins and outs of the different legal issues and coding for each country; you need to make sure you completely comply with and understand all legalities.