Retirement should be about rest and relaxation, but also fun and excitement.
You’ve spent your entire life working for this moment: retirement. You want to spend the next few years having fun and enjoying your days. You no longer have to be part of the rat race, so you’re probably thinking about moving to a place where you can find excitement and fun or perhaps some rest and relaxation.
Depending on what type of person you are and what you enjoy doing, there are a variety of places in the U.S. that are great places for you to retire to. Before packing your bags, you’ll need to consider what you can afford and exactly what type of community you’re looking for. Below are a few places in the U.S. that are great to retire to.
1. Franconia, New Hampshire
If you’re looking for small town living near the mountains, Franconia is the place for you! With a population of just over 1,000 people, the town is next to the White Mountain National Forest. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do including skiing and hiking. You can also visit Robert Frost’s home, the New England Ski Museum, the Franconia Iron Works, Bridal Veil Falls and the Profile House.
Compared to the national average, the crime rate in Franconia is low, and the median house value is around $320,000. The weather could get cold and snowy in the winter, especially since you’re in the northeast part of the country, but if you’re looking for a small mountain town with breathtaking scenery, this is the town for you.
2. Fort Collins, Colorado
Another scenic mountain town to check out for retirement is Fort Collins. It’s larger than Franconia, with a population close to 150,000. Fort Collins is a college town with scenic views. There are a variety of things to do, including outdoor activities (hiking, rafting and outdoor gardens), as well as multiple brewing companies to visit. The median home value in the city is approximately $265,000. It is about an hour away from Denver, so you will have access to great healthcare, sports events and the theater.
3. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids has a population of more than 100,000 people. The median home value is about $140,000, and you will have access to great healthcare. The winters might get a little cold, but they have close to 195 days of sun. There are several historic places to visit in Cedar Rapids, including the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, the Brucemore and the Cedar Rapids Art Museum.
4. Grove, Oklahoma
If you’re looking for a city that’s a bit warmer year-round, you might consider retiring to Grove, Oklahoma. With a population of close to 7,000 people, there are outdoor activities to do, as well as riverboat rides and gambling to pass your time. You can also check out the local art galleries and antique shops.
5. Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you’re looking for a place to retire to near the ocean, why not check out Virginia Beach. The area is family friendly with mild weather and a 3-mile boardwalk. Aside from the beaches, you can also check out the Military Aviation Museum, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Find the perfect vacation home on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
6. Osseo, Minnesota
Osseo is ranked as one of the safest suburbs to live in in Minnesota. It has a population of approximately 2,600 people, and a median home value of approximately $160,000. You’ll have a 20-minute drive to Minneapolis, where you’ll have access to cultural activities and healthcare. In Osseo, you can partake in outdoor activities, shopping and restaurants.
7. Corsica, South Dakota
Without any state income tax, South Dakota is a relatively cheap place to live for your retirement years. Corsica is a small town with a population of just over 600 people. The median home value here is approximately $70,000, and it has low crime rates. The downside is that the weather can vary widely throughout South Dakota, so if you don’t like extreme heat and cold, you may need to reconsider retiring to this town.
8. Portland, Maine
If you’re looking for history and great healthcare, consider moving to Maine. It is ranked in the top 10 for having quality healthcare. There are museums to visit, including the Victoria Mansion, the Maine Jewish Museum and the Portland Museum of Art. You can go to one of their many theaters or visit their outdoor spaces.
When it comes to retirement, you want to live somewhere that meets your needs of fun and excitement or rest and relaxation but still fits into your budget. Depending on your landscape tastes, how warm you want the weather and how many people you want to be around, there is a variety of cities in the U.S. to choose from that are great places to retire to.
Ready to go? Find the perfect rental on Tripping.com, the world's largest vacation rental search engine.
This article was written by Kacey Mya.