Where to live is a huge dilemma many of us face, when we’re making plans to retire. If you live in a big expensive city like I do, more than likely you plan on moving somewhere less pricey. A city where you can get more bang for your buck. Usually retirees that raised children in large homes look to downsize. Then there are others..myself included, who have lived in an apartment for quite sometime, and would love to have a bit more space during this season of their lives.
Another thing to consider is that people are retiring from conventional jobs much earlier these days, and are looking for interesting and exciting options. Gone are the days when most retired at sixty-five years old, and moved to Florida. Nowadays we have the world travelers, the semi retirees that are working remotely building businesses, and the people who prefer to be apart of a retirement community. The face of retirees has become super diverse in recent years.
As I prepare to leave the job market, and work remotely full time on my own endeavors , I’ve been doing a little research. This research lead me towards plenty of data online, and in periodicals. I also got quite a bit of information from my colleagues, and friends, who are living the retired lifestyle already. Below I have compiled a short list of cities, along with some of the reasons why they are a good choice, when you’re ready to ride off into the sunset of retirement. Let’s get into it.
Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax is located in northern Virginia. Its tax burden is in the mid range at 16.70%. It has 15.55 medical centers per 1000 residents, and2.91 retirement communities per 1000 residents. Not so bad huh? One of its most attractive qualities is its close proximty to Washington D.C and its cultural options. The Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian museums, and then National Mall are just a few.
Cumming, Georgia
Located near the shores of Lake Lanier, Cumming has not been named best place to retire on the East coast, but best in the country. It has tons of medical facilities, 32.93 per 1000 residents, and 8.59 retirement communities per 1000 residents. It has a ton of recreational centers, and is close enough to Atlanta, that one could take advantage of all the arts and entertainment options the city offers. Although the city has a pretty steep tax burden at 18%, it has many pros, like being near Lake Lanier. There you can enjoy boating, swimming and the beach.
Memphis, Tennessee
Now if affordability is one of your biggest concerns, the cost of living in Memphis is 26% below the national average. It’s also amongst the cities with the lowest cost for transportation, utilities and housing.
Annual Expenditures : $31.000 | Annual Housing:$10,200 | Annual Health Care:$5,700
Detroit, Michigan
Now I know a lot of you might be thinking that Detroit hasn’t been the most attractive or safest place to live in the past, but a lot has changed. Its steady growth of galleries, markets, community gardens, housing, and the 50 block sports and entertainment district thats in the works, makes for a new improved affordable Detroit.
Annual Expenditures: $34,300 | Annual Housing: $9,250 | Annual Health Care: $6,160
Seaford, Delaware
From a financial standpoint, Seaford is an exceptionally good choice. It has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country at 11%. Which means you won’t be forking over a large amount of your income to uncle Sam. Seaford doesn’t have a ton of retirement communities though, only 0.14 per 1000 residents. Also, if you’re any thing like me, you might be concerned that there’s not a huge amount of medical centers either. The city has approximately 7.2 medical centers per 1000 residents, which is not an extremely bad number overall.
What is great about this city is that it is home to a number of parks, which is great for those who love the great outdoors. Seaford is also host to the biggest annual Christmas parade on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Well, there you have it guys. I hope I’ve given you some options to think about and look into, when you’re ready to hang that “Gone Fishing” sign.
Photos: @wildnyc
Until our next stylish encounter, as always loves stay inspired
xoxo
Love, love this dress on you my Dear. I have lived in Florida since 1989 and Yes. . . It is true that Florida is not what it once was, But, we have no state income taxes, and G R E A T weather. So, Come on down. . . .