When looking to consider a suitable place to relax and retire what comes to mind? Affordable housing, desirability, taxes, health care and happiness. Our team has uncovered 5 excellent places to find peace mind in your later years:
1. Fort Myers, Florida
Population: 700,165
Share of population age 60+: 34%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,377
Median monthly rent: $1,035
Hospital: Lee Memorial Hospital
Fort Myers is a popular retirement destination, and over a third of the population is age 60 or older. This Gulf Coast city scored well on the desirability and happiness metrics, with residents reporting they have supportive relationships and are able to comfortably manage their economic life, according to surveys by Gallup and U.S. News. The median home price of $200,200 makes the Fort Myers area an affordable place to spend your retirement years fishing, boating or relaxing at the beach.
2. Sarasota, Florida
Population: 768,381
Share of population age 60+: 38%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,436
Median monthly rent: $1,089
Hospital: Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Sarasota’s white sand beaches, including Lido Key and Siesta Key, draw many retirees to the area. Sarasota scored highly in a Gallup survey of well-being, with residents saying they have supportive social and community relationships. The moderate housing costs allow retirees on a budget to enjoy a Florida beach retirement. There’s no state income tax in Florida, which benefits those who plan to work part time in retirement.
3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Population: 536,494
Share of population age 60+: 23%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,482
Median monthly rent: $957
Hospital: Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
This former capital of Pennsylvania is located between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Lancaster residents told Gallup that they like where they live and feel safe in their community. The median home price is just $189,600 among people age 60 and older. Lancaster is surrounded by Amish farmland, and you’ll find plenty of Amish produce, baked goods and craft items at local stores and the bustling Lancaster Central Market. The city has a growing foodie scene with a diverse collection of cuisines, and old warehouses and buildings have been transformed into hip restaurants and bars.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Population: 445,625
Share of population age 60+: 28%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,244
Median monthly rent: $849
Asheville is the ideal place to launch an outdoor adventure to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests or a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This mountain town scores high marks for affordability and desirability. Residents report liking where they live and having pride in their community, according to a Gallup survey. Asheville has long been a haven for artists, writers and musicians, and is increasingly known for its innovative chefs who make artistic creations with locally sourced ingredients and craft-brew enthusiasts who have founded unique breweries.
5. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Population: 454,482
Share of population age 60+: 32%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,392
Median monthly rent: $1,074
Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, Port St. Lucie combines a reasonable cost of living with high marks for desirability. Port St. Lucie also scored well on the happiness metric, largely due to residents reporting a lack of stress in their economic life, according to a Gallup survey. In addition to the ocean beaches, you can explore the freshwater marshes at Savannas Preserve State Park and the boardwalk trails at Hillmoor Lake Park. Sports enthusiasts can check out the New York Mets spring training at First Data Field.
Photo by Elena Saharova on Unsplash