Retirement doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be a new and exciting page in your life when you can explore possibilities and push your boundaries even further.
If you’re a baby boomer about to retire, chances are you’re not planning on fading quietly into the sunset. You are probably scouring the map to find the best place to leave your new mark. If you’re looking for the best state to retire to other than Florida, here are some of our suggestions:
Away from the madening crowd
If much of your work life has been filled with deadlines, crowded commutes, and heavy traffic, there’s a good chance you think the best state to retire to is something that offers the opposite: peace and quiet, no traffic jams, and friendly neighborhoods. It also wouldn’t hurt if low taxes were included in the package. If that’s your dream retirement, consider states like Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Here are some suggestions where to go:
fort collins in colorado
If Colorado’s blue skies beckon and you’re willing to give up, try Fort Collins. There is a lot to see here, thanks to its location. Being close to Rocky Mountain National Park is great if you like to ski, fish and hike. Fort Collins is also where you’ll find Colorado State University and many art galleries and great restaurants.
Spokane and Walla Walla, Washington
Spokane allows you to commune with nature and enjoy the peace and quiet of the northern Rocky Mountains and Columbia River Valley. There are no income taxes, homes are affordable, and utility costs are low.
Walla Walla may have a slightly higher cost of housing, but it still offers some really great shopping. If you’re a wine connoisseur, this city in the southeastern part of Washington is a great place to retire.
A house with a view
Many retirees choose places that offer the most spectacular views as the best states to retire. As such, many actually spend money to buy vacation homes out of state, preferably in places that offer more in terms of livability. So if you like an extended vacation in a state where there are fewer crowds and more quiet, check out some possibilities in states like Arkansas, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Not only are the views stunning, but they also come with affordable prices. Go for:
Williamsburg in Virginia is a heritage-rich colonial city, boasting a friendly population of just 11,800. While the city has an old-town feel, you’ll have access to some modern facilities, including seven hospitals and three airports, all within an hour’s drive.
A permanent education and a lot of play.
Unlike past generations of retirees, today’s baby boomers don’t take retirement sitting down. Retirement no longer means being cooped up at home knitting or gardening, it’s about living a second life and learning more. This is what makes many college towns the best places to retire, where colleges and universities can offer plenty of jobs along with plenty of activities and a young crowd to add to the lively atmosphere. Here’s a place to try:
Charleston, South Carolina
If you like the look of the South and have access to excellent healthcare and nine universities and colleges, South Carolina may be the best state to retire to. There are many places in Charleston or nearby Edisto where you’ll find oak-lined country lanes and still have the opportunity to go fishing, boating, or play a round of golf.
right where you are
Most retirees, especially those in their 40s and 50s, prefer to stay at home, where they raised their children and built their lives. In fact, less than 5% of this age group actually moves across county and state lines, believing it is better to stay than to uproot and start over.
If you are very happy with your home and neighborhood, and have access to healthcare, government agencies, and entertainment, why go anywhere else? Home is often right where you are. If you have no compelling reason to pack up and find another place, your own place may be the best state to retire.