The best places to retire in the USA
So you have decided to retire in the USA. Which are the best places to retire in the USA, the best retirement cities and states, retirement communities, and small towns for retirement? Of course that very much depends on what is important to you, and the standard of living you expect. We review the best communities, cities and states in the near future. For now, we offer these articles about retiring in the USA and suggestions for great retirement places. The content of these articles represents the view of the authors and not necessarily GreatRetirementPlaces.com. Enjoy!
Where are the Baby Boomers Planning to Retire?
By Jeffrey Wendland
With baby boomers reaching retirement age, there is going to be a large number of retirees looking for a new place to live. With there being so many different places to move to, all with their own ups and downs to each, one really needs to do some research before making the move. Each state in the U.S. can be a fine place for retirement but this article is going to focus on three of the most popular retirement destinations, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona.
One of the most popular spots to move to for retirement is Florida. Florida offers much to people who have retired. The weather is beautiful (when there is no hurricanes) and the state has more beach front then almost any other state in the U.S. While some parts of Florida like Miami or Marco Island can have a very high cost of living, much of the state is still very affordable. Florida also offers retirement communities for any budget.
Retirement communities are very popular for seniors who want an active lifestyle. There is golf, cards, pot lucks and many other events to stay busy and have fun. Probably the biggest downside to Florida is the hurricane season. It seems that Florida has been hit especially hard over the last 10 years which makes for some inconveniences with having to board up your house and it can really make your insurance more expensive then what you might be used to.
Colorado is another popular state to retire in. Colorado offers beautiful mountains living, or if you prefer, you can live on lower grounds with a great view of the mountains from your house. Like Florida, there are some very expensive towns to live in that not everyone can afford, but there also are very affordable places to live with a lot to offer. One of the biggest benefits of living in Colorado is the Rocky Mountains. Living in the mountains or in the foothills can offer breathtaking surroundings for your retirement. The mountains and rivers provide some of the best in kayaking, hiking and fly fishing in the nation.
On top of that, Colorado also offers world classic downhill skiing. The ski towns are rather expensive, but you can live within a short drive of them for a fraction of the price. The Main drawback for some people is much of the state does get heavy snow in the winter and with the mountains this can mean many roads will close and things can stand still.
Another popular state to retire in is Arizona. Arizona offers many different climates all within a couple of hour drive from each other. The weather is beautiful in Arizona and while there is a lack of lakes and beaches, at least there are no hurricanes to worry about. Towns like Prescott or Flagstaff are in higher elevations with great wildlife and mountains.
Or you can live in the south near Tucson or Phoenix. It is really amazing to be in 90-100 degree weather one minute in Phoenix, then you can drive two hours north and there will be snow on the ground in the shade. Arizona offers much for retirees. It is a great state for golf and outdoor living. Towns like Sedona are also very popular for the beautiful red rock formations.
One of the main drawbacks to retiring in Arizona is the extreme heat in the summers in the south, the Phoenix valley rivals Los Angeles for Smog, and with it being a largely desert state there is a lack of water.
Florida, Colorado and Arizona are all worth considering for your retirement. Each state is a great place to live in their own right. Each state also has retirement communities or other great housing for couples or singles to enjoy.
Each of these states can be a wonderful place to retire.
Before you decide where to move, some of the key factors are going to be your budget, what kind of weather you prefer and do you prefer mountains, beaches or scenic desert climates?
Finally, consider how far away your family may live. You'll want to see those kids and grandkids!
The author of this article publishes (http://www.ourtimenow.com), a retirement guide for couples.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Wendland
http://EzineArticles.com/?Where-are-the-Baby-Boomers-Planning-to-Retire?&id=496850
50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America
By Nathalie Fiset
Retirement has its joys and pains, but if you're ready and equipped for it, retirement should be your chance to do what you've always wanted to do and live in a town you've always wanted to be in. It you're getting ready to retire, here is a list of the 50 most fabulous places to retire in America in no particular order:
1 to 8. Alabama has not one, not two but eight fabulous places to retire in America - Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan and Decatur offer the best of 'Bama.
9 to 10. California is fabulous in many ways, thanks to lots of sun, beaches and plenty of things to do; all these things and more that you can do in San Diego and Paso Robles.
11 to 13. When people think of retirement, Florida is never far from their mind. So if you want to find a fabulous place for retirement, go Gainesville, Tallahassee or Sarasota.
14 to 17. Washington has Spokane, Lexington and Walla Walla, three fabulous places to retire in. Spokane is a large city for retirees but it sure offers plenty in terms of affordability. Lexington is gaining popularity and Walla Walla was voted one of the best places for retirees in 2006, so there's your cue. Don't forget Bellingham, a nature lover's dream place.
18. Portsmouth in New Hampshire has the honor of being one of the 10 places in America that's considered safest, so consider retiring here.
19. Ashland in Oregon is not just about the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, it's also a cozy, fabulous place to retire in America.
20. Coeur d'Alene in Idaho may sound French, but it's all American. You'll love the fabulousness of the outdoors, with all its beautiful scenery. By the way, it's pronounced as 'core da lane'.
21 to 24. Virginia has some of the most fabulous places that we can call close to heaven - Charlottesville, Anacortes, Williamsburg and Blacksburg.
25 to 26. Logan in Utah used to be just a town you used for a stop over when going to Yellowstone, but it is a fabulous place to retire in America thanks to its charm and opportunities for recreation. You'll love St. George for its mild winters and desert climate.
27. Skiing is not the only thing to do in Burlington, Vermont. There's plenty of local culture, lots of opportunities for learning and yes, this is where Ben & Jerry's ice cream was born.
28 to 29. The Little Apple is a fabulous place to retire in and it's called Manhattan. You'll love the natural beauty of this town in Kansas, along with the fact you'll have plenty of time to play golf. You'll also find Lawrence a fantastic place to retire in.
30 to 31. Can't get enough of Ivy living? Live your retirement in Hanover or Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
32. If you prefer to soak in the Midwest life, Ames, Indiana is the perfect, fabulous place to retire in.
33 to 34. Beaufort in South Carolina is historic and filled with charming restaurants and great shops and entertainment. Charleston offers charm and a solid economy, along with excellent health care and educational facilities.
35. Oxford in Mississippi, near Memphis offers great summer nights. This is a college town, so expect plenty of chances for continuing education.
36 to 38. Texas' state's Austin and Boerne, one more famous and the other still undiscovered but with plenty of things to offer. And don't forget lovely San Antonio, a great blend of both culture and terrain.
39 to 40. Fort Collins can have cold winters, but this city in the Rocky Mountains offers affordable alternative to the joys of city living. Loveland is less than an hour's drive from Denver and is as lovely as its name.
41 to 44. North Carolina has four fabulous places to retire in - Asheville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham.
45. Santa Fe in New Mexico introduces you to other cultures and you'll get to be neighbors with several Hollywood celebrities.
46. Iowa City, Iowa is friendly, urbane with lots of culture going on. I you want a fabulous place to retire in, this is it.
47. If you fancy some fabulous island life, St. Simons in Georgia is a great place to retire in.
48. Like lots of summer fun? Try Holland in Michigan, where the Grand Rapids is less than half an hour away.
49. If you love the outdoors, live your retirement in Prescott, Arizona.
50. Ithaca in New York is a fabulous place to retire in, thanks to its combination of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
For more complete information on retirement please go to:
http://www.accessibleretirement.com/50-Fabulous-Place-To-Retire-In-America.html
http://www.accessibleretirement.com
http://www.drnathaliefiset.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
http://EzineArticles.com/?50-Fabulous-Places-to-Retire-in-America&id=600762
Can you retire cheap in the USA?
Finding the best places to retire cheap can be a real adventure. The cheapest places to retire in America are often lacking one or more of the things that make a great retirement place. We explore low cost options for retirees whose retirement savings are meager. One option to consider is manufactured home communities.
[more soon]