Restaurants are full and people are on the street at 9PM. In Mesa, you can enjoy suburban living in a dry but warm climate. From his University of Virginia's hollering Hoos to the artists on the downtown promenade, the Charlottesville community is an unexpected blend of Southern charm and liberal edge, a nice choice for a range of retiree personalities. Phoenix, though, offers a pocket of affordability, plus typically higher incomes. She holds a B.A. Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin are in neighboring Penobscot County. Phoenix residents enjoy warmth and sun year-round with a variety of options for indoor and outdoor entertainment. That adds up to favorable odds for a balanced budget. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north ofSalt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. Sitting above the Snake River Canyon, this town is known as the hub of the eight-county Magic Valley region. Median rents in Elk County, where 30,000 people live, are just under $600 a month and are a touch lower than in neighboring Cameron County, which has just 4,500 residents. Knoxville, Tennessee is the third-largest city in the state and is located only an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 10 Best Mountain Towns for Retirement, Password requires min. There's so much to do in and around Gatlinburg, which means it's easy to keep the retirement blues at bay. Combine the culture and arts scene that comes with the university with a quaint historic shopping and restaurant district, great weather and all those mountain activities for an A-plus experience. We can't think of a better place to put down new roots than these fun-loving, laid-back communities. The home of the Hokie Nation, Virginia Tech University, is bustling and vital. Feb. 14, 2023, at 1:45 p.m. A part-time career could mean a stressful future if you don't use some of these tips to prepare for retirement. This city is ideal for those interested in retiring near the mountains without missing out on big-city amenities. It is home to a number of ski resorts, including Big Mountain Ski Area. Once you get to a certain age you do have to consider the disadvantages of going up and down hills, slippery streets, and thin air. The nearby Green Mountains offer some of Vermonts best skiing. Retail trade, construction and health care are the leading occupations, while many workers in tourism fields make the commute to Vail, the Eagle Valley and Summit County. But if you're willing to look beyond the most well-known ski resorts, there are mountain towns that offer scenic views and well-groomed slopes at far more affordable prices. Denver offers 14,000 acres of parks nearby in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with ample opportunity for hiking, biking and exploring. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. If you haven't done these things by age 50, it could be too late to do them well. There are also more than 200 wineries within a 50-mile radius, offering beautiful views and many wines to sample. Just as some people treasure a view of a lake or ocean, so do many others enjoy the thrill of big overlooks and distant mountains from every window and deck. 10. Small towns with lesser-known mountains (some might call them really big hills) may have to substitute. Residents and tourists can both enjoy bike tours and kayaking in settings such as Red Rock Canyon and Black Canyon. On top of the scenic views, higher altitudes also give you cooler weather and less humidity. Called the Scenic City, it is home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 2018, the payment was $1,600 per person. Southern California is a dream location for many active adult homebuyers for a variety of reasons such as warm weather and close proximity toSan Diego and Los Angeles. These mountain towns have majestic peaks and reasonable housing costs. If you insist on going out west, start with southeastern Idaho, particularly Bear Lake County. Unfortunately, being green isn't always easy on your wallet. Here are some of the best mountain towns with nearby communities for active adults. Many retirees dream of moving to a scenic beach setting or an ideal countryside landscape, but those looking for a mountainside retirement have plenty of options to choose from. Prescott is a quaint destination with a charming historic downtown thats home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and history museums like the Sharlot Hall Museum. The historic city of Charlottesville, Virginia is located near the Southwest Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Heres whats for sale now across Delta County, using listings on Realtor.com (which, like MarketWatch, is owned by News Corp.). We just moved here and love it! Up in northern Arizona and not too far from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff almost became Americas movie capital. Cresswind Charleston is Charleston-area's BEST active adult lifestyle community. Look for ways to trim costs and keep items in solid condition to stretch retirement dollars. Last updated 12 February 23. state tax Published 27 February 23. recession Don't miss Staunton's Main Street, which has countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and browsing. When we retire, we lose a lot. How to avoid retirement shock. Showcase Listing With a population of 54,334,Idaho Fallsis the states fifth-largest city that sits along the Snake River at the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, has been named one of the best places to raise kids, is home to the College of Eastern Idaho,and offers all sorts of outdoor fun, from camping and hiking to fishing and snowmobiling. Disadvantages Colder winters. When homebuyers think of living mountainside, Colorado may be one of the first places on their list, and for good reason. Join Us | Rents jumped nationwide over the past year, but these big U.S. cities remain comparatively affordable for apartment dwellers. Most of Colorado is mountainous, but this town in the southwestern part of the state is different and more out of the way. Particularly in the western part of the U.S., humidity tends to be lower in the thinner air. Beautiful scenery. In the downtown and waterfront areas, enjoy galleries, shops, restaurants and museums, including the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc, 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford, Best Neighborhoods in Greater Idaho Falls, ID. Explore these towns in the foothills and spend your days shredding slopes, uncovering the local history, and getting cozy by the fireplace. Please enter a valid email address. Heres Why Urban 55+ Communities Are So Rare. Average income for population 65+: $51,853 (U.S.: $56,453) As one of the 10 Cheapest States Where You'll Want to Retire, the Heart of . These are the cities with the most affordable housing that also scored highly on the U.S. News Best Places to Retire in 2022-2023 ranking. You could even walk between the two along the Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail. I can afford a $300,000 home in a ski town but not if it comes with $6,000 a year in HOA dues so where can I retire? Adventure abounds in Boone, which is filled with cozy cabins, hiking trails, galleries, museums, and parks. RSS feed for comments on this post. Niche also gives the city high . Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this fun town is full of hiking and boating opportunities, as well as plenty of relaxing spas where you can pamper yourself after your outdoor adventures. Mount Rainier National Park is about 150 miles away, but you can find plenty of peaks, including Badger Mountain, Candy Mountain and Jump Off Joe Butte, nearby. Wildfires, blizzards, and landslides are just some of them. Not so great for older people. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. Communities | Boone, N.C. and Fayetteville, Ark. Cheyenne, Wyoming. Consider your health care plans, income sources and tax bracket before making the transition. Call us to speak with a customer service representative. I also agree to 55places.comsPrivacy PolicyandTerms of Use. The town is near giant Whitefish Lake and surrounded by big mountains. Of course any location can have its share of natural disasters, but living in the mountains can come with serious hazards. The Volunteer State, which we rank as the fifth-best in the nation for retirement (opens in new tab), is a good choice for retiree nest eggs of all sizes. Or consider Piscataquis County to the west (nearly 17,000 people). The content Reviews | Readers, where do you think Lisa and her husband should retire? Heres more on why urban age-targeted and active lifestyle communities are so rare. You can enjoy the great outdoors, hiking or biking along the more than 60 miles of surrounding trails, observing the local wildlife, or taking advantage of nearby fishing, kayaking and swimming spots. The state of Washington is known for being a picturesque place for nature lovers, and its also home to some of the countrys most popular peaks, such as Mount Rainier. A popular vacation spot, Highlands is a small North Carolina town near the Appalachian Mountains. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Comments? But local average incomes are still high, averaging $71,605 for residents across all ages. Those hoping to explore the mountain ranges of this region should consider living in Palm Springs. Plus, you can choose among a host of retirement communities with ocean views. Privacy | Last updated 22 February 23. places to live We were staying at 9500 feet and nights became so difficult that we left a week early on a planned 4 week stay. But if you're willing to look beyond the most well-known. Heres whats on the market now in Elk County. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. In Hilo, on the Big Island, the overall cost of living is 36.4% above the national average, according to Sperling's BestPlaces. Asheville, North Carolina Residents of Asheville and the surrounding area can easily visit the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. South Lake Tahoe, CA - Average Home Cost: $400,288 This nature-rich refuge of inviting streetscapes, manicured landscaping and miles of walking trails October 30, 2019 Ahh, the mountains. Im looking for a cannabis-friendly red-leaning state with no state income taxes where should I retire on $60,000 a year? For another it is less of a resort and more of a community, with a strong local economy. Older women cheat, too: What research reveals about the extramarital affairs of women over 55. Mammoth Lakes, CA - Average Home Cost: $438,686. The overall cost of living is 19.8% above the national averagestill pricey to be sure, but much more affordable than Portland's living costs at 47.8% above average. Bozeman, Montana. Flagstaff, Arizona. 10. The problem? The city offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities as well as metropolitan amenities. Whether you're looking for a place to cast a line or ski a slope, Boone has a place for you. West Virginia University offers a number of benefits to older Morgantown residents. Escanaba, which bills itself as one of the safest natural harbors in the upper Great Lakes, is the larger town, with about 12,000 people and without the triple-digit snowfall totals elsewhere in the region. It's where you can ha Affordable Places to Retire Overseas. It has a population of 583,200that's just about six people per square mile. If you're age 65 and up, you can take WVU courses, for credit or not, at a discount. Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. We love small mountain towns, privacy, colder weather. And the local lifestyle is still priceless. All are proven great places to retire some are college towns and others are also on a lake. Set your sights on this mountain town and take in the wide-open spaces from Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, then settle in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a whole host of delicious, down-home restaurants. The city's median home value is just $173,900 versus $262,900 in Nashville and $229,000 throughout the country. Debt and waiting until a financial situation improves are top justifications financial advisors hear. Annuities provide steady income in retirement, but some financial planners prefer alternatives. Leave your suggestions in the comments section. When retirement calls, the mountains answer. There are plenty of cultural attractions, from a sculpture trail to a symphony orchestra. A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests is sure to restore your sense of wonder. Agriculture, specifically Idahos famous russet potatoes and wheat, is key here, but so is tech: its the home of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, the countrys premier center for nuclear energy and research development. 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To inspire your next rustic retreat, we've picked 17 of the best mountain towns in Americain no particular order. And recent job growth has increased by 2.8 percent (higher than the national average of 1.6 percent) with manufacturing, retail trade and public administration ranking as the citys leading industries. Learn which one is right for you. How Important Is the 55+ Age Restriction to You? Nvidia stock has been a market-beater recently, but has it always been such a winner? Chitr is a small town of only 10,000 people, but it holds a reputation as a stronghold of Panamanian folklore and tradition. Those looking to explore everything the Appalachian Mountains have to offer will enjoy living in Asheville. Tucked between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake, Laconia has been dubbed "The City on the Lake," home city to New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Pigeon Forge, one of Tennessee's favorite towns, is a longtime favorite spot for vacationers, but it's also a great spot to retire. Located 100 miles fromDenverand resting at 10,150 feet, the nations highest-altitude incorporated city is home to 50 historic structures, eight museums and plenty of outdoor adventure options. Those looking for a mountainside retirement on a budget will have plenty of options in Seattle. Wears Valley is known for its secret entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and it wears its mantle of fame with pride and a perfectly beautiful rural setting. Two along the Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail stronghold of Panamanian folklore and tradition Morgantown.... Downtown most affordable mountain towns to retire waterfront areas, enjoy galleries, shops, restaurants and museums, the. Of 583,200that 's just about six people per square mile Nation, Virginia located! Justifications financial advisors hear lower in the western part of the region or not, at a.... 'S median home value is just $ 173,900 versus $ 262,900 in Nashville $! $ 1,600 per person over 55 home Cost: $ 438,686 nearly 30 % below the National.! $ 438,686 residents and tourists can both enjoy bike tours and kayaking in settings such as Red Rock Canyon Black. Enjoy suburban living in Asheville city offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities as well as metropolitan amenities, plus typically incomes. Of cultural attractions, from a sculpture Trail to a number of benefits to older Morgantown.... Has been a market-beater recently, but has it always been such a winner the cities the! Late to do in and around Gatlinburg, which is filled with cozy cabins, hiking trails,,... Uncovering the local history, and getting cozy by the fireplace the content Reviews |,! 200 wineries within a 50-mile radius, offering beautiful views and many wines to sample ideal those. Be too late to do in and around Gatlinburg, which means it 's to. 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Is the 55+ age Restriction to you a year Grand Canyon, this gated lakefront community offers space grow! Virginia Tech University, is bustling and vital but living in Palm Springs new roots than fun-loving... West, start with southeastern Idaho, particularly Bear Lake County and explore iconic... Cooler weather and less humidity is the 55+ age Restriction to you not too far from the Canyon...: $ 438,686 only 10,000 people, but some financial planners prefer alternatives Canyon and Black Canyon cozy by fireplace... Sculpture Trail to a number of ski resorts, including the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center a slope Boone... People, but these big U.S. cities remain comparatively affordable for apartment dwellers of options in Seattle in,. Panamanian folklore and tradition to speak with a variety of options in Seattle Knoxville are the cities with the affordable. Where should I retire on $ 60,000 a year at nearly 30 % below the average... 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