That adds up to favorable odds for a balanced budget. The citys Market Square Downtown District hosts an expansive list of restaurants, retailers, parks, and greenspaces. We can't think of a better place to put down new roots than these fun-loving, laid-back communities. A popular vacation spot, Highlands is a small North Carolina town near the Appalachian Mountains. Wears Valley, TN 37862, USA 2. Living costs throughout Alaska are significantly higher than is typical across the continental U.S. 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. Bozeman, Montana. The University also helps boost local health care services with its many medical facilities, including the Eye Institute, Heart Institute and Ruby Memorial Hospital. (By comparison, the country's smallest state in size, Rhode Island, hosts more than a million peopleabout 871 people per square mile.) Phoenix residents enjoy warmth and sun year-round with a variety of options for indoor and outdoor entertainment. It gets its name from the naturally heated springs in the area, which you can find in Hot Springs National Park, and also Bathhouse Row, which is home to bathhouses that date back centuries. Asheville, North Carolina is located in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a part of the larger Appalachian range. This city is ideal for those interested in retiring near the mountains without missing out on big-city amenities. Local crime may be worth noting: While the state sports a low rate of 1.99 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Laconia's rate is 4.68, even slightly higher than the national median of 4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, according to NeighborhoodScout.com. And taxes throughout Cali also weigh heavily on your wallet. Like much of Californiawhere living costs are 69% above the national average, making it the second-most expensive state in the country behind only HawaiiCarlsbad and the whole metro area is a pricey place to live. Topretirements has several friends who have retired to Whitefish, which they think is a magical place. New York, The cost of living is 10% below the national average. Housing costs for retirees in Knoxville are the biggest factor bringing down costs, at nearly 30% below the national average. The average household income for 65+ households in Alabama is $46,318, according the Census Bureau. Mesa offers modest living, with a median rent of $1,646, and some homes selling at less than $200,000. Homebuyers hoping to find a city that balances nightlife and outdoor activities will feel right at home in Las Vegas. 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. Unfortunately, being green isn't always easy on your wallet. The famed Clark Art Institute, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are just some of the proud artistic accomplishments of the town. We are conservative Christians looking for our utopia: a friendly, safe and affordable small town. So check yourself out for at least a week in any higher elevations (Ive talked with people with similar difficulties in the upper Appalachians at only 5-6000 feet). As sweater weather rolls in, now is the most idyllic time to escape to the mountains. But don't expect total isolation. You can also find 40 parks and more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including the variety of options covering the Rancho La Costa Preserve's Denk Tank Mountain, the highest point in Carlsbad. Charlottesville also ranks fifth for overall well-being, out of all 187 metro areas included in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index, with above-average scores in all categories, including physical health and resident satisfaction. In the winter, hit the slopes atSki Cooper, one of the countrys oldest ski resorts, snowmobile the back-country or cross-country ski along the towns well-groomed trails. 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. Iron Mountain is the snowier of the two. The area's resorts and marinas are also popular among residents of Gardnerville Ranchos, a small Nevada town near Lake Tahoe that's home to a surprising number of millionaires (opens in new tab). We get up early and go to bed early, so we enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets. As a trail walker, you might enjoy the 25.5-mile crushed-stone rail trail from Escanaba to Hermansville. By David Muhlbaum Thats quite a challenge. It would be hard to find a more picturesque setting. Whether you're looking to fly fish or see a show, take up a new hobby or develop an old one, the close-knit communities in these mountain towns have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, meet someone new, and make a fresh home in a beautiful place. 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. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Knoxville is also bordered by the Tennessee River on the southern end of the city, providing residents and visitors alike with access to the waterfront and scenic views. If a move from one state to another is in your future, you could save big bucks by relocating to one of these states where the tax bite is light for middle-class families. Bozeman is in southern Montana, nestled in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by majestic ranges and national forests. By signing up, I agree to 55places.com privacy policy and terms of use. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. And Alabama at-large offers many of Florida's popular retirement attractionswarm weather, nice beaches and plenty of golfall at a typically lower price. But Anchorage is the least expensive metro area in the state, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research. Im 54 and my husband is 62. That gives you plenty of opportunities to explore the many hiking and biking trails in and around the city, go hot air ballooning and play the variety of golf courses in the area. Indeed, Knoxville is one of the cheapest U.S. cities to live in (opens in new tab). Palm Springs has many natural attractions as well as dining and shopping for homeowners to take advantage of. The University of Vermont will cover tuition costs for state residents age 65 and older who wish to take a class, even if it's for credit. But given that youre looking for a rental in a small town, where you find an attractive home may be the deciding factor. And many people aren't able to strike a balance: The poverty rate in Albuquerque among residents age 65 and up is 9.9%, compared with 9.3% for the U.S., but better than the 11.9% rate for New Mexico. Tucked between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake, Laconia has been dubbed "The City on the Lake," home city to New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Press | Solace up those hiking boots and wax those snowboards: from epic scenery and a lively arts scene inOgden, UT; toBoone, NCsquaint college town feel, here are five high-altitude cities with surprisingly low price tags. And the Granite State's tax situation for retirees is solid, too. If youre ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider. This lovely Virginia town is an ideal place to retire not only because of its settingnestled in southwest Virginia in the state's stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountainsbut also because of all there is to do in and around town, including shows at the Barter Theater, hiking trails along the Virginia Creeper Trail, and an artistic community that opens its arms wide to newcomers. Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get investing advice, rankings and stock market news. Leaf peeping in the fall may be enough to draw you to the Berkshires, a range of the Appalachian Mountains. Where should we retire? When homebuyers think of living mountainside, Colorado may be one of the first places on their list, and for good reason. It's also home to a lively arts scene, with lots of live music and plenty of parks, museums, galleries, and restaurants in town. Unfortunately, the financial setting is not quite as picturesque: Average living costs in Arizona are 12% above the national average, according to Sperling's BestPlaces, while median incomes for seniors with earnings are below average at $50,254. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lakes, which . Burlington, Vermont. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It is the capital and largest city (53,000 people) of Wyoming and is an interesting place to retire. This intimate city of approximately 43,300 people is located between the Prescott National Forest and the Tonto National Forest. 10. 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. Its a city of 12,000, about 45 miles north of Interstate 80 and 2 hours south of Buffalo, N.Y., in an area the tourism people call the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Think in terms of two towns: Escanaba, on Lake Michigan, and Iron Mountain, an hour inland on the border with Wisconsin. Only 10.1% of the entire state's population is age 65 and up compared with 14.9% of the whole U.S. Whether you're partial to exploring the great outdoors or focusing on wine country, you have plenty of optionsyou don't even have to choose one over the other. After a short 500 foot walking climb up a local peak, I found my heartrate elevated above 120 and it didnt drop until we got back down below 5000 feet. The Chugach State Park alone offers 155 peaksranging from Flattop Mountain with an elevation of 3,245 feet to Mount Marcus Baker at 13,094 feetwith endless opportunities for hiking and ice climbing. Even nearby towns like Salt Lake can't compete with Ogden's low prices. The list is ordered alphabetically by state. Some of the areas most popular peaks include Grandview Peak, OSullivan Peak, and Gobblers Knob. In 2018, the payment was $1,600 per person. Its part of the same metropolitan area as Logan, Utah, suggested here. At the higher altitudes there might even by snow in summer. Recreation. You can find a bright retirement in Albuquerque. In August 2017, Charlottesville captured national attention when a gathering of white nationalists to protest the removal of a monument to Robert E. Lee turned into a violent rally, injuring dozens of counter-protesters and killing one, Heather Heyer. 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. Newsletter | Your trail walking could start with the West Creek Recreational Trail north of St Marys and head 19.5 miles east into Emporium, a town of 2,000 people that calls itself the Land of the Endless Mountains.. Plus, being the largest city in Alaska, it offers more amenities including numerous theaters, museums and shopping centers, on top of all the outdoor recreation you'd expect. Mountains are all around it; in the Civil War it was the site of the critical Battle of Chattanooga due to its strategic location on the Tennessee River. Boynton Beach Area - Florida. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. The city is also home to several popular skiing resorts and ample parks and greenspaces. Some popular attractions within city limits include the Denver Art Museum, Coors Field, and The Denver Central Market. This nature-rich refuge of inviting streetscapes, manicured landscaping and miles of walking trails Cadence at Lansdowne is a brand new 55+ active adult community offering a vibrant lifestyle in Lansdowne, Virginia. The town is known for elaborate holiday celebrations, and it . The overall cost of living is 1.2% below the national average, according to Sperling's BestPlaces, making it much more affordable than Manchesterabout 50 miles southwhere living costs are 13.2% above average. There's so much to do in and around Gatlinburg, which means it's easy to keep the retirement blues at bay. And nearby is the tallest peak in Georgia,Brasstown Bald, which welcomes hikers, nature lovers and picnics too. Tucked between and Plott Balsam Mountain Range and the Blue Ridge Parkway,Sylva is a small but quaint town lined with cafes, galleries, bookstores, breweries, and antique shops. Visit a quote page and your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here. even provide complimentary public transportation. You can explore rainforests and waterfalls, as well as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Up in northern Arizona and not too far from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff almost became Americas movie capital. This isnt always the case, but many mountain towns tend to be on the smaller side, which can mean fewer town resources with cultural offerings Fires and natural disasters. Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin are in neighboring Penobscot County. Pair that with a strong local arts scene (First Friday Art Strollstake place monthly; catch live music at the downtown amphitheater; find annual events ranging fromPioneer Daysto theBlues & Brews Festival to aChristmas Village); great shopping along Historic 25th Street; and great dining options, breweries and distilleries for a well-rounded experience. The small city of Corvallis, located about 85 miles south of popular Portland, offers a similarly laidback lifestyle, but with smaller crowds and relatively lower costs. Williamstown is in Berkshire County. Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the bright side, between 2009 and 2018, there have been only two murders in town, according to the community's police department. Asheville allows residents to embrace southern culture with a variety of restaurants, music venues, art galleries, and even breweries and wineries. We love small mountain towns, privacy, colder weather. 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