If you're already planning for your "dream retirement," it can be overwhelming to find the best place to retire and spend your golden years. There are plenty of places in the United States known for being the ideal place for retirees to settle down. Each place comes with its own perks, such as affordability, quality of healthcare, safety, and recreational opportunities.
In this guide, we've listed the five best places to retire in the U.S. based on their affordability, opportunities for recreational activities, quality of life, and healthcare.
Charleston, North Carolina
Charleston is one of the top places to retire in the U.S. Apart from its beautiful coast and the people's hospitality, the city is marked with streets upon streets of gorgeous mansions and cobblestones.
The cost of living in Charleston is about $520,000. While it is higher than the national average, the city's cost of living is relatively low when compared to other major U.S. cities. In addition, retirees will enjoy the city's food scene. Some of Charleston's most iconic dishes include shrimp and grits, hush pork, fried chicken, and deviled crabs.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a no-brainer when it comes to top retirement destinations. Firstly, the city is home to a Walt Disney World resort, which features four theme parks on the property. Orlando is also near other theme parks, allowing for plenty of recreational activity, especially for retirees with grandchildren.
Apart from Orlando's theme parks, the city is known for its warm weather, quiet communities, low taxes, and great food.
The median home cost in Orlando is $372,400, which is lower than the national average. There are also six Medicare-certified hospitals across the city.
Miami, Florida
The cost of living in Miami may be higher than other places, but the city's wide variety of recreational activities and its low property and violent crime rates make the rent worth it. While Miami is known for its beaches and golf courses, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in your golden years-from museums and art galleries to rows of family-owned restaurants serving mouthwatering Cuban food.
In addition, Miami-Dade County offers an "Active Older Adults Program," which is a free fitness class for people aged 55 and older.
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Greer, South Carolina
Greer is a charming small town offering plenty of recreational opportunities for retirees, such as golfing, local theaters, and bars. The city is also known for its weekly farmer's markets and parks.
In addition to its recreational activities, retirees can enjoy Greer's mild temperatures and low cost of living, with the average median home price at $333,000.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is well-known for its diverse recreational opportunities and great quality of life. In fact, the city ranks fourth in the nation for having the best quality of life. Scottsdale is popular among golfers. However, there are also plenty of destinations to explore, art and architecture to view, and James Beard Award-winning restaurants to try.
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