All our life roads lead to retirement. It doesn't matter which walk of life you've taken, we all have to come to that point when we have to hang our gloves up. We've worked hard for this; we have filled up our burrows with enough nest eggs as possible.
One of the growing trends amongst American retirees nowadays is to leave everything behind and head somewhere abroad where the retirement dollar stretches further. But packing your entire life into one suitcase and making the major change of scenery is not for everyone. And for those who aren't too keen on leaving the American soil, here are the top places in the U.S. which would make a good case for you to stay put.
Forbes.com lists the top U.S. cities for retirement this 2015. They have compiled the best destination for retirees based on the cost of living index, housing costs, tax climate, weather and air quality, medical care, and crime rates. They also took into account the conduciveness of the place in terms of having an active lifestyle and fostering a strong sense of community. Check out the list:
Abilene, Texas
This city in the Lone Star State boasts of having a prospering economy. They are also doing a great job clamping down on violent crime. There is also a high number of doctors available and a tolerable warm climate. The cost of living is 17 percent below the national average while the median home price is $67,000, less than the national average of $209,000. The area, though, is not too walkable, while the tax climate and air quality is moderate.
Asheville, North Carolina
What you would love about the place is its scenic landscapes and good weather. There are plenty of doctors available and a strong sense of volunteering culture. The cost of living is 3 percent below the national average, and home price is at $206,000. The 87,000 local residents enjoy a tolerable tax climate and air quality.
Athens, Georgia
This college town is home to University of Georgia. The cost of living is 1% below national average, and home price is very low at $139,000. The place has low crime rate and very good walkability. It also has average weather and air quality.
Rochester, Minnesota
The birthplace of Mayo Clinic has a median home price of $168,000 and a cost of living just about the same as the U.S average. It has very low crime rate and has the highest number of doctors per capita in this list. The population in the area is 111,000.
Port Charlotte, Florida
The cost of living is 8 percent below U.S. average and the home price stands at $147,000. The place has low crime rate and good weather. The economy of Port Charlotte is taking a turn for the better.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
The cost of living in Bowling Green is 11 percent below the national average while the median home price is very low at $138,000. The place also has a very favorable tax climate that comes along with its robust economy.
Cape Coral, Florida
The median home price is $190,000, while the cost of living is just 4% below the U.S. average. Cape Coral has mild weather and an air quality better than that of the national average. It also has low serious crime rate.
Casper, Wyoming
The cost of living is at par with the U.S. average and the median home price is at $245,000. The serious crime rate is very low in Casper. It also has above average air quality. The downside of living here are its cold winters and the city being not too walkable.
Lexington, Kentucky
The economy at Lexington is steady with the help of its horse industry and the fact that the city is a college area. It has a cost of living 5 percent below the average in the country, and median home price is at $143,000. The place is also very walkable and has high volunteerism.
Great Falls, Montana
The cost of living is 2 percent below the national average and has a median home price of $172,000. Great Falls has a high doctors per capita index, tax climate, and air quality.
