As seniors get to retirement age, this is the time when many elect to relocate to a different city, to pull up roots and start fresh somewhere new. Questions, of course, then arise as to where to think about moving. Where would be the best place for people of senior age to get along well? Are there adequate healthcare facilities readily available in the area? Will the weather be tolerable? These questions, and other ones, may immediately come to mind. Some cities seniors may look at a little more closely include:
New York City
The country’s largest (and many-usually residents-say greatest) city has absolutely everything anyone can ask for in a city, in great abundance. And this goes for superior health care and the number of healthcare facilities accessible. A few in the area worth mentioning here include Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and–for respite care in New York–Alliance Home Care.
Naturally, transportation within the city would never be a problem. Buses, trains, and taxis are always there and running at full speed 24/7. Though it’s a traditional northern city, the area doesn’t get that much snowfall each year, making moving around in it pretty manageable. And in terms of crime, well, there is some, of course. After all, it is a big city. But, perhaps surprisingly, NYC has one of the lowest crime rates of any American city.
Coral Gables, Florida
Known as a “pedestrian-friendly” destination, it’s highly ranked as a small city, not far from Miami, located four miles from Miami International Airport. It has about 150 gourmet shops and dining establishments. Ranking as one of the wealthiest areas in the country, it has a population of 49,700. The city is served by Metrobus, Metrorail, and rapid transit. Along with Coral Gables Hospital, there are several medical clinics within a few blocks of the downtown area. The crime rate is about average for cities its size in the U.S.
Scottsdale, Arizona
This community, with a population of around 220,000, is ranked by many as the top-rated retirement community in the U.S. The weather, even in the summer, is mild. There are abundant amenities here, the crime rate is low, and there are a number of medical facilities right downtown.
Clearwater, Florida
This, the smallest of the three principal cities in Tampa’s metro area (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater), has a population of about 120,000. The cost of living here is low, the climate warm and fair, and it is home to award-winning beaches.
Asheville, North Carolina
With a population of a little over 90,000 residents, this beautiful city is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are a number of hospitals and medical facilities here, and the crime rate is low and lowering.
Salt Lake City, Utah
This “big” city only has a population of about 200,000; it’s a bigger city with a small-town feel. It was recently named #2 Friendliest City in America. The weather here, of course, gets snowy and cold in the winter. They did host the Winter Olympics here in 2002, after all.
Sun City, Florida
The top-ranked retirement community in a state full of them, the temperature is wonderful, there is zero state tax in Florida, and there’s a low cost of living here. Located in the Tampa Bay area, there are plenty of medical facilities and entertainment venues here, along with, of course, the beaches.
Boca Raton, Florida
One of the wealthiest cities in south Florida, residents enjoy a very low tax rate; the property here has the highest assessed value in well-to-do Palm Beach County. Great restaurants, arts, and public spaces here help put Boca Raton on lists of best retirement cities to live in.
Boise, Idaho
It’s cool here–not just because of the average annual temperature (52.65). It’s a beautiful, scenic landscape just minutes from biking and walking trails. With the mountains as a backdrop, it’s right on the Boise River. There’s a low crime rate, great tax benefits (Social Security income is not taxed here), and low medical costs. The surging market of Boise may raise prices but also leaves opportunity for flipping homes or finding something that has fallen out of escrow and may be back on the market at a discounted rate.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
A bit bigger, with a population of just over 221,000, the weather here is warm and humid most of the year. Putting it high on lists is the number of historic landmarks, unusual attractions, great food, and a cultural mix of older and younger residents. With an internet check of medical facilities in Baton Rouge and with the first option that pops up being “Best 30 Medical Centers in Baton Rouge”, it’s pretty obvious that there are plenty of facilities in the comparatively smaller and more compacted area.