For those who are thinking about retirement, it is often essential to consider two fundamental elements. First, having an affordable location tends to be a priority, and second, choosing a fun city with plenty to do.
It is important to search ways to avoid wasting money to further stretch your retirement savings. With lower costs, these are cities where you can keep more money in your pocket.
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1. Charleston, South Carolina
Cost of life: 6.4% below the national average
Median house price: $170,100
Taxes: 7% state income tax
Access to health care: 90% have health insurance
Charleston offers a mix of historically charming architecture and beaches perfect for swimming, boating, and sunbathing.
In retirement, plan to spend time kayaking along Shem Creek, visiting museums like the Gibbes Museum of Art, strolling through Hampton Park, and exploring restaurants, artisan shops, and bars. of the historic district.
From Lowcountry waterways to exploring historic sites like Fort Sumter, there’s plenty to enjoy here. For those who hope finding ways to supplement social securitythe tourism industry could provide opportunities for this here.
2. Orlando, Florida
Cost of life: 0.3% above the national average
Median house price: $232,000
Taxes: 0% state income tax
Access to health care: 87.9% have health insurance
Orlando may be known for its theme parks, but there’s plenty to do in and around the city to keep active seniors interested. Activities include exploring the nearby Kennedy Space Center or visiting the Tibet-Butler Lake Nature Reserve, with over 430 acres of beauty.
Wekiva Island offers many hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding activities. For those who love the outdoors, Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter and Harry P. Leu Gardens are all fantastic options.
With many restaurants, parks, and shops all over the city, Orlando can be a great place to call home.
3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost of life: 8.7% below the national average
Median house price: $151,400
Taxes: 0-0.5% state income tax
Access to health care: 93.5% have health insurance
Procter & Gamble Headquarters, Cincinnati is a welcoming community that is very affordable with plenty to do to stay active.
This includes visits to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Carew Tower Observation Deck, and playing a few professional sports, including the NFL’s Bengals and MLB’s Reds.
There are many parks in the area, including the Krohn Conservatory and the Smale Riverfront Park, with its carousel. For fishing, Burnet Woods is an excellent choice.
4. Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost of life: 3.2% above the national average
Median house price: $242,000
Taxes: 0-2.59% state income tax
Access to health care: 89.3% have health insurance
Scottsdale is known for its retirement communities and better quality of life. It is also one of the best places for those looking for luxury in an area where the climate is exceptional all year round.
It has a strong artistic and cultural history and is home to the Phoenix Symphony, Ballet Arizona and the Kerr Cultural Center. There are over 13 parks that offer activities ranging from water sports to tennis and senior programs.
The quality of life is good with several hospitals offering stellar care and programs for the elderly in various community centers. It is also home to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for seniors planning to travel.
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5. Wilmington, Delaware
Cost of life: 7.9% above the national average
Median house price: $258,300
Taxes: 2.2-6.6% state income tax
Access to health care: 94.3% have health insurance
Wilmington’s location is a big selling point: it’s two hours from New York and Washington, DC, but it’s a small town with a lot to offer.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers a host of activities for seniors, from playing in an orchestra to history lessons. The Grand Opera House covers the professional performing arts with music, opera and ballet.
On the riverfront, you can walk or bike along the Christina River and visit the DuPont Environmental Education Center. There are also many waterside restaurants and activities like mini-golf.
Wilmington has many museums, including the Delaware Art Museum, the historic Nemours Estate, the Hagley Museum at the site of the original DuPont Powder Mills, the Winterthur Museum, and Mount Cuba Center Gardens.
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
Cost of life: 1% below the national average
Median house price: $305,400
Taxes: 4.95% state income tax
Access to health care: 91% have health insurance
Salt Lake City offers some fantastic activities for retirees, including the Clark Planetarium, Red Butte Garden, and Tracy Aviary.
For those who love museums, the Springville Museum of Art is spectacular, as is the Alf Engen Ski Museum. There’s also the Hogle Zoo, plenty of outdoor music and food events, and some of the best parks, like Wasatch Mountains State Park.
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cost of life: 0.3% above the national average
Median house price: $232,000
Taxes: 0% state income tax
Access to health care: 87.9% have health insurance
Choosing Fort Lauderdale for retirement is quite common as the area is known for its year-round warm weather and plenty of activities. The area is known for its high-rise condos and downtown amenities.
It is on the Atlantic Ocean making it an exceptional opportunity for those who love boating and fishing. Cultural hotspots and numerous restaurants also make this area attractive.
8. San Francisco, California
Cost of life: 42.2% above the national average
Median house price: $538,500
Taxes: 1-13.3% state income tax
Access to health care: 93% have health insurance
Perhaps one of the biggest cities on the list, San Francisco has a lot to offer those looking for an active Bay Area retreat.
Its vibrant lifestyle offers perks like attending the Berkeley Kite Festival, enjoying a coastal walk along the bay, and finding the freshest foods at the many farmers’ markets.
You can also learn about the area’s history with destinations such as the Hamon Observation Tower and Filoli Historic House and Garden. The city’s pedestrianized streets, plenty of outdoor parks, and good weather make it a good, if expensive, option for many.
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9. Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cost of life: 10.9% below the national average
Median house price: $153,900
Taxes: 0.36 to 8.98% state income tax
Access to health care: 95.2% have health insurance
For those looking for a charming Midwestern town, Cedar Falls has a lot to offer. It is dotted with numerous parks and trails, including the Cedar Valley Trails system, which offers over 100 miles of walking and biking trails.
George Wyth Memorial State Park is a great place to fish, bird watch, and camp right on the beaches. The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center also offers a wonderful cultural experience.
10. Jackson, TN
Cost of life: 11% below the national average
Median house price: $177,600
Taxes: 1% state income tax
Access to health care: 90% have health insurance
Another affordable option is Jackson, Tennessee, home to the historic Parkers Crossroads Battlefield, which you can visit via a self-guided driving tour or walking trails. There are also historic and fun restaurants at Casey Jones Village and NC & St. L. Depot and Railroad Museum.
The city is just an hour’s drive from the Memphis Zoo and other city attractions, including the Riverboat Tours. It is a very affordable place to live, with many amenities, restaurants, parks and shopping areas.
At the end of the line
These cities offer a range of luxury retirement homes to affordable and relaxing lifestyles across the country. Additionally, many of these attractions offer discounts for seniors who want to have fun and enjoy all that a city has to offer.
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This article 10 Fun American Cities Where You Can Still Live Big in Retirement originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.