10 Great Year Round Places to Retire – Part 2
Category: Best Retirement Towns and States
January 28, 2014 — Here in part 2 of this series we profile the winners of 5 more categories of great places to retire year round, along with the reasons why they are good choices. You can read about the 5 towns and categories we identified in Part 1, along with over 29 comments and suggestions from Topretirements members on the topic. The link to Part 2 is at the bottom.
Note that selecting a “winner” in each category is a highly subjective process – we could have picked many nice towns in each category. The point of this exercise is to help start your thinking. To that end have tried to provide background information on why we selected the winners in each category, hoping that you can use that guidance to expand not only the field of cities you might consider for retirement, but also the kind of town that might best fit you.
5 more categories of great year round towns for retirement (The towns in 1-5 were in Part 1)
6. Year Round Excitement. A place to retire that is bustling with year round excitement, whether it is cultural, commercial, social, or just plain busy. Almost any city could qualify for this category on the basis of the cultural, commercial, and shopping possibilities. Any college town would be a good choice as well.
Austin, Texas is our pick in this category mainly because as a big college town it is a very happening place to live. The music and cultural scene is very strong and the presence of young people gives it tremendous energy. Plus it’s easy to live here year round and not feel the need to get out for part of the year.
7. Charming. A place where charm and beauty are on display year round. Obviously many small towns could easily qualify in this category, particularly college or historic towns. Places on the water or in the mountains are predictable pleasers as well.
Fairhope, Alabama has been on our radar as a great year round place to retire for a long time. Originally settled as a Utopian community, this pleasant community with its beautiful gardens is situated along Mobile Bay. The folks who live here are as interesting as the local scenery, which isn’t bad either.
8. Work and Volunteering. Best place to retire where the opportunities for staying busy with work and volunteering are amazing. Forbes Magazine ran an article a while back which concluded that volunteering tends to be the strongest in the midwest, although almost any place has good volunteering opportunities if you look hard enough.
We chose Tulsa, Oklahoma as an example of a great year-round place to retire where the volunteering opportunities are robust. Some 33% of local residents say they are regular volunteers. It also is a terrific cultural center with reasonable year round weather.
9. Recreation that Never Stops. A retirement town with 4 seasons worth of outdoor and/or indoor activity. Towns and cities in the mountains or near the beach are obvious contenders, but many people are looking for towns that have built large community centers with pools and other facilities, have extensive park systems, or are convenient to great outdoor recreation like lakes or state parks.
Albuquerque, New Mexico has so much going for it as our winner in the recreation category, great year round place to retire. Located in the mountains, in fact it has the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial passenger tramway in the world, which ascends to the Sandia Mountains from the city. The weather is nice year round so there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the scenery. The University of New Mexico is here, as is a long list of cultural amenities.
10. A Diverse Place to Live. Some folks want to live amidst like-minded/looking people, while others believe that when it comes to people, variety is the spice of life. Cities are almost inherently diverse, whereas small towns can be insular, reflecting their geography and history. Places which attract people from all over the country and world tend to be very diverse. College towns are normally the same way, with the added benefit of young people. Here again in this category, dozens of places could have been selected, even with the “year round” filter applied.
Atlanta, Georgia is our pick in this category. It is a college town, of course (Georgia Tech, Emory, and Morehouse among others), it has a strong base, and there are plenty of young people. But it is also located in Georgia, a fairly conservative state, so people of all political persuasions should be able to find some like-minded conservation (and not so like-minded too!). Racially blacks have the greatest share of the population, followed by whites and hispanics. It has a history of different races and people living together.
Comments. Please share your thoughts below about these year round choices for retirement living, along with your ideas for other places you think should have made the list.
For further reading:
Part 1: 10 Great Towns for Year Round Living
Part 3: Great Places to Retire Year Round
Comments on "10 Great Year Round Places to Retire – Part 2"
Nancy Fasano says:
I retired "in place" in Atlanta. I moved to Atlanta from Michigan almost 11 years ago for employment, retired a year and a half ago. I tolerate the summers in order to enjoy the long springs and falls and the short winters. I live "in town;" that is, inside the perimeter of I-285, and that's really the only way I'd live here. I was never more than 15 minutes from my office, I live within walking distance of many places I like to go, and I'm very close to public transportation. I like the convenience of living in a city that is a hub for several airlines, and I very much like the diversity of in-town Atlanta. The way I've come to think of big cities is that you don't really live in the whole city. You live in your part of the city; and that makes it very manageable.
John H says:
With a new grandchild, we're finding it difficult to consider moving away from family. Relocation plans are on hold until we figure this out. Meanwhile, we live in the same home we've had for 25 years but dream of downsizing and relocating to a more seniors-friendly location.
Susanmcb says:
After leaving califoornia and havinf lives on sticky humid east coast alsoand even trying utah l retirement ( where oil wells surrounded our dream cabin) we have chosen Oregon cioast town of Florence as a perfeect retirment home.. Year round moderate temps , rain but no snow, comminity college , great library , senior center, lots of antique shops and several great restaurants, 1 1/2 hour from eugene and university, airport etcand bigger shopping z and same distance to coos bay and north bend . Has great parks for hiking , boating ( lakes and riivers abound) fishing hiking and living nature . Golf course , a casino, and a gym also.Wonderful short drives and hikes everywhere to explore. Small town community involvement and avout half of population is retired so likeminded people everywhere and senior ffriendly shopping discounts , doctors , hospital etc. little traffic and great place to biuild a private home or Buy . Some gated and senior communities and lots of tucked away neighborhoods. Many volunteer opportunities and friendly people. We are lloving it and our home with view of lake . We have sunshine in between rain and summer here was gorgeous!
Scott H. says:
It is probably wise to look at retirement locations with clear eyes and lowered expectations, even if the resulting feeling is Too Much Information. There are some further unmentioned pluses and major downsides to retirement in Albuquerque, NM. Pluses are the low real estate prices which seem to persist through national ups and downs. The same is true of gasoline, utilities and taxes, steady prices on the low side. Lots of other things (grocery store food and personal services) are higher than the national average -- somewhat surprisingly.
The winters are mild primarily in the sense of no snow or rain, but often very cold. Believe me at 35F high for 2 hrs in the afternoon with lots of wind there is an excuse not to get outside. The described Tramway ride is $17 for persons 62+. I don't do that a lot. Yet, many days are sunny; there is almost no air pollution. Healthcare is undependable in terms of quality. In addition, two major insurance systems constantly battle it out and constantly change their regulations. Patients are too often 'collateral damage' to corporate profit-making battles.
I'm not sure what these "cultural amenities" are the site is enthusiastic about. The art museum is very limited: three significant, but small scale shows in the last 10 years, several much smaller ones. The Symphony just went out of business. The botanical garden is on the same level, more like a patio furniture display. Restaurants are generally mediocre and over-represented by Mexican fare. Likable Santa Fe is slightly over an hour's distance. It is interesting, pleasant and much smaller. There is now a local "rail runner" train. The University of New Mexico is rated as 312th internationally, nice to have, but not exactly a magnet for cultural activity, though there may be more activity in scientific realms.
The city does have a pervasive character left that sets it apart from other cities the same size. But this too often bulldozed or just ignored (e.g. old and new trees are not watered and die.) There is little planning, considered growth, or vision, but rampant exploitation and charmless sprawl. Aging strip malls are abandoned and replaced by newer strip malls. The 'developers' are definitely in charge.
New Mexico is a poor state. The educational level has ranked in the bottom five nationally for the past 30 years. This shows in the local standards that are set for just about everything. The state legislature is often divided between (very) liberal Democrats and (very) conservative Republicans with a lot of business and local interests running through both parties. Often, almost nothing actually gets done and problems multiply. (Sound familiar?) Still, unlike the national stage, the result here is often either apathy or live-and-let-live, depending on your perspective.
Come here if you love the out-of-doors and are solitary or have a companion to share that with. Don't come here if you are looking for similar like-minded folks or a new late-in-life career, interest or romance. It is not a beautiful city, though the topography surrounding it is. It is pleasant enough, livable and easy if you don't have high expectations.
Editor's note: Thanks Scott for this very helpful and thoughtful report. There is no substitute for the wisdom and experience of our members when it comes to understanding local situations. You have added so much helpful detail. Much appreciated!
Chuck says:
I live in Albuquerque and agree with much of what Scott said. I'm not much of a city person anyway, but live east of Tramway (up against the mountains) and prefer to hang out in my part of the city, as Nancy (above) spoke of. The big draw for us is that we still bicycle a lot, and Albuquerque is a great place for that. I am still a runner, and can access trails by walking 5 miles from the house. Other than these things...we'd love to move.
Austin...We did check out Austin a few years ago. In my opinion, they have a severe problem with too much growth and no thoughts about where to put all those cars. The city really needs a decent mass transportation system. Our view of Austin was that it will become a real pain in coming years.
Bubbajog says:
Scott and Chuck - Thank you for your perspective on Albuquerque. I found your opinions very informative. Also, I have read that Albuquerque's crime rate is quite higher than the national average. Is crime something that stands out higher than normal in Albuquerque?
Mark Kessler says:
My wife and I always dreamed of retiring someplace warmer than the Illinois climate we lived in. So in 2007 in anticipation of retirement we bought a home on Lake Sinclair in Middle Georgia. We retired permanently last year and have been extremely happy with our choice. We are rural in nature but close to many areas of shopping and cultural activities. We're basically right in the middle of Atlanta, Athens, Augusta and Macon. Some closer towns are Milledgeville, Eatonton, Greensboro and Madison. This area is extremely rich in history and the people are warm and friendly. If your in to fishing, skiing or just relaxing on the water this is the place you should check out. There is also another lake just to the north of us called Lake Oconee, each of these lakes are approx. 16000 acres with hundreds of miles of shoreline. Off water housing is extremely affordable with homes or condos on the water are more money but appropriately priced. Summer's coming, come on down.....
Jeff Gilfoy says:
Mark - What is Athens like. We are looking for an affordable area with arts, music, and good food. We live in SW Florida and it is very expensive and OLD. Being retired military I also want to get back my Tricare Prime health insurance.
Dan says:
Hi Mark - re: Lake Sinclair, what is the level of medical care within say 15 minutes of you in middle Georgia, and also, do you fly out of Atlanta, (all in all a good airport), and how far is that?
Thanks, Dan
Donna says:
Has anyone retired in northern AZ --- maybe Prescott Valley area? Wondering about housing costs/taxes.
Chuck says:
Bubbajog....I just looked at a few sources. City Data (2011) shows Albuquerque crime at about 150% of the national average. CQ Press shows Albuquerque in 336th place of 432 cities. That ranking is for 2012 and goes from lowest to highest crime rate. You might want to search and find other sources.
Yes, the crime rate is higher than the national average, but I'm not sure it's very far from average for cities between 500k and 1 million people. There is a definite "thug...gang" element within the city.
One can lower the probability of problems by staying out of certain areas. Of course, unless you're a hermit, you will travel around the city and there is always the chance of encountering a "bad element." In our years here, I did narrowly escape a car jacking some years ago...we had a friend shot while pumping gas (she's okay now), and we've known other people who were the victims of property and violent crime. My wife was intentionally bumped while driving, and the other driver did what he could to get money out of our auto insurance company. The investigator on the case told us that was a common way of life for some of the gangs.
There are certainly safer places...and much worse places. The crime here is nothing compared to Flint Michigan, St. Louis or New Orleans. But, as I mentioned, you may want to search and check out various sources. There are even some good crime maps built from police reports so that you can see where most of the action is within the city. I hope that helps.
BJ says:
My husband and I are interested in retiring to the Greenville/Clemson area of S.C. Can someone tell us what the area is like and if it's a bit cooler if you live in the Clemson area which is closer to the mountains? Many thanks.
Ginger says:
I am buying a park model in Tucson this weekend. With over a year of diligent Internet searching, I found a 2008 laurel creek park model home for an unbelievably low price. So I flew out to see it, an really enjoying lovely temps in Tucson in winter. I'm not completely crazy about the community where the home is located and may move it to a nice community I found here, haven't decided on that. In any case, as soon as I get my NY house rented I'm on my way to Tucson! Although I'm sure there will be problems, at least I won't be dealing with winter. And I lived in Las Vegas for 5 years, so I already know about desert summer. But I have a friend in LA I will be visiting, and another in Wisconsin, so that will be fine.
Janet says:
Hi Donna:
We retired to the Prescott area in late 2011. Although income tax breaks are helpful, sales taxes in AZ in general are high. I have always thought property taxes were not too bad here, but I came from IL, and our property taxes were not cheap. The weather here is great, with all four seasons. Between Prescott and Prescott Valley, there is a population of near 80,000 folks, so services are plentiful, and there are lots of doctors, and a hospital in Prescott, and a hospital and breast center in Prescott Valley. Housing options are also plentiful. Lots of nice subdivisions if you want new, and depending on your budget, lots of vintage historic offerings near down town. There are lots of rentals from apartments to condos to houses. There are a few senior communities. We first rented an apartment at a senior community when we moved out here. That was great for a place to be while we learned what was what. This summer we rented a house in a senior community, and love it. While renting something nice is not cheap, right now, we prefer that to investing in a home again. It is just nice not to have to worry about all of that. Options for outdoor living are wonderful. Lots of hiking trails, and there are some small picturesque lakes. The downtown is a vibrant place with lots going on about all the time. Some folks complain about the traffic, but once you learn your way around, you should have no problem. It is well worth coming out to spend a few days. That is what we did in several areas before we decided. Another plus for this area is that you are just a couple of hours from the Grand Canyon, and about 45 minutes from Sedona. Phoenix is about 75 miles south. All in all, the decision we made to land here for awhile has been a good one. Janet
Mark P says:
To Janet, We were looking around Tucson. Really liked the Sedona but some locals said weather was unpredictable and rainy in the summer. We are trying to get away from the constant (this year is an exception) gloom drizzle and overcast skies in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Really liked the winter weather in Tucson. Not sure we can afford Sedona but it was a pretty place. Went thru Cottonwood which looked terrible to us. Didn't get a chance to see Prescott and regret not going thru it. What are the summers and winters like in Prescott? We were looking at Robson Communities but concerned about potential water issues. Robson doesn't seem to be too concerned with them for they are proceeding to build a new clubhouse and new villas. I've read where the aquifer is lower and there are concerns for the future but maybe not until 2025 or beyond. Lake Mead is down, and there is a tunnel boring project to bring in another deeper pipe into the lake I think. I suppose if it got too severe desalinization plants on the coast would be built to bring water inland. I sure can't complain about the winter tempertures there it was great.Any input About the Tucson, Green VAlley or Prescott area?
Janet says:
Hi Mark P:
We have found the winters to be delightful. We come from Central IL, so you go days there in the winter with no sun, and bitterly cold temps. Completely opposite here. Lots of sun usually, no matter what the temp. This winter we have been in the teens a few nites, and in the 50 and 60 during the day. Can't beat it what with the crisp clean air. Summers are not and during monsoon, there is some humidity and thunderstorms, but there are very few days where you would have what I would call a wash-out. The southwestern drought has placed alot of emphasis on the water table, but most towns are working hard on building treatment plants to recharge the aquifers. I believe southern AZ may have some spots that are already in trouble. Sedona is a beautiful place, although there are so many tourists all of the time, we thought it would be difficult to get around. In general, housing costs would be higher there as well. Also, except for gift shopping, most other things, you would want to go to Flag or Cottonwood. If you get back in that area, you should take in Jerome, the little mining town on the edge of Mingus Mountain. It is great fun. Lots of shops and restaurants. Janet
Mavin says:
My parents winter in Mission Texas which is part of the Rio Grande Valley. The area doesn't have the activities that other places have. But they have many retires coming to enjoy the winter and get together with each other. The area is very inexpensive to own a mobile home and come just for the winter. I am surprised that I don't hear much about the Rio Grande Valley in this retirement website. Wintering there is an option for us in a couple of years, because it is so inexpensive and it gets us out of the cold Wisconsin winters. I am interested in what others have to say about the Rio Grande Valley area.
Mov ing South says:
For Mark
Lake Sinclair sounds great! But I am living in Virginia and find the winters too cold. I would like year around swimming and biking. I am torn between Georgia and Florida being too hot in the summer and anyplace further north being too cold in the winter. Was interested in a respondent moving from Myrtle Beach to a warmer place! And a community near Charleston, S. C. has their pool open only April to October!
Please comment on weather in Lake Sinclair and outdoor activities.
Thank you.
Tricia says:
Albuquerque crime is very high. I have never owned a gun and we now have two. We live in a okay part of town and maybe of our neighbors homes have been broken into. We are not looking at security bars. We joined this site to find a place to retire to. I am now from Albuquerque, my husband is and I can't wait to leave for my safety. I agree with Scott H on the healthcare, I do work the one of the hospitals here and they care more about the profits then the members or their employees. The four seasons are nice. The food here is terrible, we rarely eat out and the cost of living is sometimes equal to what I had in Los Angeles.
EJ says:
:roll:HELLO to all prospective retirees to the ideal place to call home!!
I am probably headed to the Roanoke/Salem, VA area. After all is it #3 for Most Affordable Places to Retire. Anyone have some incite for retirement living there...to do or not; or to rather go in regular apartment. How is weather...allergies....senior friendly....health care....you know the usual "attractives" we all think we will need to thrive on in this phase of life. Thanking all in advance!
Berta says:
I lived in Albuquerque for 8 yrs. I couldn't get close to anyone...the people are very guarded and secretive. Central Ave. (Rt. 66) parts are very high crime, very young hangouts (college kids) and very old. Old Town is just that...very old. Once I moved I tried keeping in touch with a few, 3 months later, don't hear from any of them. I became a widow there, so as a single woman, I was glad to leave.
Chuck says:
Berta...my wife and I have lived in Albuquerque 26 years. We do live in what I would consider the part o the city with the least crime (the far northeast heights...right up against the mountains east of Tramway). Every time we've gotten new neighbors we've taken platters of brownies or cookies, introduced ourselves and welcomed them to the neighborhood. But...they very rarely reciprocate. I don't know if this is the way our nation has become, but we do miss having a sense of community and getting to know neighbors. I can only imagine it being very difficult for a single person here.
I don't think the crime is way out of line for a city this size, but there is no question there are plenty of places with far less crime. For various reasons...we are hoping to move before long. I think it's in my genes to always look for a greener pasture.
Charlie says:
We chose northeast North Carolina for temperate year round living. We cannot afford to own two places nor would we want to travel back and forth. We are in North Carolina's inner banks which has a moderate climate influenced in part by the coastal climate. We are only a day's drive to the northeast or Florida where we have relatives to visit and yet we have left the congestion of the cities behind. We are in a gated community that offers golf and boating and have a myriad of volunteer opportunities to stay busy. This community is low cost enough for us to own our house outright after selling our Northeast home. We are only an hour's drive to the outer banks where we can walk on the beach anytime. We are also far enough away from the coast to avoid the brunt of any storms that come through.
Roseann says:
Charlie, Can you tell me (us) more. Where in northeast North Carolina are you? I'm torn between Cary and Southport,NC The more info. you can give me. the happier I will be.
Sandy says:
Thank you Editors for recognizing the year-round liveability of Albuquerque. A local atmospheric condition forces the snow and hotter temps to Denver and the "Albuquerque Box" is why we are able to host the International Balloon Fiesta each year. If biking by the foothills of the Eastern Sandia Mountains doesn't make a happy retirement, it may be time to re-locate. However, staying indoors 3-5 days in the Winter and Summer seems reasonable to expect, even in Southern CA ( our home of 33 years).
In further defense of "My Albuquerque", the food is tremendous and is, of course, Spanish, Native-American, and Mexican orientated. We find the best local restaurants by watching HGTV's " Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". They always travel through Albuquerque and Santa Fe tasting, and praising, our local cuisine.
I've had open- heart surgery performed by a Doctor here who rivaled, in skill and compassion, my San Diego Scripps Clinic doctors of 33 years. My current Cardiologist was trained at the Cleveland Clinic. Interview and research your medical professional. We're retired. We have time. With the money we save on real estate and utilities, we can travel to CA, Texas, or the Cleveland Clinic if we need a medical procedure that can't be performed here. US News and World Reort "Best Hospitals of 2015 ". Has a nice article about our Presbyterian Hospital.
A happy and successful Retirement is all in your ATTITUDE. Look for the Good . Some wind may touch your face and someone just Might break into your house or car, but it's just George Carlin's " Stuff" anyway.
Charlie says:
Roseann, we are living at the Albemarle Plantation in Hertford, NC. We like the community because the people are friendly and easy to meet, it has a marina and a golf course and it is quiet and peaceful. The nearest city is Elizabeth City, NC about 20 minutes away where you can find just about everything and for the more serious shoppers, there is Chesapeake, VA which has multiple malls and stores about an hour away. Here is the website if you would like to look for yourself: http://www,albemarleplantation.com . Please note that I am not affiliated with any real estate sales nor do I have any commercial interests.
We also looked at Southport but it was too far south for us and the amenities were a lot more expensive. For example I pay $72/ft to keep my boat in our marina year round vs over $130/ft down at Wrightsville Beach. Northeast North Carolina still has reasonable real estate prices. the Wilmington area is more popular and as a result has higher prices. Good Luck and happy hunting.
Vickie says:
Charlie,
How much are the hoa's?
Thanks
Vickie says:
While georgia leans conservative, atlanta leans liberal. Too crowded, awful traffic, lots of crime. Plenty to do, but you need a thick skin to navigate the traffic. Major thoroughfare for truck drivers. Metro Atlanta is 5.5 million people. Affordable safe housing is now 30+ miles outside the city.
ella says:
Regarding Vickie's comment:
I lean conservative, so i have no problem with that. My question about No. Georgia is - How far north do i need to be from Atlanta in order to not get swamped with vacationers during the summer months? Congestion is not for me! Anyone?
Thanks!
Charlie says:
Vickie, HOA dues at the Albemarle Plantation are $250 per month. This includes a social membership fee of $105 which covers all the amenities . A golf membership adds $155/month. There is no developer involved anymore, all amenities and common areas are owned by the property owners.
cwbirch says:
Charlie,
Thanks for great information on Albemarle Plantation. I considered Albemarle on line, but
have not visited. Was discouraged because it seemed only building lots available, and I
do not want to build. I want to rent. Also, site advised me "very rural", so I wondered if
restaurants, food stores, events, were nearby. I would like to get away from driving except
for occasional shopping and doctors. Are musical and social events walkable, or golf cart able
within Albemarle Plantation?
cwbirch
Charlie says:
cwbirch,
Wow, that's lots of questions! I will try to answer all as best as I can in the order you posed them:
Both lots and houses are available for sale. Since the developer has exited, all properties are resales. You can find houses in a wide range of prices, condos from $120k to $230k, houses from $239k to $895k. Properties are either waterfront, golf course or inland. Most houses are re-sales but there are a few new builder's spec houses. with housing, basically you "pays your money and you takes your choice!" there are also rentals available in all categories.
The prima facia evidence - as the lawyers would say - on the face of it, we look like we are very rural. But looks can be deceiving. Yes you will need a car to drive to shopping. The nearest food shopping/hardware stores/ restaurants/gas stations are 10 minutes away in Hertford. More elaborate shopping - Walmart - Lowes - JC Penny - doctors/dentists etc are in Elizabeth City, NC about 20 minutes away. There are also similar services not as elaborate in the historic city of Edenton, NC. about 15 minutes away. The full Monte of malls and everything else are located in Chesapeak Va. about an hour away. But there is absolutely no traffic or congestion on the roads to any of these places.
You can do quite a few activities right here on site by either walking, bicycling or golf cart. The clubhouse has an excellent chef and holds many events sponsored by he different clubs on site. If you look on the website and click on Community/making friends it will display all the options. plenty of events are schedule by these various groups too numerous to list here.
I hope this answers all your questions! - Good luck in your search.
cwbirch says:
To Charlie:
Thank you so much for all your information. You are v ery generous.
Cwbirch
Debbie says:
Hello! Has anyone considered or researched the Gulfport MS area for retirement?
Thank You!
Virginia says:
To Debbie, I would if I knew anything about it?
Lynn says:
Unless you are prepared to possibly HAVE to evacuate your home/belongings, please take careful consideration before moving to any coastal region south of VA or on the entire coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes could easily devastate your lifestyle and insurance on your home/ belongings is extremely high, if at all available. That about covers it.