Best Retirement Communities
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14 Spots Worth Considering
Today's seniors want something better if they are going to bother moving out of their home and their community. They want to be entertained and engaged, to make personal connections and to bring their pets. They want to be able to go places and do things.
Click through our gallery to see which retiree-worthy places fit the bill as freelance writer Carol Vinzant picks 14 retirement communities with something special to offer.
First Up: Pick No. 1 -
Meadowood Retirement Community
Bloomington, Ind.
The Indiana University is a leader in the trend of universities welcoming seniors to retire nearby and both enjoy and contribute to campus life. Retirees can choose to live in homes, apartments or eventually, hospital beds. In addition to campus life, they can also enjoy a spa or wet bar.
Next: Pinehurst, N.C. -
MCT
Pinehurst, N.C.
Many northerners retire to Florida only to find they don’t like the hot weather, traffic, outrageous real estate prices and dearth of cultural activities. But they don’t want to go back to winters, so they go halfway back, retiring in the Carolinas, where temperatures and property prices are milder. Founded as a vacation resort, Pinehurst has 30 golf courses, a cute downtown and lots of cultural attractions. The town is within a day’s drive to the Outer Banks, the mountains or Durham. The nearby Sandhills Center for Creative Retirement offers trips and classes.
Next: Huckins Farm -
Huckins Farm
Huckins Farm
Bedford, Mass.
Huckins Farm is one of a few dozen retirement communities around the country that cater to horse people. The Farm includes 164 homes and condos, an equestrian center, recreation center, pool, an apple orchard and lots of preserved land. It's small-town New England, but close to Boston.
Next: Silver Sage Village -
Silver Sage Village
Silver Sage Village
Boulder, Colo.
Residents at Silver Sage have their own townhouses, but share a community center and get together for walks and exercise. Co-housing is a growing movement to build micro-communities, which sometimes share common interests, instead of just isolated homes. Silver Sage has a commitment to the environment and to what it calls a "participatory community." One bedrooms go for $400,000 to $500,000.
Next: Beacon Hill Village -
Mike Otis for Beacon Hill Village
Beacon Hill Village
Boston
Aging residents didn’t want to leave this historic Boston neighborhood, so they got together and formed something like a senior citizens' commune. You pay a membership fee ($580 for singles, $780 for couples) and get household help (repairs, errands like grocery shopping), trips, classes and lectures. And the chance to live in a lively community. Now the neighborhood is a model for aging-in-place programs around the country. And it attracts new residents who just want to be part of the special community.
Next: Foxdale Village -
Foxdale Village
State College, Penn.
A group of local Quakers wanted to establish a non-profit retirement home that would be "based on Quaker values and Quaker conviction that all people are to be treated with dignity and loving respect." Residents have to be over 65 and in good health when they move into one of the 148 apartments, which range from studios to two-bedrooms, on its 21-acre campus. But then they offer a continuum of care from there while encouraging independence, including classes at nearby Penn State.
Next: Manhattan -
Chris Hondros, Getty Images
Manhattan
Lots of retirees want to ditch their car -- either because it becomes difficult or just too much of a hassle. Naturally, that's easier if you live in a dense city of other pedestrians. Manhattan, according to city-data.com, has the lowest car density in the country for big cities. A full 60% of residents don't have a car. That's led to a 24-hour reasonably-safe subway system, abundant cabs and car sharing services. Not to mention, there's just a lot to see and do on foot in the Big Apple.
Next: Highland Green -
Highland Green
Highland Green in Maine
Billed as an adult resort community, Highland Green, on Maine's mid-coast near Freeport, offers a chance for retirees to live independently in new homes, but in a community of like-minded retirees. Plus, the community handles both indoor and outdoor maintenance. That may be appealing to a couple dreaming of retiring to Maine from somewhere else, but afraid of feeling isolated. It has a golf course and club house, but what makes it really unique is its nature preserve. Residents see fox, beaver, deer and porcupine.
Next: RainbowVision -
RainbowVision
Santa Fe, N.M.
As openly gay seniors start to retire, they don't want to have to go back to being secret about who they are. So, a string of gay retirement communities are opening up to serve their needs. RainbowVision plans more sites in Palm Springs, the Bay Area and in British Columbia. For now the Santa Fe location offers apartments and assisted living rooms, a Billie Jean King fitness center and plenty of entertainment and comfort.
Next: Your RVRelated Links:
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Your RV
Instead of picking one place, many retiree couples hit the road in a recreational vehicle. They get to migrate to warm weather in the winter, mild in the summer and see all the sites in between. Some keep their home; some don't bother. One in ten Americans aged 55 to 64 owns an RV, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. The group claims more than a million Americans live at least part of the year in their RVs.
Next: The Gatesworth -
The Gatesworth
The Gatesworth
St. Louis, Mo.
The Gatesworth is a luxury retirement community in the heart of the Midwest. The independent apartments range from 700 to 2,200 square feet and the community assets include a 104-seat theater, onsite bank, spa, gym with a heated pool, nightly happy hours and even dog-walking services (yes, they’re dog-friendly, too).
Next: Lake Chapala -
Guillermo Arias, AP
Lake Chapala
Guadalajara, Mexico
An increasing number of Americans are retiring to Mexico. The reason? Mainly cost -- and that applies both to those who buy villas on the coast and those who live in a modestly priced retirement home. Many claim they can live comfortably on Social Security. Health insurance is just a few hundred dollars a year. Lake Chapala is an enclave of Americans; Guadalajara is reputed to have the largest expat community (which also includes Canadians). Living amongst local communities will be cheaper.
Next: La Posada -
La Posada
La Posada
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
La Posada is like a waterfront resort, but with access to medical care. A concierge physician is on call and there are a range of medical services, from assisted living to Alzheimer's programs. The waterfront facility has dining, a fitness center, bridge room, spa and wellness center and lots of activities. For those worried about leaving some money for their kids, La Posada has a program in which 90% of your deposit is refunded (in certain circumstances.)
Next: Your Neighborhood -
Your Neighborhood
After researching communities, you may find the best one for you is your own neighborhood. In fact, most people want to stay in their own home when they retire. With a few modifications you can. On the simplest level, you can add bathroom safety bars and replace things that are hard to use with arthritic hands like round door knobs or small light switches. If you already use a walker or wheelchair or anticipate needing one you may want to make sure you have everything accessible on the ground floor. Some install elevators, outside ramps and widen doorways.
Next: More Retirement Hot Spots -
More on AOL:
Compare the Costs of 30 Retirement Hot Spots
Thinking about changing your address during your golden years? A move is a big decision that should be based on many factors, including what the cost of living will be. Bankrate has rounded up key stats on 62 popular retirement spots, we highlight 30 of them here.
Click through our gallery to check out the prospective communities. Compare the price of goods and services there, everything from the cost of a dozen eggs to median home prices. How Much Does It Cost in ...More in Money & Finance:
Search Real Estate in Best Retirement Spots
Recent Comments
RNavbro 06:13:44 AM Mar 25 2009
I just Don't but most of the so called picks listed in any media. Homes, shoes, foods, appliances, gadgets etc. Highly subjective info that may be marketing adjusted.
PetLvnGrl 02:17:16 AM Dec 25 2008
Regarding retirees: PULEEZE don't come to Alabama. At 4 million our state is already stuffed with people....Pick, Florida...Arizona....California....just about any damn where but HERE....Keep Out....!
PA41338 11:53:49 PM Dec 24 2008
I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU DID NOT INCLUDE SUN CITY HILTON HEAD AS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE. SO MANY ACTIVITIES, GREAT HOMES, LOVELY WEATHER AND CLOSE TO FLORIDA, VIRGINIA, N CAROLINA. WE ARE FROM THE NORTHEAST AND THIS WAS A WONDERFUL RETIREMENT CHOICE FOR US AND FOR THOUSANDS MORE.
HHI ROCK 11:33:48 PM Dec 24 2008
The best kept secret in Central Florida is a place called Harbor Hills. It is located close to the Villages but is more upscale and reasonable for Country Club living. Golf, Tennis, huge olympic pool, lots of ammenities. One of the highest points in Florida, No hurricanes overlooks a beautiful lake. Boat dock and fab cubhouse. Check us out
Dougdouglasscpi 10:46:52 PM Dec 24 2008
You all are missing one of the best spots in the US....Tellico Village, Loudon Tennessee, a well kept secret...... tvpoa.org .....
Brucekly1 08:16:48 PM Dec 24 2008
obviously writer has her/head up their okole and has not discovered the West Coast or Hawaii.
weevettwo 05:03:39 PM Oct 04 2008
Retirement! The very best time of my life. Spoiled, spontaneous, outrageous behaviour..Doesn't matter, I am old now..and I can get away with it
MINERSPHOTO 12:45:13 PM Aug 17 2008
We are looking for land 50 miles east or west of I-65 in the state of Tennessee. We would like 25-100 acres with or without a home. Feal free to send me your ad, pricing and GPS info. LARGE Larry
MINERSPHOTO 12:19:28 PM Aug 17 2008
If you're going to be adding Indiana to your retirement list, stay at lest 20 miles out from downtown Indianapolis. On your map look for Avon to the west, Greenwood to the south, Carmal to the north and Greenfield to the east. The best part of Indiana is the lower half of the state "Greenwood down to the Ohio river" that is if you like trees, lakes, hills, better priceing on homes and quality people. Places to avoid in Indiana at all cost is Indianapolis "Marion Co." and Gary In. unless your in a gang and like falling home prices. Best of luck, LARGE Larry
Sbcamper 02:55:05 PM Aug 13 2008
Are there "good" places for people who no longer manage steps?What ideal handicap accessible places are there on the west coast? Not about golf (unless it is an electric cart track?); waiting to hear where the best year round indoor pools are located? Astoria, OR WA state. Canada? On site mini-markets?
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