If you are someone looking for a dream place to live your retirement life, here are the top five best choices according to AARP The Magazine, which is a bi-monthly periodical that represents the 50+ market.
These dream cities have everything a retiree could ask for. AARP Researchers selected the cheapest cities based on factors such as affordability, income, property and sales tax. Of these, five dream places were selected considering additional criteria such as weather, recreational opportunities, livability, health care and transportation.
Las Cruces, New Mexico tops the list of five dream cities for retired people. There are about 82,600 residents in this community and the median age of the population is 31.2 years. Las Cruces is a beautiful city characterized by affordable homes, excellent quality of life, great year-round weather and plenty of attractions. Locals enjoy low property taxes and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping in the mountains. The New Mexico State University situated in the city is a plus. This college town offers a wonderful culture and a relaxed lifestyle.
Charleston, South Carolina is the next best dream city one would love to retire in. Locals enjoy tax exemption on social security benefits. Charleston is known for its civility, and according to one expert in etiquette, has been judged the best-mannered city in America nine times in a row. The city's friendliness and regal reputation is maintained by its livability court, the only one of its kind in the U.S, which addresses minor quality-of-life complaints such as barking dogs, loud parties and smelly trash. The Senior Scholars program at the military college and non-degree courses at the College of Charleston are hot favorites among residents. The city has an estimated population of about 106,700 and a median resident age of 33.2 years.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a paradise for retired people and ranks number 3 on the list. With a land area of 1.2 sq. miles, the city has a population of about 1,550 residents and a median age of 57. About 38% of the residents are 65 years and above and the number is expected to increase to 75% in the next 25 years. Residents enjoy a variety of benefits such as low property taxes, sales tax exemption on many items, and tax exemption on some retirement benefits. Residents love the beach, the central location and small town feel.
Memphis, Tennessee is the fourth dream city on the list. With its big-city style and small- town charm, the city is another great place for retirees. Its ongoing revitalization, numerous tax benefits, rich culture, and abundant attractions such as the Mississippi Delta region are big hits with the locals. The city has a resident population of 672,200 people with a median age of 31.9 years.
St. George, Utah with its desert landscape is an appealing city that ranks fifth on the list. According to a 2006 AARP report, St. George is one of the ten fastest growing counties in the U.S. for people who are 60 and above. Locals enjoy several tax advantages, excellent outdoor entertainment and proximity to major nearby attractions. The city has a population of 64,200 and median resident age of 31.4 years.
Whether you are buying a family home, or a full-time retirement home, make your dreams come true by obtaining the services of a real estate professional to help you in the home buying process.