Apr
16

Baby Boomer's Best Retirement Cities: Part Two

There are plenty of great baby boomers cities for retirement. In Part One, several of these popular cities were covered. Part Two adds five more excellent choices for the baby boomer who's looking for good weather, low cost of living, or other factors that will help them enjoy their retirement years. It may surprise you to know, though, that a lot of the more popular baby boomer retirement locations are cold-weather choices.

That's somewhat unexpected, because it's typically assumed that all retirees want hot weather and a lot of sunshine to go fishing, boating, and engage in other types of outdoor hobbies that are best in dryness and heat. While the idea of retiring in the warm, Florida sunshine may still be a popular one with many people, it seems as though there are plenty of other baby boomers who don't mind a little snow in the wintertime. They may not like the heat and sun all the time, or they might want to be where they can see the changing seasons more vividly.

No matter what their reasons are for their city of choice, the most important thing is that they're happy and healthy in the retirement location they choose. Some research into the area and what it has to offer can make that a lot more likely to happen. If you're in the process of retirement, retired and looking for a new place, or just getting closer to retirement age, you may be thinking about where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do next. Fortunately, there's an abundance of great options. Here's Part Two of the baby boomer's best retirement cities.

1. Baltimore, Maryland

Maryland doesn't have a reputation for being a warm-weather haven for retirees, but Baltimore has a lot to offer. Much of the downtown area is very walkable, and the suburbs are just a short drive away. In both the outlying areas and the main part of the city, there are dozens of large and smaller shopping opportunities, as well as dining options. From clubs to more relaxed venues, there's always somewhere to go. The area also has plenty of parks and green spaces, so exercising outdoors is easier.

Being in the Northeast puts baby boomers close to excellent medical care and large airports, so they can stay healthy and also travel to visit friends and family members when it's convenient for them. Some baby boomers also choose to have a home in the Baltimore area and then travel to a more southern state for the winter months, so they can enjoy the best of both worlds. Retirees looking for city living, walkable neighborhoods, and plenty to do will want to put Baltimore on their list of great options.

2. Portland, Oregon

For any baby boomers who don't mind the rain, Portland, Oregon can be an excellent retirement choice. The city offers world-class medical care, plenty of public transit, and a comfortable vibe where most anything goes. That means people from all walks of life can enjoy it together. The lush greenery, parks, and other outdoor spaces can really fit what a retiree is looking for, and the commute isn't a concern. Traffic in the city isn't usually a problem, even though the population is large.

For travel, there's an airport and a train station with both commuter and long-distance railway options. Baby boomers who move to the area can also expect to enjoy an abundance of festivals and farmers' markets, along with the famous "Keep Portland Weird" saying that encourages individuality and a unique, eclectic style all its own. Portland is only a short drive to beaches, sand dunes, casinos, and plenty of other entertainment options for both indoor and outdoor interests. 

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota

A lot of baby boomers might not think about retiring to a place like Minneapolis. After all, it can get a lot of snow and some harsh winter conditions. But the city also has a lot to offer, and can provide a quality experience in retirement years. For example, the Mall of America is there and easily accessible from all the major roads that go through the area. Even when it's cold outside, there's plenty to do indoor. Such a large shopping experience helps ensure that it's never boring, and retirees can find what they want.

The city also offers a lot of outdoor options when the weather's nice, so baby boomers who choose to retire there won't be out of things to do if they like to be outside. Homes that are located out of the main part of downtown have good-sized lots for gardening or just relaxing in the warm summer months. Whether a home or a condo or apartment is the right choice in retirement, Minneapolis has something for just about everyone. Good quality hospitals are nearby, too, for added safety and security.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As one of the most patriotic and historic areas in the nation, Philadelphia is perfect for baby boomers who are interested in exploring all it has to offer. During the summer months there are walkable areas, parks, green spaces, and plenty of outdoor shopping and dining options to check out. When it's colder outside, malls and shops are great places to visit, along with tasty restaurants and plenty of cafés and coffee shops. There's always something to do in the area, and public transit makes getting around easy.

There's no reason to settle for less than a place that feels like home. There are historic buildings with apartments for rent, and the suburbs have larger home with big lawns for relaxing, gardening, playing with grandkids, and all kinds of other activities. While the area might have some winter weather to deal with, it's also one of the best places for a baby boomer to retire and still have plenty of great things to do all year long. Don't let the weather stand in the way, when there are so many things to explore and enjoy.

5. New York, New York

What's there to say about New York City? It's a Mecca of just about anything anyone could imagine. For any baby boomer who's adventurous and looking for a busy, bustling place to live, New York may just fit the bill perfectly. From apartments and walkable streets to larger homes further from the center, there's plenty to choose from. There's also a definite difference from one neighborhood to the next, so baby boomers can choose what fits their lifestyle and find the place that's right for them.

When smaller locations just won't do, and a baby boomer wants the highest level of options for their enjoyment and interests, it's hard to go wrong with New York City. Even the winter doesn't need to slow anyone down, since there's so much public transit along with taxi services and ride-share opportunities. Getting around the city is easy, as is meeting new people, finding new interests, or just getting involved with the hobbies that were enjoyed in the past. Retirement is a great time to get back to those things again.

With so many great options for retirement living, baby boomers can really go just about anywhere in the country and have a good retirement. It really comes down to what each person is looking for in their later years, and the kinds of things they want to do with their time. Someone who likes to walk to shopping may want to choose New York City, while a baby boomer who loves the rain might think that Portland, Oregon is a better fit. There's no right or wrong answer for where to live in retirement. When a baby boomer does their research and follows their heart, they're sure to land in a place they can love in their retirement years.

By: Lee Preston
Lee is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for EZstorit.com. When she is not working with our storage facilities partners, she is writing about topics that affect our daily lives.