Apr
09

The Best Retirement Cities for Baby Boomers: Part One

If you're a baby boomer who's looking to retire soon, or you're retired and looking to relocate, there are some great places around the country to choose from. Locations with warm weather and a low cost of living are usually among the best choices, but there are also baby boomers who like colder weather or want to live in a higher-income area. No matter what you like, there's something that will work for you. Everyone is different, but a lot of locations throughout the US have plenty of great options and opportunities for everyone.

There are a lot of different things to consider when deciding on a city for retirement, because medical care, transportation options, and other issues might come into play. Those may not have been as important in pre-retirement years, but looking around the cities that are popular with baby boomers indicates that those opportunities may be more important in retirement. Before you make a decision on the city you want to move to after you retire, check out these options that make the list for best retirement cities.

1. Denver, Colorado

Even though the winters in Denver can be harsh, it's still a popular spot for retirement. That's largely because of its natural beauty and everything it can offer in the way of hiking, biking, walking, skiing, and other types of outdoor activities. Having a home in the Denver area also means an easy commute to plenty of things to do.

Dining, shopping, theaters, and parks are all abundant in and around Denver. Medical care is good there, as well, which makes it safer and more convenient for baby boomers as they age. With the wide variety of services and options, coupled with a reasonable cost of living and plenty of nature options, baby boomers can have a great retirement in Denver.

2. Tampa, Florida

For boomers who want warm weather year-round and are trying to avoid the snow and ice that can come with more northern cities, Tampa, Florida may be the right location. Living in Tampa means shopping, beaches, attractions, outings on the water, and much more. A lower cost of living also offers baby boomers the opportunity to do things they enjoy without worrying over their financial security.

The balmy summer breezes and mild winters can be a great choice for people who like warm weather and aren't interested in skiing or other snow activities. Many baby boomers retire to warmer climates and then travel if they want to get involved in sports or other interests that require cold weather. Tampa can be an excellent choice for that, and quality medical care in the Tampa area also means more safety for baby boomers as they age.

3. San Francisco, California

Whether they want to ride the cable cars or explore the Golden Gate Bridge and its attached park, there's always something to do in San Francisco. Commuting around the city on public transit is easy, too, so baby boomers who don't want to drive anymore can get from one place to another without worrying about traffic. The medical care in the Bay Area is impressive, and so are the shopping, dining, and outdoor activity options.

Because it's close to so many travel options and other locations, San Francisco is a great choice for baby boomers in retirement. Cost of living can be high, but there are also lower-priced options in the area. Additionally, the warm weather and low amounts of rain throughout the year mean outdoor options are almost always available and harsh winter weather won't be a problem.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle has a reputation for rain, but that's what makes everything in the Emerald City so lush and green. For baby boomers who don't mind cool weather or overcast days, it can be just the right location for a cozy and comfortable retirement. There are both higher- and lower-cost areas of the city to live and explore, and with so much to do it's always an adventure there. Coffee shops and small cafés are very common in the downtown area, and it's very walkable there, as well.

One of the biggest benefits of the Seattle area is the high-quality medical care. The area's hospitals are renowned when it comes to surgical options, heart care, and other medical issues. Baby boomers can feel safe when they're living in a place where they know they can quickly and easily get access to quality care they can rely on. Shopping is a great way to pass the time on a rainy afternoon, and there's an abundance of place to find the goods and services any baby boomer would want or need.

5. Atlanta, Georgia

For warm weather and the hustle and bustle of a big city, with the more relaxed vibe of the Southern states, baby boomers may want to consider retiring to Atlanta, Georgia. The city provides its residents with plenty to do, and there are a lot of other great travel destinations close by, as well. Nightlife is big in the Atlanta area, and there are multiple options for shopping and dining that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Baby boomers who are interested in a comfortable climate and plenty to do can really enjoy Atlanta and all it has to offer. If they want to travel, having access to a major airport close by is also a big benefit of the Atlanta area. The airport there is a major hub for a number of national and international airlines, giving baby boomers access to transportation for visits to the grandkids or overseas vacations, and everything in between. World-class medical care is also a high point for this Southern city.

As you can see, many of these cities are in warmer areas of the country, or places that don't have harsh winters. They're also in the lower to moderate cost of living range, making living on a fixed income easier. When you retire, you don't want to have to worry about the price of your home or the other expenses around you.

By choosing the right location you can enjoy your retirement years more fully by keeping costs low and living in an area where you have comfortable temperatures and a lifestyle that fits your needs. There are all kinds of good options, but some retirement cities may not be right for your retirement goals. Fortunately, the list of choices is a long one.

Didn't find a city that felt right for you? There's no reason to worry! Part II is coming soon, with more of the best retirement cities for baby boomers.

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.