Thinking about retirement? Trying to figure out the best place to relocate for your second career, retirement or Golden Years? Don’t want to break the bank in the process? No worries. There are plenty of places here and abroad that present inexpensive options for baby boomers, retirees and seniors looking to downsize or protect their retirement nest egg. Plus, many of these locations offer super amenities, like awesome weather, recreation, affordable housing, access to health care, and so much more.
Super States for Retiree Living
What states are the most attractive for retirees? Several states get high fives for being the most economical. Among them, Florida’s attractive for no personal income, inheritance, or gift taxes. Tennessee and Texas also get high marks from retirees for no state income tax. Finally, Delaware goes to the head of the class for no sales tax.
Top 3 Best Budget-Friendly Retirement Towns
Which places score big as the Top 3 Best Budget-Friendly Retirement Towns? Oxford, Mississippi, Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon of course. Each city is relatively safe, uncrowded and affordable. Each offers retirees other amenities, like good weather, great views, cheap housing, arts and recreation, and proximity to medical assistance. Finally, Oxford, Austin and Portland provide retirees with something a little different and altogether unique, a winning combination for retirees today.
Want to learn more about why Oxford, Mississippi, Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon are among the best places to retire today? Read on…
Oxford, Mississippi
Official Website: www.oxfordms.net
Nothing like the rolling hills of Mississippi to make your retirement dreams come true. With a population of just under 19,000, this city has long been home to the University of Mississippi as well as the rich, famous and literary crowd. For example, Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner called Oxford home, as does celebrated author John Grisham. Oxford’s also known for its sophisticated shops, sensational dining, sporting events, arts and culture, and barbecue. In Mississippi, individuals 65 and older qualify for special tax exemptions for their primary residence. All certified retirement income is exempt from Mississippi state tax. In addition, the cost of living in Mississippi is approximately 10 percent below the national average, and housing costs post 25% lower than the national average. Retiring soon? Give Oxford, Mississippi a try.
Austin, Texas
Official Website: www.ci.austin.tx.us
Capital of the state of Texas, Austin’s a great, affordable place to live and retire. A gateway to the legendary Texas Hill Country, Austin’s got everything from arts and entertainment to affordable housing and recreation. Austin’s also home to the rich, famous and infamous. For example, Willie Nelson, Lance Armstrong, and Sandra Bullock have all called Austin home. With a population of just under 800,000, you’ll find lots to do in the Lone Star capital with its rich cultural and music scene. Or, drive a couple of hundred miles and you’re within reach of Houston, Dallas and San Antonio’s River Walk. For retirees, Austin’s attractive for its 300 days of sunshine and no income tax. Austin has great services and medical centers. Retiring in the next year or two? Give Austin, Texas a good look.
Portland, Oregon
Official Website: www.portlandonline.com
For retirees, Portland’s got it all. Cheap eats, housing and views to spare. With a population of a little over 550,000, Portland’s like a big city on a livable scale. With its lively arts, entertainment and recreation scene, retirees will love exploring Portland and the surrounding areas top to bottom. True, Portland’s cost of living is a little higher than the national average, but its low housing prices make a real difference. Thinking about retirement? Looking for something altogether different? Give this wonderful, Western port city a second look.
Honorable Mentions
Certainly, there are other, super-affordable cities to consider for your retirement years. Some are college towns. Others are tourist meccas. Some towns are sparsely populated while others teem with people and energy. Some of these retirement cities are certainly off the beaten path. But, all deserve consideration as affordable, retirement destinations. Among them:
Spokane, Washington…A beautiful, affordable Washington State destination.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania…A lovely farming town and county but close enough to the Philadelphia arts and culture scene.
Thurmont, Maryland…Not too far from Lancaster, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Frederick, or the Nation’s Capital city.
Cape May County, New Jersey…A lovely beach and inland area.
Lexington, Virginia…Picture-perfect retirement destination. Has it all. Check out what the Shenandoah Valley and I-81 corridor has to offer retirees.
Ashville, North Carolina…Do you love the mountains? Ashville is a four-season gateway to the beautiful Smokies.
Springfield, Missouri…This capital city is halfway between Kansas City and Branson, Missouri, home of the
Ozarks and country-style music and entertainment.
Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida…A perfect destination for retirees who love coastal living.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina…Beach lovers will love this affordable and fun retirement destination.
Virginia Beach, Virginia…A great retirement option, not too far from Norfolk and Richmond.
Ogden, Utah…Great views and affordable housing in a lovely Western state.
Yuma, Arizona…Hits the high notes with retirees looking for all the bells and whistles only Arizona can offer.
Chattenooga, Tennessee…On everyone’s list for affordability and convenience.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho…A popular destination with retirees today. Awesome views and so much more.
Las Cruces, New Mexico…Breathtaking and affordable.
Traverse City, Michigan…For those who don’t mind the cold weather, this is a retiree’s dream destination.
RESOURCES
Cities on the Cheap
www.citiesonthecheap.com
America’s Best Cheap Cities
Forbes
Cheapest Places to Retire
Ideal Places to Retire
Best Places to Retire
CNN/Money Magazine
10 Affordable Places to Retire
US News & World Report
