As a retiree, you want an easeful life filled with things that help you relax, yet also fill downtime in a meaningful way.
As you near this phase of life you may be wondering where the best places are to settle down, for both your mood and wallet.
Folks often think of year-round sunny weather and beaches, like the South. However, that’s not fitting for everyone.
The Midwest actually has many great spots to offer, whether it be Indianapolis house for sale or a Des Moines apartment. America’s Heartland provides ample opportunity for your golden years.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is great for big city living on a small budget. The Milken Institute ranked Iow’as capital fifth out of 100 large U.S. metro areas for successful aging.
There’s a strong economy here, as well as plenty of health care facilities specializing in aging-related services.
If you’d like to stay active, you’ll always be able to find something to do. Culture seekers can visit a variety of museums and art venues. You can stroll along botanical gardens or visit the zoo.
There’s even a casino and racetrack in Altoona.
Troy, Michigan
An incredible statistic to note about Troy is that there are 21.32 medical centers for every 10,000 residents in Troy, so healthcare here is certainly not lacking.
The city also places in the top 10 when it comes to a lack of violent crimes; there are 79 for every 10,000 residents.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Though this is well-known as a college town, it’s also well suited to retirees. It’s home to the University of Michigan, which has a host of educational programs, cultural affairs, and sporting events the general public can take part of. If you’re looking to keep busy during retirement, Ann Arbor can certainly offer you events to fill your schedule.
Ann Arbor’s health care facilities are top-notch, helping to earn it a sixth-place ranking among small metro areas for successful aging, according to the Milken Institute. The University of Michigan runs the Geriatrics Center & Institute of Gerontology, which focuses on health care issues that come with aging.
Kansas City, Missouri
The music and arts scene in this city is particularly vibrant, so if that’s something you’re looking to enjoy, Kansas City is a great place to check out.
It’s been home to legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker and is where the American Jazz Museum is. Kansas City also has the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Kansas City Art Institute.
Fargo, North Dakota
As a whole, North Dakota has consistently ranked among the best states to retire to, thanks to its low cost of living and tax-friendly nature.
In Fargo, housing costs for retirees sit 14.3% below the national average. While the average cost for a private room in a North Dakota nursing home is $11,690 a month, it’s just $9,644 a month in Fargo.
North Dakota State University is based here and, like many other college areas, brings with it attractive amenities for retirees. There are sporting events and cultural attractions, as well as numerous musical and theater performances.