Where To Retire, Seniors?

I just discovered a magazine called “Where to Retire.”  They had a short list of Best Places to Retire for seniors and others not quite there yet, who are seeking relatively low cost living and housing, favorable tax situation, a low crime rate, an active downtown, good medical facilities and a range of activities that can keep them fit and healthy.  So where would you say?  Been in any recently?

The larger cities still seem to attract notes Editor Annette Fuller.  Austin and Santa Fe for example (l love both these cities) but the smaller ones are holding their share of retirees.  Cities like Mountain Home, Ark., Natchez, MS and Port Townsend, WA bring in retirees who want to be “off the beaten track” and in smaller cities.  Nevertheless, the magazine came up with just five that they really pushed.  Hendersonville, NC, St. Augustine, FL, King of Prussia, PA, College Station, TX and Branson, MO.  Guess I know why Branson.  Have you been there?  Don’t say no if you haven’t, just respond with “Not Yet”, as I used to tell my students.

Let’s Look At Hendersonville

Folks living there find Hendersonville (pop. 13,000+), North Carolina ” a remarkably friendly yet sophisticated social experience.” Historic Downtown Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1988. It has become a vital part of the community’s economic and cultural growth. The serpentine street features planter boxes brimming with seasonal flowers and trees.

Thriving businesses such as specialty shops, antique stores and restaurants offer something for every senior visitor. So senior citizens, take any day of the year to walk the 16 blocks that constitute Historic Downtown Hendersonville and you’ll find a place bustling with the activity of work and play. Cruise, on foot or in your car, down the distinctive serpentine Main Street for an introduction to the mix of specialty shops, art galleries, funky-to-formal restaurants and vibrant entertainment venues.

Seniors Meet Just Plain Friendly

Dating to shortly after the founding of Henderson County in 1838, Hendersonville has been traditionally known as “The City of Four Seasons”. Recently, the mayor of Hendersonville has proclaimed it “Friendliest City for Retirees in America”. The town’s well-preserved Main Street with its many restaurants, antique shops and boutiques are buildings that housed key local business until the mid-1980s.

Theaters, museums, geological formations make up the listing of 15 major attractions. Another worthwhile guide on the city https://www.hendersonville.com will fix you up with shops, lodging and great places to eat. As a programmer myself, I loved the blue background on that site.  How about you? Looks to me like a great place to retire to me and/or a great place to visit. jeb