Retirement is your time to enjoy the fruits of your years of labor. Many people dream of living on the beach in Florida or traveling the country from coast to coast during their retirement years.
The reality of retirement may not support the idea of becoming a beach bum for your remaining years, though. Even a healthy retirement fund can be strained if you live in a place with a high cost of living while you are not earning money at a regular job anymore.
Here are five nice places in the United States where you can retire in comfort without burning through your savings too quickly:
1 – Portland, Maine
Portland is a great place for anyone who enjoys fresh seafood at the lowest prices. Fishermen make deliveries to the local docks daily, and residents have their pick of the finest selection at the best price. The city has plenty of urban attractions, but it is also close enough to local lakes and beaches for outdoors enthusiasts. The winters can bring large amounts of snow, but the metropolis is well-equipped to keep everything accessible during even the worst winter storms.
2 – Brownsville, Texas
Located at the very southern tip of Texas, this relatively small town gives you a reasonable cost of living within easy driving distance of the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The city has a population of nearly 400,000 with an average rental rate that is 4 times less expensive than New York City. The climate is warm and dry, which could mean higher utility rates since you will need the air conditioner more often. The utility bills are offset by low prices for groceries and consumer goods.
3 – Gainesville, Georgia
The mild weather and proximity to Lake Lanier make Gainesville a great choice for retirement. The city has golf courses and several different types of water activities available most of the year for residents and tourists alike. Compared to most of the rest of the country, housing prices in Gainesville are surprisingly low. Even houses along the waterfront are more affordable than smaller houses on regular city blocks in other cities.
4 – Ithaca, New York
This small college town is an ideal place for anyone who enjoys intellectual pursuits as well as the breathtaking beauty of natural lakes and waterfalls. The city has all of the comforts of an urban center with the backdrop of the Finger Lakes. Wine and food are at the center of the cultural attractions, while boating and hiking are a large part of the outdoor attractions. Prices for consumer goods are far more reasonable and the lifestyle is far more relaxed than you will find in areas closer to New York City.
5 – Wenatchee, Washington
Known as the “Apple Capitol of the World,” Wenatchee is a quiet town tucked into a valley between the mountains of the Cascade Range. The cost of living is far less expensive than nearby Seattle, but the natural wonders and entertainment are easier to get to and less crowded. The mountains and the Columbia River provide an idyllic retirement atmosphere with plenty of hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities to keep you busy.
About the author: Jessica Bosari spent many childhood years living in Ithaca and can attest to its quiet, rural beauty. She writes about personal finance at SavingTools.com.