The 10 Best US Locations for Retirees

After spending many years of our lives working to support ourselves and our loved ones, retirement is a step we look forward to. It promises a new chapter in life, where you are given the freedom to start over, and perhaps find a new place to live, which not too long ago seemed like an impossible feat due to the constraints of employment. We all have our own ideas of what we want our retirement years to look like, so picking what is perceived to be the 10 best places in the US, was not an easy task. In making this decision, we took many factors into consideration: climate, surrounding areas, living cost, average housing cost, recreational activity options, cultural diversity and crime rates. So, from cities to suburbs, to paradise... these are the best locations mapped out for you.

1. Bellingham, Washington

Source: Flickr.com, Allen Sheffield The perfect location for active adults, Bellingham is incredibly scenic, offering a plethora of outdoor activities. For the most part, the city is a college town, with Western Washington University and three other community colleges within its vicinity. The town has a thriving, safe and interesting downtown too. Winters are cold, but certainly beautiful and a plus for anybody that enjoys skiing.

2. Boise, Idaho

Source: Flickr.com, Charles Knowles Besides being below the nation's average in both violent and property crimes, Boise will also make for a pleasant experience for those that enjoy outdoor activities. Another plus side is the average cost of housing, which is slightly below the national average at around $170,000. However, the overall cost of living is slightly higher than the average. Extreme weather conditions should not be an issue here either, as for most of the year, the weather is dry and temperate. Being the state's capitol, it has all the required amenities too and is pleasantly bustling.

3. Venice, Florida

Source: Flickr.com, Zach Diehn Peaceful, warm throughout the year and with crime rates that are impressively low, Venice is for the most part, a community for the retired, so you can rest assure that all your needs will be catered to. Another perk is that it is one of the most cost effective cities in the state. Retirees living here can enjoy the beautiful beach in the vicinity and 31 municipal parks.

4. Claremont, California

Source: discoverclaremont.com California's liberal lifestyle and excess made choosing a location here especially difficult, with choices like San Diego, Napa, Berkley, Santa Barbara and many others, quite a number of locations in California are worth retiring to. But perhaps, one of the best features of southern California is its warm weather throughout the year, and Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, make outdoor recreational activities an option for its residents. It is about 30 miles away from Los Angeles too. Another added bonus is the crime rate, which is significantly low on both violent and property crimes.

5. The Woodlands, Texas

Source: thewoodlands.com  With options like Austin, Rio Grande Valley area, Corpus Christi, andSan Antonio, Texas has become one of the best states to retire to, with The Woodlands often considered to be at the top of the list. There are many master-planned communities in the town that cater very well to the needs of retirees. Big cities, like Houston, are just 45 minutes away. The crime rates of this suburban area are low as is the cost of living. However, due to recent increase in inhabitants and the quality of life, the prices of houses are on the higher end, the average costing about $280,000.

6. Boulder, Colorado

Source: Flickr.com, Roger W The town markets itself as one of the most 'green' and 'healthiest', making it an excellent location for anyone looking to pursue a healthy lifestyle. With outdoor activities taking center stage in Boulder, you won't run out of things to do here. The town contains over 50 parks and 50 golf courses and is nestled right under the Rocky Mountains. Besides its amazing outdoor environment, the weather here is pretty good too, allowing you to experience all four seasons, including the opportunity for skiing in the winter. For the most part, it is predominantly sunny, boasting 300 days of sunshine each year. Crime rates for both violent and property crimes are below the national average as well.

7. Athens, Georgia

Source: Flickr.com, David Torcivia Georgia is a predominantly conservative state, however, its university (the University of Georgia) has helped, providing a substantial balance in cultural attitudes, bringing in all the life a place needs. The cost of living is also below the national average and average houses are around $140,000. The weather is temperate and the crime rate is on par with the national average. It has shown signs of improvement over the last few years though.

8. Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Source: bartlesville.com This small town is about 45 minutes away from Tulsa and offers a comfortable, quiet and affordable living for retirees. The average house here costs about $120,000 with some of the lowest property taxes in the country. The cost of living is also below average and crime rates are way below the national average.

9. Ithaca, New York

For a vibrant cultural atmosphere, Ithaca has plenty to offer, the best of which can be found in natural walkways, gorges and waterfalls. The violent crime rates are extremely low and the property crime rates are lower than the national average. The weather is perfect for anyone looking for a change of season with warm summers and cold winters.

10. Kauai, Hawaii

Whilst it may seem like living in Hawaii may not be a reasonable option, it should definitely be taken up as an option for anyone who can afford to splurge. In terms of amenities, cost of living and recreational opportunities, Kauai is a great spot that offers quite a number of activities, including golfing, hiking, beaches and water sports. Crime rates are also well below the national average.