Places to Retire in New York
Most retirees don't think of New York as the dream location to spend the rest of their days, but the big apple has a lot to offer. According to Forbes Magazine, who named New York among the top 10 best places to grow old in 2009, it offers retirees comfort, opportunity and financial peace of mind.
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Westchester County
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Coming in at No. 9 on Forbes' list, Westchester County offers retirees the best of both worlds, with a quiet serene setting and a location that is close enough to their kids in the big city. Many Wall Street commuters call the pricey habitat along the Hudson River home, but there is also a growing population of retirees. Currently, about 15 percent of the population is over the age of 65.
Nassau County
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New Yorkers don't have to go far to find retirement bliss -- they just have to hop on the Long Island Railroad. Nassau County, a commuter suburb on New York's Long Island, ranks second on Forbes' list. This big-city neighbor possesses 13 government parks, eight beaches, five marinas, 295 hospitals, clinics and facilities that offer elderly care. Also, those sailing into their golden years will find comfort in Nassau County's low crime rate. All of these amenities don't come cheap, as the median cost of living is over $2,000 a month.
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Ithaca
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For wine aficionados, Ithaca is the place to be. Surrounded by the Finger Lake region of upstate New York, Ithaca offers retirees gorgeous farmlands, luscious woodlands and more than 100 vineyards. Retirees enjoy a safe low-key, low-cost lifestyle within charming towns where the average price for a home falls below $200,000. According to U.S. News and World Report, Ithaca appeals to retired wine lovers because it produces Rieslings that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
Binghamton
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For those seeking high quality on a low budget, Binghamton has the most to offer. Nearly 30 percent of the upstate oasis is older of 55, the health care is comprehensive and the cost of living is low. Forty-seven golf courses and 15 museums can be found within 30 miles of fresh air Binghamton. Best of all -- there are tax incentives for retirees.
Hudson Heights
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Retirees who want to stay close to the city but long for a quieter environment, Hudson Heights offers a pleasant balance between the relaxed tempo of suburbia and the metropolis hustle and bustle. The relatively affordable neighborhood came in at No. 1 on CNNMoney.com's 2007 list of best retirement neighborhoods. The hilly residence and the lush gardens of Fort Tryon Park can easily be escaped by a 30-minute subway ride to Times Square.
Tudor City
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If the thought of leaving Manhattan upon your retirement never crossed your mind, you might want to think about relocating to Tudor City. The midtown locale is way more expensive then its Hudson Heights competitor, but for retirees who want to be where the action is, the grand price tag is worth every penny. A one-bedroom goes for upward of $500,000, if you are looking to buy. If you are looking to rent your retirement headquarters, expect to pay around $2,500 per month for the same space.
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