The Top 10 Places to Buy a Home & Retire in the US

Many people move to a new location when they retire.

Retirement can mean a lot of changes in some people's lives, some of them welcomed and some of them stressful. Relocation is a common theme of retirement with newly retired people moving to be closer to family or to seek an escape from winter. Many relocate to find a more affordable place to live.

Ames, Iowa

Ames, Iowa offers a laid-back vibe to those who are looking for a quiet place to retire. At the same time, its resident university provides opportunities for culture and intellectual growth during the retirement years. Its location in the Midwest results in relatively lower real estate prices than cities on the coasts.

Potsdam, New York

Potsdam, New York is a quiet little town in the northern part of the state, close to the Canadian border. Surrounded by farm land and close to Adirondack Park, Potsdam is a welcoming place for people who love the outdoors. St. Lawrence and Clarkson Universities are both located in Potsdam.

Portland, Maine

For retirees who love the ocean, Portland has much to offer. Located on the coast of Maine, and a short drive from beautiful sites such as Acadia National Park, Portland can provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation and sailing.

Austin, Texas

For recently retired people who are looking for warmer weather, combined with a lot of great music and culture, Austin might fit the bill. Known for its hosting of the SXSW music festival, Austin provides many opportunities for culture and entertainment.

Arcata, California

Arcata is a small town located on the coast of California, just north of Eureka and only an hour's drive south of the Oregon order. Arcata features a strong local culture and a lot of independent thinkers. It is also the location of Humboldt State University, which can provide lots of opportunities for retirees as well as for students.

Madison, Wisconsin

An island of progressive thought within the heart of the prairies, Madison, Wisconsin is known as a cultural hub. With a thriving urban culture and many recreational opportunities, Madison is a popular city for retirees.

Durham, North Carolina

Durham is located far enough south to feature warm weather and southern hospitality, and yet far enough north for relatively easy access places such as Washington D.C. and New York City. Durham is also a hub for medical research and services, a fact that may be important to retirees who are coping with health issues.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico is famous for its artists' community. The warm weather, fantastic landscapes and rich local history of Taos attract both artists and retirees to its desert location. With a population of around 5,000 people, Taos offers a quiet and spacious life to people who are seeking some peace.

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham, Washington offers easy access to mountains, ancient forests, the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian border. Bellingham is small enough that it doesn't feature the traffic, crime or hassles of big cities in the area such as Seattle or Portland.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont features a vibrant progressive community, many opportunities for sailing, mountain biking, hiking and camping, and real estate prices that are more affordable than areas with denser populations. The presence of the University of Vermont in Burlington brings a lot of money, culture and intellectual stimulation to the city.

References

• Yahoo Finance: 10 Great Places to Retire in the U.S.
• Best Places to Retire: Best Places to Retire in the US