How the Web-savvy retiree picks a new hometown
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This is especially true of those who are getting ready to retire. Many retirees are still anxious to head somewhere warm. Getting away from cold, snowy winters is a priority. But many others, after thinking over the options, are deciding to stay close to home. They prefer to stay close to family and friends.
In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that a majority of baby boomers and seniors are retiring not too far from where they currently live.
"Finding a great place to retire that combines the excitement of a dream retirement locale with the comforts and advantages of being close to family, friends, and community, is the ideal solution for three out of four of today's retirees," Schiller says.
Retiring near your current home doesn't necessarily have to be dull, he adds. "There are these hidden gems where you can get that excitement, where you can move to a wonderful and fresh place and still have all of the things you wanted by staying close."
Schiller recently used the website's database to compile a list of the top spots for retiring near the nation's 10 most populous metro areas. He used criteria he feels are important to many people 50 and over who are planning their retirement: communities that offer a combination of safety, peace and quiet, an educated and vibrant blend of seniors and other age groups, striking scenery, and diverse options for housing - all within 75 miles of the city center.
Two towns were located for each metropolitan area: One is called a top choice and one, which is considered a "best value," is less expensive. (See box.)
"These 20 towns vary in price and character, from the shores of Cape Cod and Michigan City to the country-club estates of Fort Worth, to the small-town feel of Newtown Square, Pa.," says Schiller. "But all are absolutely beautiful places to retire..."
These are NeighborhoodScout.com's top choices for retiring near large cities. Both towns meet the criteria likely to be important to seniors, but one town is less expensive.
Boston
Top choice: Sandwich, Mass.
Best value: Hancock, N.H.
New York City
Top choice: Point Lookout, N.Y.
Best value: Jamesbury, N.J.
Philadelphia
Top choice: Newtown Square, Pa.
Best value: Willow Street, Pa.
Washington, D.C.
Top choice: Kensington, Md.
Best value: Boyce, Va.
Detroit
Top choice: Farmington, Mich.
Best value: Warren, Mich.
Chicago
Top choice: Michigan City, Ind.
Best value: Plymouth, Ind.
Dallas-Forth Worth
Top choice: Ridglea Estates (Fort. Worth, Texas)
Best value: Lindale, Texas
Houston
Top choice: Willis, Texas
Best value: Bellville, Texas
San Francisco
Top choice: Tiburon, Calif.
Best value: Martinez, Calif.
Los Angeles
Top choice: Duarte, Calif.
Best value: Yucaipa, Calif.
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