The 10 best places to retire

1/
2/
3/
4/
5/
6/
7/
8/
9/
10/
11/
More
Prev/ Next

Fort Collins, Colo.

Getty Images

More than 30 miles of bike roads. And roads is exactly the right word. Ft. Collins has many miles of separate, paved roads for bikers. It's as good a symbol as any for the way citizens of this small Rocky Mountain city (population: 144,000) see themselves. Summers are for biking, hiking, camping, golfing, and boating on 1,900-acre Horsetooth Reservoir, which sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet in the foothills. Winters are for skiing, snowshoeing, and partaking of the product of the city's highly regarded microbreweries. Median home price is $221,400.

An easy 70-mile drive gets you to Denver International Airport and a wide variety of cultural venues. Not to mention the MLB Colorado Rockies, the NFL Denver Broncos, the NBA Denver Nuggets, and the NHL Colorado Avalanche.

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
mrscomics says:: We have lived in Las Vegas for over seven years -- and It is a dynamic place to live. Beyond gambling which gets old fast -- casino's mean inexpensive wonderful restaurants, shows and always something to do. Weather is great - for tennis, golf, walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, ice-skating (there are so many indoor rinks here) -- and Red Rock Canyon is like a mini Grand Canyon... Mount Charleston is 45 minutes from our driveway - for skiing/snowboarding... Plus, the new Smith Center is like our Carnegie Hall - bringing world class symphonic/jazz/theater to our town. Affordable housing - and easy access to all. Plus, it may be the one city where parking is free. Best kept secret. If you think Las Vegas is just the strip -- think again.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
TallMark56 says:: Saint Regis, Utah is an absolutely beautiful area to retire.....nice housing, assisted living, outdoor activities, four distinct seasons. I don't mind the Utah Cult (Mormons) that much because there is a balance with the Christian population. I have to brag though that the crime rate is extremely low and the people are pretty darn nice!; reply

linkicon reporticon emailicon

AliMag1 says:

I never see Las Vegas on any list, but living there during the winter months is more fun than Florida could ever be! I always thought I'd spend winters in Florida, but when my son relocated to Vegas, I thought, "Why not??" The entertainment is world class and there is always something to do. No ocean, but no big homeowner insurance payments either. Real estate taxes are low and even though I'm not a gambler, it is fun--once in awhile--to go to a casino. Living about 25 min. from the Strip gives me the ease of going there when I want to, yet being far enough away from the glitter and attendant traffic and noise to enjoy the peaceful desert environment. And the climate from October to May is so perfect!


Gingerjake replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; I lived in Vegas for nearly 4 years. I would definitely NOT retire there. Hot, most places dirty & the Strip gets old fast.
Not only that, you get every friend you have even remote ones all of a sudden want to visit you so you're always 'entertaining' people.

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
observewell says:: Always check the politics & congressman & women who represent the district...it tells everything about the people & their priorities in the city. In Winston- Salem you could end up with congresswoman Virginia Fox who is a complete 'nutcase'. If her brand of crazy suits you you'll be perfect.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
dublin4 says:: Any of these "Best Places" sites would be much more helpful if they included information on real estate taxes and property insurance rates. For example, I live in the Houston, Texas area, where real estate prices are reasonable; however the cost of homeowners' insurance and taxes mean I have to set aside $500.00 per month to cover these expenses. If you live on the Gulf coast, your insurance rates are very high because of hurricane threats. Granted, Texas does not have state income tax (yet), but the state has to make money somewhere, so property tax is high.; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
fitstshu says:: Google poorest countys in the US, if your looking for a cheap place to retire.; reply