A recent trend among retirees searching for their new place to live is a growing preference for small town living, a move, no doubt, hastened by a desire to escape the fast pace and congestion found in most big cities. In recognition of this approach to retirement living, many developers have sought out more desirable and popular small towns for the location of new retirement and planned communities.
At horizonsUSA.com, a website which provides future retirees with detailed information on cities and towns across the country, efforts to find newly emerging desirable retirement destinations have resulted in the selection of ten unique and interesting small towns that are especially appealing as retirement choices. These are not necessarily being offered as the ten "best" small towns, but merely as communities which readers may wish to consider in their search for a retirement locale. In making these selections, several factors were evaluated, i.e., affordability, quality of living, medical facilities, climate, outdoor recreation, accessibility, etc. The ten are not being ranked in any particular order.
1. ASHLAND / MEDFORD, OREGON
The cultural and artistic reputation of these two small cities, situated ten miles apart, may be unmatched by any other population center of similar size anywhere in the U.S. Mild weather, small town atmosphere and a diverse mix of recreational and cultural diversions, the most notable being the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, add up to an attractive and exciting lifestyle… one that has resulted in the Ashland/Medford area being cited among the best places to retire by several publications and experts in retirement living.
Surrounded by the Rogue River National Forest, Crater Lake National Park and towering mountain ranges, the list of natural attractions and opportunities for outdoor recreation available to these two communities seems almost endless. There is little wonder why so many people keep putting this area at or near the top of their “best places to retire list.” Frankly, we know of no other single location that can boast of such a diverse blend of culture and the great outdoors.
2. BREVARD, NORTH CAROLINA
Although its population is somewhat less 8,000, Brevard’s proximity to Asheville, which is less than 35 miles north of town, affords its residents ready access to that city’s conveniences, including shopping malls and airport, as well as its excellent medical facilities. Also close by, and a major factor in creating the atmosphere and character that permeates every aspect of life in Brevard is the natural beauty and grandeur of the surrounding environs, often referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls” in recognition of the more than 200 waterfalls flowing from the area’s mountain streams.
When these ingredients are combined with its moderate housing and living costs, fabulous real estate, mild climate, low crime rate and community spirit; there is little wonder that Brevard ranks near the top of many lists as one of the South’s best places to live.
3. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Described by one observer as an “elegant little city,” in March, 2004, Charlottesville had the honor of being named the best place to live in America by Cities Ranked and Rated, a comprehensive listing of more than 300 cities throughout the country.
4. EASTON, MARYLAND
Having served as a sophisticated summer country retreat for affluent families from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, Easton has long been one of the more progressive town on the Shore and a center of cultural activity. A number of art galleries and museums add to the cultural and arts scene and serve to provide a broad spectrum of cultural opportunities for both residents and tourists year round.
5. SANDPOINT, IDAHO
While Sandpoint may be somewhat isolated by the towering mountain ranges and surrounding rivers and lakes, those living here have no problem finding an abundance of activities for recreation and entertainment. With more than forty restaurants, an active theater group and a well-know and long running summer music festival, most residents find their spare time well occupied.
6. GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA
Georgetown’s residents enjoy a setting of stunning natural beauty and historical significance, with superb cultural and recreational amenities. Situated between Myrtle Beach and Charleston nearby, airports, universities, world class shopping and golf, and an incomparable downtown historic district are easily accessible. Originally laid out in 1729, and surrounded by Winyah Bay, and the Sampit, Black and Pee Dee Rivers, the town offers an unparalleled coastal lifestyle…a unique place to live and work.
7.CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA
Chapel Hill has been described as the quintessential college town. The University of North Carolina is located in the center of this small city, with its main street, Franklin Street, serving as the front door to the campus. Despite all of the activity and sense of energy created by the presence of the 23,000 university students, Chapel Hill remains a quaint community with a village-like atmosphere and an easy pace.
8.ST. MARYS, GEORGIA
However, St. Marys itself and neighboring Kingston are today among the fastest growing small communities in the country, with more and more retirees discovering the challenging golf courses, mild winter climate and low cost of living. Just a short drive down I-95 is Jacksonville, with its many new shopping areas, excellent health care facilities and even more golf.
9.FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
Flagstaff is a historic mountain town of cool summers, spring flowers, fall colors and great skiing…an all-year scenic and recreational paradise. With pleasant summer temperatures that rarely reach 90 degrees, Flagstaff is a mecca of golf, hiking and continuous outdoor fun and has been selected by several publications as being among the best places in the country to live.
10. AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
With its unique parkways, historic main area, tree-lined avenues and rich heritage, Aiken is a quintessential southern community that exudes small town charm and hospitality. Its many golf courses, newly developed residential communities, mild climate and the availability of excellent healthcare facilities combine to make it a highly desirable place to retire.
More information on these towns, as well as more than 100 other places to retire can be found at horizonsUSA.com.
