The Best State to Retire in the Northeast

With amazing natural beauty and plenty of recreational opportunities, Maine is among the best places to retire in the United States. A relatively low cost of living, several senior tax breaks and many 55 and over communities makes this a popular retirement destination for the financially conscious retiree. When compared to popular retirement states like California and Florida, Maine is a different breed. The winters here are sometimes harsh with frequent snowstorms and occasional blizzards. Big cities are few and far between, and much of Maine is incredibly rural. However, for the outdoor enthusiast, Maine is a northeastern paradise. Hunting and fishing opportunities abound, making this one of the best states to retire in for the hardy and hale retiree.

Best City to Retire in Main

Maine’s largest city, Portland, is an amazing place to retire. Although small by west coast standards, Portland’s population is approximately 62,000 and growing at a rate of nearly 1.5% per year. Housing an incredible Arts District, Portland is also home to several other named neighborhoods, each with their own culture and entertainment. In 2009, Forbes rated Portland #1 on its list of “America‘s Most Livable Cities” and Bon Apatite Magazine called it “America’s Foodiest Small Town”. Portland is home to several food festivals which pay homage to food and drink from many different cultures. The city also has the largest shopping mall in Maine, as well as the largest hospital. A 30-mile network of biking and walking trails was recently renovated within the city, making it a great place for exercise enthusiasts. A relaxed city atmosphere, plenty to see and do and an active network of seniors with a variety of interests make Portland one of the best cities to retire in Main.

Cheapest Place to Retire in Main

Bangor Maine takes the top honors when considering the financial ramifications of Maine retirement. The small city of 32,000 offers a lot for retirees. With 33% of the population aged 55 or older, Bangor caters to the retirement community. An average three bedroom house costs $165,000, nearly $15,000 less than the national average. With a rich arts community, Bangor is home to several annual art festivals including the American Folk Festival. There are nearly thirty parks within the Bangor city limits, and Arcadia National Park is only a 90-minute drive away. Groceries are 3% lower than the national average and gasoline averages $3.65 per gallon. Healthcare costs are in line with national expenditures. With so much to see and do, it would be easy to mistake Bangor for a larger city; however, the entire area has a small-town feel. Bangor is also close to the beautiful Atlantic coast, allowing for day trips filled with beach combing.

Tax-Free Retirement Made Easy 

You don't want to organize your new life overseas around tax code...but sometimes the two agendas can converge. 

We've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

That is, it can be possible to relocate to the Shangri-la of your fondest daydreams...while, at the same time, reducing your tax burden, maybe to zero. 

It depends largely on how and from where your income is derived... 

And the key is arranging legal foreign residency. 

Here's the good news: While not every country welcomes foreign retirees or expats, we've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

Go Here Now To Learn More

The state of Maine is a great retirement destination for those who wish to get away from the daily trappings of big city life. Arguably the northeast’s best place to retire, Maine has something for everyone. For those looking for relaxation and beauty, Maine is the best place to live.

Best State to Retire in the Central US

When considering a retirement destination in the US, Texas may not be on the top of everyone’s list. Surely, Florida and California get the most press. However, Texas is an incredible place to spend the golden years of retirement. With a huge land area, plenty of big cities, small towns and an honest, “down home” feel, Texas is now considered one of the best places to retire in the United States. From the hustle and bustle of San Antonio and Dallas to the peace and quiet of a Texas cattle ranch, there is truly something for everyone here, making Texas one of the best states to retire in.

The Best City to Retire in Texas

Austin, Texas is one of the best cities to retire in Texas. With a population of nearly three quarters of a million people, one-seventh of which are 55 or older, Austin is located in central Texas. With sunshine 60% of the year, average temperature in the summer is 95 degrees, while winter lows range in the mid-50’s. Austin has a thriving music scene, and is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. Median income for those 55 and older exceeds $54,000 a year and the median home price is $222,000, although foreclosures in the city can be bought for much less. Austin is home to a thriving visual and performing arts scene. With three man made lakes inside the city limits and many more in the surrounding areas, fishing and water sports are also extremely popular in the area. The Texas hill country to the west of Austin offers even more outdoor recreation. Great for those who desire an urban environment with a rural feel, Austin is a first-class retirement destination.

Introducing Austin Texas

Cheapest Place to Retire in Texas

Lubbock or leave it, Lubbock is the cheapest place to retire in Texas. This northwestern Texas city of 230,000 people has a semi-arid climate with hot summer days, cool summer night and snow in the winter. Median family income here is approximately $42,000 and a typical three bedroom family home can be had for little more than twice that. The housing market in Lubbock is 20% less than the national average, while the total cost of living here is a full 11% below national expenditures. Everything here is cheaper, even utilities, which are 25% below average. Lubbock is the birthplace of musical legend Buddy Holly, Mac Davis and Natalie Maines, and the home of the National Cowboy Symposium. Old west culture is strong here, and the city pays tribute to it with many festivals and expositions. Financial considerations aside, Lubbock is a great place to call home.

When choosing the best place to retire, Texas may not be on your radar. However, with both rural and urban areas, an extremely low cost of living and tons of culture and entertainment, Texas should be high on your list of possible retirement destination candidates. Texas may well be the best place to live or retire in the central United States.

Best U.S. Cities for Retirees 2011

The Best Cities For Retirees in 2011 – When you're thinking about retirement you might just be like a lot of other retirees who are considering moving. It's not a simple task as there are a number of things you want to take into consideration. We've touched on this many times in this blog - no list will ever be complete enough for everyone. That's because each of us has different needs, wants and values when it comes to what we believe to be the Best Place to Retire. For some being surrounded by nature and awe inspiring vistas may be #1 for others find a vibrant city with plenty to see and do is the winner.

Often I write about countries and places from a bigger perspective but today I thought we would have a look at city living and specifically the Best Cities for Retirement in 2011.

Best Cities For Retirees

This idea hit me when I was reading my news feed this morning and saw an article and list on RandomForest.com which listed the Best Cities for Retirees in the United States. Along with the list was a great little article about the top things to consider when searching for the Best Place to Retire. The author made this comment which I loved. He said,

"Retirees aren't going some place to die, they're going some place to live!"

I love that! It really helps one get focused on what will be most important for this next transition in life. So often we get caught up in worry about cost of living. Many retirees seem obsessed with finding the Cheapest Places to Live but there's so much more to life and living than money. Here are a few things which are top of the list to consider when looking at the Best Cities for Retirees -

#1 Safety – Everyone wants to feel safe especially at two key times in your life - when you have children and when you are getting older. No one wants to retire to a place where they are in fear or constantly on edge. That's a sure way to get to the next transition (death) even faster!

#2 Best Health Care – When we were in our youth we took risks under the assumption we would live forever. But let's face it even if you've taken good care of yourself there are still a number of little things that pop up as we get older. We need access to health care that is responsive, intelligent, and competent.

#3 Best Environment (Weather) – I currently live in the west and can’t imagine the idea of shovelling snow. My retirement property is in Panama and there's a good reason I chose that place. If you're looking to retire in a big city you want it to be in a place that's sunny and bright with a relatively low level of precipitation. Why? Because you want to stay active and have fun! What do you want to do when you're not working - go golfing, hiking, play tennis, swim? What hobbies do you and will you enjoy most?

#4 Friendships - With time on your hands the last thing you want to discover is that you've landed in 'snobs-ville'. You've worked your whole life and sometimes you probably had to put up with nasty people. Now that you're retired you can chose who you associate with and where you want to live. Being with like minded people who want to have fun and enjoy each others company is a high priority. The last place you want to find yourself is in one of the most miserable cities in America.

So, which U.S. cities rank highest on these criteria? Here are the top ten best cities to live in USA -

10 Best U.S. Cities For Retirees

1. Asheville, NC
2. Sarasota, FL
3. Prescott, AZ
4. Paris, TN
5. Austin, TX
6. Green Valley, AZ
7. Winston-Salem, NC
8. Beaufort, SC
9. San Diego, CA
10. Ft. Myers, FL

In a future discussion we'll have a look at the Best States to Live in both from the perspective of the retiree as well as the working person.