Best Boomer Towns - Best 21 U.S. Places for Retirement

Austin, Texas

Population: 709,800
Cost of Living: What is the cost of living? 2007 Data - U.S 100 Composite Index: 96.2 Grocery Items: 92.3 Housing: 87.1 Utilities: 91.5 Transportation: 100.0 Health Care: 99.3 Miscellaneous Goods and Services: 104.9
Rain: 33.95 inches
January High: - January Low: 39.6
July High: 95 - July Low:

Tucson, Arizona

Population: 532,000
Cost of Living: Average
Rain: 11 inches
January High: 64 - January Low: 38
July High: 99 - July Low: 74

Danville, Kentucky

Population: 15,477
Cost of Living: Below average.
Rain: 45 inches
Snow: 15 inches
January High: 40 - January Low: 23
July High: 86 - July Low: 68

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Population: 82,671
Cost of Living: Below average.
Rain: 9 inches
Snow: 3 inches
January High: 57 - January Low: 21
July High: 96 - July Low: 62

Villages, Florida

Population: 75,000
Cost of Living: 95, Lower than the state average.
Rain: 50 inches
Snow: None
January High: 68 - January Low: 45
July High: 91 - July Low: 71

Fort Collins, Colorado

Population: 128,000
Cost of Living: 103- slightly higher than the national average of 100.
Rain: 15 inches
Snow: 50 inches
January High: 41 - January Low: 12
July High: 86 - July Low: 54

Camarillo, California

Population: 65,000
Cost of Living: Above average
Rain: 13 inches
Snow: None
January High: 66 - January Low: 41
July High: 80 - July Low: 59

Paso Robles, California

Population: 29,950
Cost of Living: 28.05% Higher than the U.S. average.
Rain: 15 inches
Snow: None
January High: 61 - January Low: 33
July High: 100 - July Low: 50

Reno, Nevada

Population: 385,000
Cost of Living: Above average
Rain: 7.5 inches
Snow: 25.3 inches
January High: 45 - January Low: 21
July High: 92 - July Low: 51

St. George, Utah

Population: About 60,000 in St. George, 125,000 in Washington County.
Cost of Living: Slightly below average.
Rain: 8 inches primarily in April and May.
Snow: About one snowstorm per year, lasting only a few hours.
January High: 54 - January Low: 27
July High: 102 - July Low: 69

Charlottesville, Virginia

Population: About 39,500 in Charottesville and 88,400 in Albemarle County.
Cost of Living: Above average.
Rain: 47 inches
Snow: 24 inches
January High: 44 - January Low: 26
July High: 86 - July Low: 65

Maryville, Tennessee

Population: 25,000 in Maryville, 113,000 in Blount County.
Cost of Living: Below average
Rain: 47 inches
Snow: 12 inches
January High: 47 - January Low: 10
July High: 87 - July Low: 68

Ashland, Oregon

Population: 20,085
Cost of Living: Above average.
Rain: 19 inches
Snow: 7 inches
January High: 45 - January Low: 30
July High: 90 - July Low: 54

Athens, Georgia

Population: 108,222
Cost of Living: Lower than average.
Rain: 49.7 inches
Snow: Less than 1 inch
January High: 52 - January Low: 32
July High: 90 - July Low: 69

Aiken, South Carolina

Population: 25,337 in the town of Aiken, 145,000 in the county.
Cost of Living: Below average.
Rain: 47 inches
Snow: 1 inch
January High: 58 - January Low: 36
July High: 90 - July Low: 75

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Population: 51,485 permanent residents, plus 26,000 students during the regular University of North Carolina session, 17,585 in adjacent Carrboro and 120,881 in Orange County.
Cost of Living: Above average.
Rain: 41.43 inches
January High: 51 - January Low: 27
July High: 89 - July Low: 66

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Population: 9706 in Pinehurst, 74,769 in Moor County
Cost of Living: Average
Rain: 51 inches
Snow: 6 inches
January High: 55 - January Low: 44
July High: 91 - July Low: 68

Asheville, North Carolina

Population: About 70,000 residents in the city, 215,000 in Buncombe County. Asheville is the county seat and regional cultural, medical and educational hub.
Cost of Living: Slightly below average.
Rain: 48 inches
Snow: 15 inches
January High: 47 - January Low: 25
July High: 83 - July Low: 63

Columbia, Missouri

Population: 91,800
Cost of Living: 91.2 - Below Average
Rain: 41 Inches
Snow: 22 Inches
January High: 36 - January Low: 18
July High: 88 - July Low: 67

Bend, Oregon

Population: 80,100
Cost of Living: Above average
Rain: 12 inches
Snow: 33.8 inches
January High: 40 - January Low: 21
July High: 82 - July Low: 44

Prescott, Arizona

Population: 38,930 in Prescott and 227,000 in Yavapai County.
Cost of Living: Above Average, Index 105
Rain: 19 inches
Snow: 21 inches
January High: 50 - January Low: 22
July High: 89 - July Low: 57

From the Blog:
Austin Spring Events

Written by Heather Records, from Austin, Texas on Mar 03, 2010

There is more to Austin than great music! Check out the Austin Poetry Slam and The Flaming Idiots this Spring!

From the Blog:
New Dimensions in 21st Century Active Adult Living

Written by Monica Surfaro Spigelman, from Tucson, Arizona on Dec 22, 2009

There’s a world of vitality and distinctive living within Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain. Tucson is a great mix of Old West frontier and contemporary Southwest – a crossroads of delightful lifestyles where nature, arts, culture and active-adult communities connect. Our city is a favorite for those seeking outstanding amenities, year-round outdoor activities and a breathtaking high-desert environment in our boomer years.

From the Blog:
The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Danville, Kentucky on Sep 30, 2009

In October of 2008, The Great American Dollhouse Museum celebrated its Grand Opening in Danville, Kentucky. A social history museum in miniature, it is one of the largest dollhouse museums in the country, displaying over200 furnished and populated miniature houses. The houses are arranged in time lines and villages to educate and highlight areas of historical significance.

From the Blog:
Las Cruces Has 350 Days of Sunshine Each Year

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Las Cruces, New Mexico on May 04, 2009

Las Cruces, New Mexico is an understated popular destination in the western United States, located in the Mesilla Valley. With 350 days of sunshine each year, combined with culture, history, world class golf, unique attractions, and many yearly events, what’s not to love about this small metro area? Las Cruces, has received awards including rankings from Money magazine as one of the “best college towns to retire” and from AARP as one of their “dream towns” to retire.

From the Blog:
Is Someone Bugling in Ft. Collins?

Written by Mike Malvey, from Fort Collins, Colorado on Sep 19, 2009

During the September through October months in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), there is a very distinct sound that can be heard loud and clear and it sounds like a bugle you might hear being played by a marching band at a college football game. But, in fact, that bugle comes from bull elks during their mating season. The unique rutting call of bulls can be heard from dusk to dawn and some of the better locations within RMNP to hear and see the bull elks are in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows.

From the Blog:
16th Annual Casa Pacifica Wine & Food Festival Sunday, June 7th 1 - 5 pm

Written by Rebeca Elliott, from Camarillo, California on Jun 04, 2009

California State University’s Channel Islands campus in Camarillo, the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine & Food Festival hosts the premiere wine and food event in Ventura County. Voted BEST Cultural Event in Ventura County in 2008, the Festival showcases the culinary creations of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers from Santa Barbara to the Conejo Valley and award-winning wineries and vineyards from throughout California’s rich wine-producing regions as well as many marvelous micro-breweries.

From the Blog:
Paso Robles invites you to Spring into March - Wine, 5K’s & Events

Written by Heather Records, from Paso Robles, California on Mar 03, 2010

The flowers are starting to bloom and the wine is flowing. Downtown Paso Robles is bustling with excitement about all the local events unfolding in spring. And, you are personally invited to celebrate Zinfandel’s 100-year history at the Annual Paso Robles Zin Festival!

From the Blog:
St. George, a Dream Spot to Retire

Written by Sarah Shonka, from St. George, Utah on May 04, 2009

In 2006, AARP Magazine named St. George as one of the five “Dream Spots” to retire, and we can see why! With so many places to explore and activities to participate it, this is the dream spot for all ages alike. Inc.com just named St. George as the second best city for doing business. If you are looking for a big move, job growth and employment rates are important (even if you are retired and swear you will never work another day again). More St. George recognition came when AOL named it the “Best Small Place for Jobs.” With a population of 126,000- it’s ranked #1 for job growth.

From the Blog:
Charlottesville Upcoming Events!

Written by Sarah Shonka, from on Oct 14, 2009

Charlottesville is proud to be the arts, entertainment and cultural center of Central Virginia. From Art in Place, the city-wide sculpture garden, to first Fridays, a downtown art gallery tour, Charlottesville has a unique blend of events and venues for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round.

From the Blog:
Maryville is a Thriving City

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Maryville, Tennessee on Apr 01, 2009

Maryville is a thriving city located in Blount County, Tennessee. With a small town population of about 23,000, Maryville is a wonderful place to retire. According to a study released by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 10% of all baby boomers are considering buying real estate in the next year. The great smoky mountains, lakes, and rivers make this area very appealing to purchase property for retirees.

From the Blog:
Ashland January 2009

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Ashland, Oregon on Jan 19, 2009

Each year Ashland is becoming a more senior community. As Ashland’s real-estate prices increase so does the median age of it’s citizens. Folks that have worked hard all their lives are seeking a more enriched lifestyle that makes sense for a more experienced generation. For the same measure Ashland caters to it’s citizen’s changing needs and provides a gratifying host of services for those who have paid their dues.

From the Blog:
2009 Home Price Comparison

Written by Hank Bailey, from on Sep 29, 2009

It comes to my attention on occasion that I am rather boastful of my Southern Heritage, of course I come from a proud line of “Carpet Baggers” that originally came through Georgia with Sherman 150 years ago and never left. I also find this same passion regarding Athens, GA and in the relative affordability in the Greater Athens area housing market. I came upon a tool this morning that I thought was kind of “neat,” for lack of a better word. It is called the 2009 Home Price Comparison Index and was compiled by a national real estate brokerage company.

From the Blog:
Aiken, South Carolina is a Distinctive Destination Perfect for Baby Boomers

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Aiken, South Carolina on Apr 01, 2009

Educational excellence and a rich health care system are just a few reasons why Aiken has frequently been listed as a top place to retire as well as one of the healthiest communities in the world. The Academy for Lifelong Learning at the University of South Carolina-Aiken offers free tuition for seniors over the age of 60. Continuing education is important for people of all ages, but the opportunity for free classes should never be passed up!

From the Blog:
Pinehurst Delivers World Class Golf for Boomers

Written by James Tepatti, from Pinehurst, North Carolina on Oct 12, 2009

Pinehurst North Carolina conjures up immediate thoughts of world class golf courses and championship competitions. The famed Pinehurst Resort has hosted the U.S. Men’s Open Championship once in 1999 and again in 2005. The Pine Needles Resort has hosted the Ladies U.S. Open Championships three times; 1996, 2004 and 2007. Further, it was recently announced that in 2014 the Pinehurst Resort is scheduled to accomplish what has never been done before; host both Men’s and Ladies’ United States Championships in back to back weeks on the same course venue. In this case, the Pinehurst #2 course is the chosen course.

From the Blog:
A Healthy Haven

Written by Megan McConachie, from Columbia, Missouri on Dec 14, 2009

Columbia is the perfect place to keep healthy and active, no matter your age. Not only does Columbia boast an extensive and prominent health care system, but Columbia residents are committed to staying in shape and living healthy lifestyles. According to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, ‘Columbia’s sizable medical network provides mid-Missouri, and the entire state, with the highest quality health care.

From the Blog:
Prescott Events and Another Daily Flight to LAX

Written by Nancy Shonka Padberg, from Prescott, Arizona on Jun 22, 2009

The biggest events:

6/27 - 28 - Bluegrass Festival - Courthouse Plaza - FREE!

6/29 - 7/5 - Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo

7/3 - 5 - Frontier Days Arts & Crafts Show

7/4 - Prescott Frontier Days Parade

7/11 - 12 - Indian Art Market - Sharlot Hall Museum

8/28 - 30 - Prescott Jazz Summit

Horizon Adds 2nd LAX Flight Air service to Los Angeles from Prescott will increase Aug. 23. The airline has announced a second daily flight to LAX. Daily service (Sunday - Friday) will now include flights leaving Prescott at 12:20 pm and 5:05 pm, with return flights leaving LAX at 9:20 am and 3:10 pm. Saturday has one flight leaving LAX at 1:00 and leaving Prescott at 2:55 pm.

Austin, Texas Details

Austin, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it’s also unofficially known as the best city in Texas, especially by those who make their home here.
Ask people what they love most about living in the Austin area, and you’ll find as many answers as stars in the big Texas sky. For some, it’s the Hill Country, with its gentle rolling slopes and beautiful vistas. For others, it’s the lakes, the creeks, and the swimming holes that offer an escape from the work-a-day world. Others claim that the real reason to live here is the culture, the arts, the laid back attitude. Whether you are an Austin native or a recent transplant, Austin is a city of worldly culture where people feel welcome.
Education has always been a central concern in Austin, probably because the city’s such an educated town.

In a June 2006 study conducted by BizJournals.com, of the 53 largest cities in the U.S., Austin jumped from number 26 to number 3 as one of the top communities with “the highest concentration of brainpower.” The study analyzed the educational level of adults in nearly 16,000 cities and towns with criteria that included the number of college graduates and the resident’s abilities to “innovate, create, compete and make money.”

When it comes to leisure, Austinites have many choices. . After all, there are only two days in the weekend. Trying to figure out how to fit in the many exciting activities Austin has to offer into that one weekend can prove challenging.

Videos of Austin, Texas

Sales Tax

8.25%

Property Tax

Average property tax is $5,538.

Education

An intellectual town. In a June 2006 study conducted by BizJournals.com, of the 53 largest cities in the U.S., Austin jumped from number 26 to number 3 as one of the top communities with “the highest concentration of brainpower.” The study analyzed the educational level of adults in nearly 16,000 cities and towns with criteria that included the number of college graduates and the resident’s abilities to “innovate, create, compete and make money.”

What colleges and universities are in the Austin area?
The University of Texas at Austin
Huston-Tillotson College
St. Edward’s University
Concordia University at Austin
Texas State University, San Marcos
Austin Community College
Southwestern University

According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census 2004 American Community Survey - the most recent survey available - the city of Austin ranks fifth in the number of college graduates, with 45 percent of the population holding a degree. Fortune magazine has also recognized Austin as one of the country’s top five intellectual capitals, and ranked number 3 on Forbes “Best Place for Business and Careers” ranking, in part because of a highly educated workforce.

Growth, education and community support
That workforce has grown, too. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Austin which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties increased from 846,227 to 1,249,763 from 1990 to 2000 - a nearly 48 percent increase in growth. And, as of July 2006, Austin’s population grew to 1,541,400.

Austin’s growth has had an impact on education. Between the business growth and the schools bringing people to this area, school districts have doubled in size to accommodate more students. It’s no wonder that Austinites are very supportive of education and have consistently approved bond packages in Austin and nearby communities to renovate and build new schools.

Health

Scott & White Healthcare
300 University Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
512-509-0100
A 111-year tradition of patient-centered healthcare is now accessible in Williamson and Travis counties. Scott & White primary care and specialty clinics are strategically located for your convenience. Each clinic is networked with our 68-acre healthcare system in Round Rock, which features specialty physicians and sophisticated diagnostic capabilities. Scott & White accepts most major insurance plans. http://www.umc.sw.org.

Austin Surgical Hospital
3003 Bee Cave Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 314-3800

Brackenridge Hospital
601 E. 15th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 324-7000

Central Texas Medical Center
1301 Wonder World Drive
San Marcos, TX 78766
(512) 353-8979

Children’s Hospital of Austin
1400 N. IH-35
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 324-8000

Cornerstone Hospital of Austin
4207 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 706-1900

Dell Children’s Medical Center
4900 Mueller Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723

HealthSouth Hospital
1215 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-5700

Heart Hospital of Austin
3801 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 407-7000

North Austin Medical Center
12221 North MoPac Blvd.
Austin, TX
(512) 901-1000

Scott & White
2401 S. 31st Street
Temple, TX 76508
(254) 724-2111

Scott & White Cedar Park
900 Quest Parkway
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 260-6100

Scott & White Georgetown
4945 Williams Drive
Georgetown, TX 78628
(512) 819-0500

Seton Medical Center Austin
1201 West 38th Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 324-1000

Seton Medical Center Williamson
Opening Early 2008, University Blvd. and FM 1460
Round Rock, TX 78664

Seton Northwest Hospital
11113 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 324-6000

Seton Pflugerville Healthcare Center
200 N. Heatherwilde Blvd.
Austin, TX 78660
(512) 324-5350

Seton Shoal Creek Hospital
3501 Mills Avenue
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 324-2000

Seton Southwest Hospital
7900 FM 1826
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 324-9000

Smithville Regional Hospital
800 East Texas 71
Smithville, TX 78957
(512) 237-3214

Local Map

Directory

Local Weather

Podcasts

Austin, Texas on Voice America Best Boomer Towns Talk Radio Show

Local Events

From the Blog:Austin Spring Events

From the Blog:New Dimensions in 21st Century Active Adult Living

From the Blog:The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky

From the Blog:Las Cruces Has 350 Days of Sunshine Each Year

From the Blog:Is Someone Bugling in Ft. Collins?

From the Blog:16th Annual Casa Pacifica Wine & Food Festival Sunday, June 7th 1 - 5 pm

From the Blog:Paso Robles invites you to Spring into March - Wine, 5K’s & Events

From the Blog:St. George, a Dream Spot to Retire

From the Blog:Charlottesville Upcoming Events!

From the Blog:Maryville is a Thriving City

From the Blog:Ashland January 2009

From the Blog:2009 Home Price Comparison

From the Blog:Aiken, South Carolina is a Distinctive Destination Perfect for Baby Boomers

From the Blog:Pinehurst Delivers World Class Golf for Boomers

From the Blog:A Healthy Haven

From the Blog:Prescott Events and Another Daily Flight to LAX