Many baby boomers want to work at least part-time after they retire from their careers. Cities with good outlook for jobs include Santa Fe, New Mexico; San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
If living costs are an issue, pick a city with lower housing costs. Depending on the value of your current home, you may be able to afford something nicer because of differing property values. Some cities to check out include Chattanooga, Tennessee; Des Moines, Iowa; Wadsworth or Westerville, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; Spokane, Washingotn; and Cocoa, Florida.
If you enjoy concerts, art openings and museums, look for areas that have lots of cultural events and activities. Some suggestions include Sarasota, Florida; Austin, Texas; Ashland, Oregon; and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.
College towns aren't just for college students. They offer many cultural benefits and also attract sports fans. Notre Dame fans might want to retire to South Bend, Indiana, for example. And there are other choices: San Luis Obispo, California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Binghamton, New York; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Oxford, Mississippi.
If you are active and enjoy the outdoors, you might want to retire to a location that gives you many options for different activities. Some good choices include Roswell, New Mexico; St. George, Utah; Ithaca, New York; Bellingham, Washington; and Loveland, Colorado.
If you have medical issues, look for a location with quality health care. Some examples include San Antonio, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina; and Baltimore, Maryland.
If you don't want to drive much, find a location with good public transportation. Montgomery, Alabama, is known to have $3 cab fares for senior citizens, for example. Other good choices include Denver, Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; the Washington, D.C., metro area; and Portland, Oregon.
A body of water nearby gives you the opportunity for boating, fishing and swimming that you don't have elsewhere. If you like life near the water, good retirement choices include Beaufort, South Carolina; St. Joseph, Michigan; Dunedin, Florida; and Sequim, Washington.
If you want a city with a low crime rate, look for those rated in national magazines as being particularly safe. Examples include Iowa City, Iowa; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Phoenix, Arizona. Chatanooga, Tennessee, is distinguished as a city with a good record for safe driving.
The largest percentage of baby boomers opt to stay in their current homes when they retire. Reasons include familiarity, staying where there are good memories and remaining near family and friends.
