Whether your retirement date is ten years behind you or decades ahead, the time is always right to think about your options for how you spend that hard-earned time free from the rigors of the workplace. Where will you go? The east coast is a fabulous place for retirees. Here’s why.
Culture
The east coast is perhaps the richest cultural smorgasbord in the nation. In New England you can breathe air that is full of history from the Revolutionary War, and you can visit such places as Minute Man Historical National Park and the National Heritage Museum. In the south, you can taste history connected to the turbulent Civil War.
If history isn’t your cup of tea, no worries. The modern culture of the east coast has oodles to offer to residents and travelers alike. The international atmosphere in cities like New York means you can visit restaurants with authentic cuisine from around the world, and you can meet people from every corner of the globe.
Depending on where you settle on the east coast, you can choose from fast-paced city life or find a quiet paradise in one of the east coast’s many scenic small towns.
Climate
The east coast faces hurricanes, blizzards, and scorching summer heat, right? Not so fast. Some spots have a milder offering. The “mid-Atlantic region offers milder weather and few natural disasters than much of the rest of the country,” according to one blog, which is one of the reasons Washington, D.C. is a great place to settle down (not to mention Washington’s famously gorgeous springtime).
The diverse weather on the east coast means that you have options all year-long for fun outdoor activities. You can go hiking, sailing, swimming, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, or leap into a host of other activities. Depending on your fitness level and your appetite for adventure, there is no end to the possibilities open to you. One outstanding city for outdoor activities is Roanoke, Va. You can check out the specifics here.
Accommodations
If you decide to retire on the east coast, but the move takes you away from friends and family, you can meet fellow retirees at a senior community. At such communities you'll find mentally young people who, like you, want to make the most of their retirement. The perks of living at such a place include nearby friends, fun activities, and a greater sense of security than if you lived by yourself.
Of course, you can find senior communities anywhere, but you'll find some of the best on the east coast. Fox Hill in Washington, D.C., for example, is a premium cosmopolitan retirement community. There, you will find a Performing Arts Center, art studio and woodworking shop, a library, a recording studio, a virtual driving range, and game rooms. With all of that at your fingertips, you can stay close to home and still live it up.
The prospect of living in a retirement community doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer living in your own home, this list can help you find a town that has homes priced within your budget.
Travel Opportunities
Sure, settling down for retirement is great, but if you have an itch to see the world, the east coast makes a great home base. This is especially so if you plant to go to Europe, since travel time to places like Britain, Germany, and France is less from the east coast of the United States than the west coast.
Traveling domestically is also a breeze if you live on the east coast. You can visit magnificent places like Niagara Falls, New York City, Disney World, and Universal Studios on a whim and get there without the hassle of coming from the west or Midwest. If road trips are your style, the east coast offers plenty of scenic drives.
Retirement isn’t about getting old. It’s about finally having the time to pursue things that you had to put off when you belonged to the work force. The east coast is a great place for retirees who want to indulge in their passions.
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