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Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2021 Thumbnail

Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2021

Retirement Funding

It is a top question pre-retirees ask- "Where should I live in retirement?" Whether you are considering moving permanently or plan to be a snowbird, most retirees still want to spend their golden years where the weather is warmer and the taxes are lower. So not surprisingly, Florida remains the top pick to retire in 2021. Choosing where to live in retirement is of course a personal decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Below, we’re sharing the top five places to retire in the U.S. in 2021 according to U.S. News & World Report.1

Retirement Destination #1: Fort Myers, Florida

That’s right, you probably guessed it. Fort Myers is the most popular place for retirement. In fact, over 1/3 of the population there is 60 and older.1 With beaches galore, you can spend your retirement years laying on the sand and tanning under the sun. If boating or fishing is more your thing, Fort Myers has you covered too. Fort Myers not only offers the desired leisure activities, but it also offers affordability. With median home prices hovering around $200,200 you can live comfortably and happily.1 Fort Myers overall has very low sales tax with the combined state and local rate at 6.5%.2 One of the down sides to this town is the taxes on gas are very high at 38.025 cents per gallon.2 Overall, this would be a relaxing place to retire if you like the sun in your forecast. 



Retirement Destination #2: Sarasota, Florida 

Next on the list, we have Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota offers everything from white sandy beaches to rich cultural experiences. If you are looking for a place that has a city vibe, but a small-town way of life, Sarasota is for you. This city has a great quality of life, and also offers an affordable cost of living, with the median home price being $237,260.1 One downside of living here is the property taxes, the average yearly property taxes that residents in this county pay is around 3.77% of their yearly income.3



Retirement Destination #3: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Whether you like the countryside or the city, Lancaster has the best of both worlds. You can live in the environment you want, with a median home price of $189,600.1 Although the median home prices are fairly low, the property taxes are around 4.01% of residents yearly income.4 Lancaster also offers phenomenal healthcare resources, and other major health hubs such as Philadelphia are only a train ride away. And let’s not forget about Lancaster’s culturally rich downtown, which offers an array of theatre, art, shopping, and food. Furthermore, The Happiness Index rates Lancaster as one of the healthiest and happiest places to live. 



Retirement Destination #4: Asheville, North Carolina 

If you are up for an outdoor adventure, Asheville is the place to be. With ample opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and other outdoor pursuits, Asheville will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being under an hour away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to spend your weekend. Whether you’re driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway or walking through the streets of Asheville downtown, the scenery will never let you down. Asheville is also a prime spot for music and art lovers, so if that describes you, Asheville will be a good pick. 



Retirement Destination #5: Port St. Lucie, Florida

Last but not least on our list, we have Port St. Lucie in Florida. If you want to get away from the large coastal cities, Port St. Lucie is a great place to be. If you are looking to buy a house in this relaxing town the property taxes are around 1.24%.5 This is around the medium property tax percentage for this area. It still offers beaches, but has a small town feel. What Port St. Lucie is especially known for is its pristine golf courses. Whether you want to look at golf archives or actually play, Port St. Lucie is the perfect spot. Also rated high on the happiness index, Port St. Lucie is a complete package.1

If you are looking to get out of Colorado and go somewhere warm, these places may interest you. With the financial world almost completely virtual you can go anywhere and still be able to meet with your financial advisor. GuideSpring Wealth Strategies utilizes all the technology needed to meet with our clients from different states. If you would like to talk with a financial advisor to talk about your retirement goals schedule a meeting using the link below. 

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  1. https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/slideshows/the-best-places-to-retire
  2. https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/t055-s001-florida-cities-and-towns-ranked-for-local-taxes/index.html
  3. http://www.tax-rates.org/florida/sarasota_county_property_tax
  4. http://www.tax-rates.org/pennsylvania/lancaster_county_property_tax
  5. http://www.tax-rates.org/florida/st._lucie_county_property_tax
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.