Exploring the Best Places to Retire in Style

After decades of hard work, your retirement years should be whatever you want them to be. For some, that might mean kicking back and taking it easy close to family. Others may be eager to escape the cold winters and embrace year-round sunshine. And if you have always dreamed of resort-style living, why not make that your new reality?

No matter what your ideal retirement looks like, there are dozens of destinations perfectly suited to make those bucket list dreams come true. Here is a look at some of the best places to experience your golden years in true style.

The Warmth of the Southeast

With sunny skies, moderate seasons, and tax-friendly policies, it is no surprise the Southeast is a hugely popular landing spot for retirees. Cities like Charleston, Savannah, and Asheville ooze with historic charm, cultural attractions, and opportunities for outdoor adventures amid stunning natural scenery.

If you prefer a taste of the big city, Atlanta offers a relatively low cost of living combined with world-class dining, museums, pro sports teams and incredible healthcare facilities. The suburbs here are blossoming with beautiful new developments featuring luxury homes surrounded by meandering trails, resort pools and every amenity you could want steps from your front door.

The Sunny Shores of Florida

For those seeking endless summers and sandy beachfronts, many head straight to the Sunshine State. With zero state income tax and enough golf courses to visit one every day for over a year, Florida is tailor made for active retirees.

The Gulf Coast cities like Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa provide easy access to the ocean, along with top medical centers and plentiful cultural attractions. Miami sizzles with entertainment and trendy restaurants. Of course, Orlando has warm weather year-round along with world-famous theme parks for visitors and performing arts for locals.

The Desert Oasis of the Southwest

If you would rather embrace blue skies, dramatic desert landscapes and dry heat, the Southwest could be your retirement paradise. Cities like Scottsdale, Tucson and Las Vegas offer warm winters with endless opportunities for golfing, hiking, dining, and entertainment just steps from your door. Upscale master-planned communities in these areas provide all the luxuries of a five-star resort along with relatively affordable home prices.

Sophisticated Southern Cities

If a vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe is more your speed, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option than thriving Southern cities like Houston, Austin, and Nashville. Beyond the luxury homes in Houston, premier luxury home builders at Jamestown Estate Homes say the city’s cultural amenities make it a top draw for younger retirees as well.

Austin is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most livable cities with its buzzy culinary and music scenes plus ample green spaces for an active lifestyle. Meanwhile, Nashville has truly transformed into a dynamic international hub with incredible arts and entertainment while still maintaining that signature Southern charm.

Start Planning Your Dream Retirement

No matter which destination catches your eye, the key is to plan and research your ideal retirement spot well before you’ll need to make the move. Build a budget, decide your must-have amenities and think about your long-term needs.

Perhaps most importantly, spend some quality time in the areas you’re considering by taking extended vacations or coordinating short-term rentals. Nothing beats getting a true taste of the local culture, climate, and community to determine if it feels like the perfect place to call home for many years to come.

Conclusion

With some strategic forethought, you can customize your dream retirement and spend your golden years living life to the absolute fullest, surrounded by luxury and all the delights of your dream destination. Why settle for anything less than the ultimate retirement you’ve earned?