5 Of The Best Senior-Friendly States To Spend Retirement

When seniors reach retirement, it's often a time to reassess their lifestyle and consider moving to a new location where the weather is warmer and the activities available are plentiful. They may want to reside in communities that have other seniors and in an area that is relaxing with a slower pace of life. Fortunately, there are several states that welcome retirees and offer a picturesque setting for retirement.

1. Arizona

Arizona offers a warm, but comfortable environment for many seniors and even has a lower cost on housing as the average home is $250,000. Between The Grand Canyon and quaint cities that include Prescott and Scottsdale, there's a rich history to the state that is ready to be explored and easy to call home.

2. Florida

There's a reason that Florida is considered the most popular state to find seniors enjoying life and retiring. Florida has plenty of historic communities and beautiful architecture with both coastal living and urban areas. The warm weather makes it comfortable to reside in the state, without taxes on personal income, property, inheritance, and gifts.

3. Utah

With low crime rates and incredible scenery, Utah is home to many seniors for its beautiful weather and plentiful amount of communities for retired adults to be a part of. The weather rarely drops below 60 degrees with over 300 days of sun to enjoy. The different mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the quaint towns and low-key environment. It's also known as a state with plenty of friendly people and plenty of nature to explore.

4. Idaho

For retirees who enjoy the great outdoors without much rain or humidity, Idaho is an ideal state to settle down in. The cost of living varies throughout the state in different communities, but accommodates different lifestyles and is affordable for those on disability retirement. The property and state income taxes are moderate with a six percent sales tax. It also is one of the cheapest states to live in with the median home at $183,000.

5. Virginia

The cost of living is substantially lower in Virginia than its neighboring states, making it an ideal place to settle down for those on a fixed income and living off of savings or social security. The state is attractive for seniors due to its warmer weather and one of the lowest crime rates in the country

Downsize and Save Money: Retire in Biloxi!

The kids have grown up and (hopefully) moved out, and now it's just you and your spouse. Rambling around a five-bedroom homestead seems pretty pointless, especially if it involves climbing a bunch of stairs. Have you considered downsizing?

Many retirees are trading in their family-sized homes for a more manageable apartment in an affordable area. According to GulfCoast.org, every year 700,000 retirees relocate in an effort to cut the costs of living and reap the benefits of a more comfortable climate. Selling your home enables you to rent a more affordable apartment, and apartment-dwelling requires far less maintenance than homeownership. This makes everyday life more manageable and gives you more time to concentrate on the serious business of retirement.

Biloxi is Lovely

Property values in the northeast have skyrocketed, leading many retirees to move to other parts of the country that have lower cost-of-living expenses. CNN.com reported that moving to a less expensive area can save retirees up to 15 percent of their retirement income. Where to Retire magazine recently selected Biloxi, Miss., as one of the top places for retirees, due to its warm climate, low taxes and affordable living spaces. Biloxi apartments are well-designed, located near a lovely seaport and close to many exciting attractions and casinos. Editor of Where to Retire Magazine, Mary Lu Abbott, says Biloxi's low cost of living, affordable homes and low taxes, has attracted more retirees. Biloxi is a rich city that includes, luxury four-season locations and mountain/desert reserves.

Attractions in the Area

Biloxi's beaches and landmarks are wonderful places to spend the day, whether it's to retreat from the world or see something new. If jumping into the fray is more for you, there are many casinos and resort spas that feature great deals for seniors. Boomtown and Isle of Capri casinos offer special packages for golfers and spa visitors and fun things to do when the grandkids come for a visit. Make sure to bring little ones to the Boomtown Bakery & General Store for a cupcake – you can hit the slot machines while you're there, too.

Biloxi has a variety of historic places to investigate either on your own or when family is in town. Try taking them to the Biloxi Lighthouse or on a Ship Island excursion. There are guided tours that combine relaxation, recreation and history.

Old-Style Restaurants

For a traditional take on cuisine, Mary Mahoney's Old French House in Biloxi has delicious seafood. This restaurant was established in 1964 in a Colonial-Era home, and locals tout the imperial half lobster as unrivaled in its exquisiteness. McElroy's on the Bayou in Ocean Springs offers a genuine taste of the South; try the crab-stuffed jalapenos and seafood gumbo, topped off with a beignet sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Relocating in retirement can be a rejuvenating and life-affirming experience, especially when you're saving money, meeting new people and visiting new places. Plus, the gulf coast is begging you to take a walk and admire Biloxi's sunset. Maybe it's time to say hello to a new and exciting life of retirement in Biloxi.