Retirement: 10 lesser-known places worth considering

The article lists ten lesser-known U.S. towns and small cities that meet common retirement criteria, highlighting features such as affordability, healthcare access, outdoor recreation, and local culture.

The article presents ten lesser-known U.S. places to consider for retirement and explains why each might suit different preferences. It highlights criteria often used when choosing retirement locations, including cost of living, tax considerations, safety, healthcare access, and recreational opportunities. Examples range from coastal towns like Camden, Maine and Palm Coast, Florida to mountain and outdoor-oriented communities such as Bend, Oregon and Eagle, Colorado. The pieces emphasize smaller communities and local amenities rather than major tourist centers. Key details: - Camden, Maine: described as a peaceful coastal town with ocean views, an active arts community, low crime, and nearby medical care in Rockport, with four distinct seasons. - Bend, Oregon: noted for natural landscapes, access to hiking, skiing and water activities, and a lower cost of living than many West Coast cities. - Dunedin, Florida: presented as a quieter coastal option near Tampa, with Honeymoon Island State Park and a cost of living reported as about 3% below the national average (per Payscale.com), alongside Florida's lack of state income tax. - Sequim, Washington: highlighted for its drier microclimate, lavender farms, proximity to Olympic National Park, and access to services in Port Angeles and Seattle. - Eagle, Colorado: noted for year-round outdoor recreation near Vail, a milder local climate called the 'Banana Belt', and a reported median single-family home sale price of $999,666 (per Zillow), with recent price growth. - Yuma, Arizona: described as an affordable desert option with historic sites and outdoor recreation, mild winters, and very hot summers with frequent triple-digit temperatures. Summary: The list highlights alternatives to well-known retirement hubs by emphasising affordability, healthcare access, outdoor and cultural amenities across varied climates and community sizes. Undetermined at this time.