While many U.S. cities offer the right combination of factors to consider for retirement, some cities are better than others when it comes to providing opportunities to pursue old passions – and develop new interests. This article by William P. Barrett highlights Forbes’ list of 25 cities that offer outstanding opportunities for retirees in the arts, fine dining, learning, volunteering, outdoor water pursuits, outdoor land pursuits and golf. Those top retirement destinations include Seattle, Austin, Las Vegas, Tucson, San Francisco, Charleston, Chapel Hill in North Carolina and Naples in southwest Florida.
Do you have a long neglected passion – or a new one – you’re keen to spend more time on during retirement? Then consider choosing a place to retire where you can pursue with gusto the leisure time activities you enjoy the most.
To help you scout out potential locales, Forbes offers a new edition of our chase-your-bliss list: 25 Great Places to Follow Your Passions in Retirement In 2016.
While most of the places on our list are noteworthy for three or more passions, two cities – Austin and Seattle – rate high in six of our seven categories.
Since we realize you may not want to move too far from family, our picks are spread across 20 states and the District of Columbia in all four continental time zones. Tellingly, a new study of the primary reason why people retire, found 31% of those quitting work at a normal retirement age (between 65 and 67) had activities they wanted more time for, while 38% were primarily interested in spending more time with family.
Note that this list is very different from our annual selection of the 25 Best Retirement Places. Those are chosen for not only a high overall quality of life, but also affordability, and the strength of the local job market, since two thirds of Americans now say they want to work part-time in retirement. The passions list is less pragmatic. While we note which of our picks have high costs, expense alone didn’t keep a place off this lifestyle-first list.
So, for example, San Francisco, with a median home price of $809,000 and a cost of living 143% above the national average, made this new list. As a mecca for foodies (one restaurant for every 250 homes), an arts and education center, and great place for outdoor water activities, it simply can’t be denied. It’s walkable, too, and those hills will keep you in shape. Naples, Fla., with a cost of living 81% above the national average, also made the list, for its golf courses, water sports and arts scene.
