Desert-- St. George, Utah
It is not often that National Geographic Adventure magazine and AARP Magazine cheer the same place. But
this Utah town appeals to young and older vacation home buyers. "A mellow desert oasis with Zion National
Park right out the back door, is officially the fastest growing small city in the U.S." says Adventure. The community's
mix of red rocks devotees and East Coast transplants comes for the red-rock-meets-alpine setting, perpetual sun, and progressive
mindset. A wholesome spirit pervades—there's just one liquor store in town.Median home price is $319,000.
Beach and Golf-- Myrtle Beach, SC
Escape Homes, a useful Web site, sats Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is "one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in
the country," but notes that "city planners are … creating a 20-year comprehensive plan. This allows those buying second
homes here to feel secure that issues like zoning, water and environment will continue to be taken care of as well
as they have been thus far." Median Costs of Condos and single-family homes: about $207,430 with a good rental market. Also,
after one year, if you are over 65, there is a homestead exemption which reduces property tax a bit.
Small City-- Portland, Oregon
It's on the AARP list in part because because of the "revitalized district known as the Pearl. A local says: “Everything
we need is an easy walk, whether it’s the Whole Foods that’s one block over, great restaurants, movie theaters,
or parks.” You can get along with one car per family, or none. Portland has "a community-wide commitment to alternative
means of transportation, including buses and light rail..”." Median housing price: $280,800
College Town -- Ithaca, NY
One retirement Web site point to Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, because it is "known for its high
quality of life and liberal social and political environment. Situated in the center of New York State on the shore of 40-mile
long Cayuga Lake (one of the Finger Lakes), this lovely college town …is growing economically and has a cost-of-living
and youthful ambiance that appeals to many seniors. In fact, roughly 28% of the population is aged 45-64 and 17% is 65 or
above. Downtown Ithaca sits on a valley floor, and residential neighborhoods dot the lush hills around the city. A good variety
of working class and upper-income neighborhoods give new residents many housing options. Cayuga Heights is the high-end neighborhood
--homes here start in the $650,000s. Many other areas have cheaper housing.
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