Retire To One Of These 5 Cities To Keep Yourself Happy And Healthy

Few periods of life are more eagerly anticipated than retirement. No longer bound by the constraints of work, you suddenly find yourself free to live the exact lifestyle you want — and that includes choosing where to live.

Of course, even in retirement, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should remain a top priority. You’ll get far more enjoyment out of your golden years if you can remain physically fit and avoid injury and sickness. Where you choose to live could ultimately have a significant influence on your health and happiness.

So which cities present the best healthy living options for your retirement? Here are five great locations to consider as you start your retirement planning.

1) Carlsbad, California

Those who can afford it may wish to add Carlsbad, California to their list of potential retirement destinations. This San Diego suburb enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures remaining consistently in the 60s and 70s.

Retirees have plenty of outdoor activities available to take advantage of the weather. Carlsbad State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach are popular sites for beach combing, swimming and surfing. The Flower Fields features a gorgeous display of flowers and walking paths.

Carlsbad is home to several active adult and retirement communities, as well as a senior center which provides dance classes, nutritious lunches and other amenities, ensuring no shortage of social opportunities to help retirees stay active.

2) Salt Lake City, Utah

The state of Utah is renowned for its diverse mix of outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing and more ensure that you can dedicate time to physical fitness throughout the year.

According to Extra Space Storage, “If you want to maintain an active lifestyle, few places are better suited for your retirement goals than Salt Lake City. Long heralded as having ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth,’ popular ski resorts, such as Brighton and Alta, are less than an hour’s drive from the downtown area.”

It should come as no surprise that Extra Space Storage itself is based out of Salt Lake City.

Outdoor action isn’t the only health-related benefit the Salt Lake City area has to offer. The presence of the University of Utah School of Medicine gives retirees access to high-quality healthcare and cutting-edge research.

3) Ann Arbor, Michigan

Though Ann Arbor is primarily known as a college town, it still has plenty of amenities to help senior citizens enjoy a healthy and enjoyable retirement. Perhaps most notable is the University of Michigan’s Geriatrics Center & Institute of Gerontology, one of the country’s top-ranked hospitals for older adults.

In addition to specialized health care, the Geriatrics Center provides classes to help retirees maintain their physical well-being, mental health and independence. Several other high-quality health care facilities are located in the area as well, ensuring that you won’t have to travel far to find a doctor.

Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department also provides a diverse mix of retirement-friendly amenities, including a senior center, golf courses, indoor pools and walking trails. You’ll never run out of things to do!

4) Flagstaff, Arizona

When most people think of Arizona, they picture arid deserts and scorching temperatures. It may come as a surprise to learn that the city of Flagstaff is actually one of the snowiest cities in the United States thanks to its higher elevation.

As with Salt Lake City, snowy winters and warm summers ensure an abundance of activities to keep retirees physically engaged throughout the year. Flagstaff’s beautiful mountain scenery is also relatively close to Grand Canyon National Park and Walnut Canyon National Monument. In addition to skiing at local resorts, hiking and mountain biking are popular during the summer.

Flagstaff is also home to the Flagstaff Medical Center, which has been recognized for its clinical excellence and high-quality pulmonary care.

5) Fort Myers, Florida

No list of potential retirement destinations is complete without a city from Florida! Fort Myers jumped to the number-two spot in US News’ most recent rankings of the best places to retire, in large part “due to increases in desirability and happiness among residents.”

Fort Myers is perfect for retirees looking to escape from cold weather. Average high temperatures in the winter reach the mid-70s, providing perfect conditions for visiting the city’s Historic Downtown or making a day trip to the beach. The area is also home to several golf courses that can be enjoyed year-round.

With over 23 percent of the county’s population aged 65 or older, there are also plenty of opportunities for forming social connections with other retirees — an important aspect of a happy retirement.

Retirement is meant to be a relaxing and rejuvenating period of life — but you’ll be far more likely to enjoy these benefits if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for resources that will help you stay active or access to quality healthcare, these cities have plenty to offer to help you make the most of retirement.