Most retirees dream of mild climates, sunny beaches, friendly communities, affordable living, and a relaxed pace of life during their retirement. While many top retirement locations offer such things, other places have a positive reputation that doesn’t necessarily translate to reality. Here are 17 disappointing American hotspots for retirees that may not be all they’re cracked up to be.
The Villages, Florida
This sprawling retirement community in central Florida has a very active social scene and plenty of retirement-oriented amenities, but the sheer size and expense can surprise and overwhelm newcomers. WUFT even reports that over 75% of residents own a golf cart, and this can cause mini traffic jams on busy stretches of the community’s roadways—all 750 miles of them!
Branson, Missouri
Ozark Mountain is the backdrop for this cool-climate retirement town, known for its shows and senior-friendly entertainment options. However, Branson can be pretty crowded and touristy, especially in the surprisingly hot and humid summer months. Common complaints amongst retirees there include the busy summers and the lack of art-based cultural opportunities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This classic beachside destination promises beautiful scenery and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. In reality, the peace and quiet disappear almost entirely during peak tourist season, transforming Myrtle Beach into a party spot that might be ‘too much’ for seniors. The cost of living also fluctuates heavily, with prices spiking during the summer, even for residents.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Situated on the shores of Lake Havasu, this desert town offers stunning scenery and a strong sense of community for retirees. However, the climate is a serious consideration—the summer heat is intense, and scorching temperatures can force older people to stay indoors for the majority of the long summer days. There are also limited transport links and few attractions for visitors.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg lies within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers active retirees stunning natural beauty and various outdoor activities. Yet Great Retirement Spots warns that “tourists overwhelm everything from May through September,” and writes that Tennessee tax requirements aren’t especially affordable for retirees. The weather is also hot and humid, and traffic congestion is an issue.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
This barrier island boasts pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and an overall sense of luxury. So, what’s the problem? All this comes at a premium price tag, and living here will quickly drain even the healthiest of retirement funds. Additionally, the island’s small size can feel restricting, and it lacks a vibrant, year-round downtown area for entertainment and dining.
Sedona, Arizona
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Sedona was 110°F in 2003, so this desert town isn’t suitable for retirees seeking a comfortably cool climate. It has stunning red rock formations, but its popularity has led to a surge in housing prices and limited availability, even for those with a generous budget. It can also feel isolated from vital services like hospitals and airports.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Retirees looking for glitz, glamor, and 24-hour entertainment can be lured to Las Vegas, especially if they enjoy gambling! Just be aware that the constant hustle and bustle, combined with scorching desert heat and limited access to nature, can prove disappointing. Even if you love the town for vacation, consider the costs and limitations of living there full-time.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Kiplinger says this string of barrier islands is alluring, with miles of sandy beaches, abundant golf courses, and a rich history. The Outer Banks are prone to hurricanes and coastal flooding, though, which can be extra concerning for retirees who may have reduced mobility. The limited year-round population can also be isolating and cause some services to be unavailable out of season.
Palm Springs, California
This world-famous desert oasis often appeals to seniors due to its mid-century modern architecture, lively art scene, and close proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. Just take into account the scorching summer heat and the exorbitant cost of living. Limited water resources and potential earthquakes might be additional concerns for some retirees.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a scenic peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan. Retirees are attracted to its charming small-town atmosphere, beautiful nature trails, and thriving arts community, but they aren’t always ready for the harsh winters. Door County experiences significant snowfall and low temperatures through much of November to March, and it’s particularly isolated during these times.
Charleston, South Carolina
According to Neighborhood Scout, “The crime rate in Charleston is considerably higher than the national average across all communities.” This can put off retirees with concerns about safety and property damage. There is also the possibility of flooding and hurricanes. If these factors don’t bother you, Charleston has some lovely historic architecture and a charming downtown area.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a lakeside town in the Sierra Nevada mountains with stunning alpine beauty, world-class skiing, and access to clean waters for boating and fishing. All this comes at a price, and finding an affordable property close to the lake is nearly impossible nowadays. The off-season lull can also surprise newcomers who are unprepared for the lack of activity and sense of desolation.
Destin, Florida
This Florida Panhandle town attracts visitors and retirees alike with its white sand beaches, clear waters, and abundant water sports, but there are one or two factors to consider. In summer, Destin is a busy, crowded vacation hotspot, and the cost of living (which is always high) spikes from May to September. The local community also tends to be reasonably transient, so making friends might be tricky.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
These southern mountains offer wonderful natural beauty, a strong history, and a slower pace of life. Sound ideal? Well, Dollywood is nearby, a popular amusement park that might help entertain the grandchildren when they visit. However, the remote location can be lonely, and those with serious health problems might want to be closer to clinics and hospitals.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is a world-renowned ski resort with lovely alpine scenery and some luxurious homes on offer. There is also a busy winter sports scene during the skiing season, but you will need a big budget to fit in with the wealthy elite who primarily inhabit the area. Agemy says many amenities and businesses also shut down out of season to negate the extremely high living costs.
South Padre Island, Texas
This barrier island boasts pristine beaches, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and a laid-back atmosphere. However, the island is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, and summer temperatures can get dangerously high for older folks. As with other vacation spots, the year-round population is small, and many summer amenities aren’t available in winter.
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