Active lifestyles with affordable homes

Retirement should finally mean having time for long walks in the morning, biking in the afternoon, and the kind of active lifestyle that can’t be tied to an office or the factory floor. Nearly 40% of retirees move at some point in the time they leave the workforce, and many of them often look forward to doing things they couldn’t do while working.

Fortunately, there are cities across the United States that are great for retirees who want a sense of community, natural beauty, and a fitness-friendly environment without relocating being a financial burden.

1. Lexington, Kentucky

With a population of just over 320,000, Lexington’s title of “Horse Capital of the World” means it’s not just a retirement destination for music lovers. From morning rides through horse farms to thunderous excitement at Keeneland Race Track, you’ll find equestrian culture woven into everyday life.

The city’s appeal extends to outdoor enthusiasts of all types, thanks to hundreds of acres of parks and nature preserves, as well as easy access to fishing and boating on the Kentucky River. Lexington is also affordable, with the median home price of $319,000 being more than $40,000 less than the national average of $360,000.

The average rent is about $1,500 per month less than the national average, according to Zillow, which is about $400 less than the national average. The Economic Research Institute (ERI) also estimates that the cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. In addition, Kentucky also offers compelling tax benefits for retirees, including exempting Social Security benefits from state income taxes.

2. Venice, Florida

Venice has gained a reputation as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” thanks to the fossilized treasures that wash up on its shores, giving beachgoers almost daily discoveries while walking the beach. It’s also easy to maintain an active lifestyle in Venice, thanks to the city’s dozens of parks, cycling trails, and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. As a bonus, Florida is ranked among the states best prepared to handle the growing number of retirees.

Besides the weather, retirees are drawn to Florida for its tax advantages—the state has no income, estate, or inheritance taxes. Venice, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and home to just 23,000 residents, is less expensive than many other coastal communities statewide. The median home price is $378,000 higher than the national average, although prices have declined in recent years. Area communities like Gateway and Pinebrook offer much lower housing prices.

3. Cañon City, Colorado

Colorado is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but some larger cities, like Denver, have relatively high costs of living. Founded during Colorado’s Gold Rush era, Cañon City retains its historic downtown character while serving as a gateway to some of the state’s most rugged and beautiful wilderness areas.

The city has a population of about 17,000 people, and the median home price is about 10% less than the national average of about $333,000. ERI estimates that its cost of living is about 15% lower than the national average.

Best of all, residents have easy access to excellent parks like Temple Canyon and Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area, and hiking trails are located nearby. Plus, the Arkansas River rushing through town has made Cañon City one of the whitewater rafting capitals of the country, where you can watch kayakers tackle the rapids while sipping coffee from a great café downtown.

4. Mesa, Arizona

Despite the desert environment, Mesa offers a surprising array of outdoor activities: hiking in the Superstition Mountains, kayaking in nearby lakes, and exploring ancient Hohokam archaeological sites, all within a 30-minute drive. During times of year when much of the country faces snow and ice, Mesa retirees spend their time hiking in Oseary Mountain Park and enjoying afternoons at one of the 200 nearby golf courses, making it a magnet for cold-weather refugees looking for a year-round activity.

The median home price, $429,000, is roughly 19% higher than the U.S. median home price, although better deals can be found in neighborhoods like Linda Vista and Camino del Rey. Additionally, although the overall cost of living is about 4% higher than the United States as a whole, ERI data shows that food costs are lower than the national average.

Additionally, Mesa’s health care system and community centers are well-equipped to support an aging population.

5. Richland, Washington

Richland, Washington, population 65,000 and located in the south-central part of the state, has a drier and sunnier climate than most of the Pacific Northwest. This makes it home to a thriving wine scene and an enthusiastic community of cyclists, kayakers and trail racers who take full advantage of the pleasant climate and waterfront access.

The median home price in Richland is $463,000, although its cost of living is 4% lower than the national average and 16% lower than the state as a whole. ERI ranks state taxes as the seventh lowest in the United States, and rents are affordable, at about $1,785 on average, about $200 less than the national average.

The bonus is that Richland serves as a medical hub for Southeastern Washington and is home to three major hospital systems.