Retirement is something we plan for during our days of active working. Planning for retirement is ideal for everyone looking forward to retiring in a peaceful town with lots of beautiful views, and also a conducive environment suitable for living.
Living in a college town is perfect because it comes with several opportunities to get to enjoy various sporting events, concerts, and attend classes whenever you want to, and this makes it a unique choice of place to retire.
College towns might not be something you want but you should know, that college towns come with teaching hospitals where medical health care is provided for individuals living in the community.
College towns might not be a primary choice of a place for retirees, but most universities have a lot to offer pensioners who are in search of an active lifestyle. The facilities of the campus are usually available to the retirees living in the college towns, making it easier to have complete access to the amenities of the college.
Retirees might get free offers from universities in the town and, in most cases, they offer lower fees to the retirees in the town. College towns can be quite small and some are inexpensive, but they are amazing, and they feature delightful views and unique offers.
Even when you have no plans or savings for retirement, you can always find a place for retirement in college towns.
College towns are excellent place to live after retirement. Not only are they conducive, some states are tax-friendly to retirees and other access to the university’s facilities. While few universities provide a class for retirees, some occasionally reduce the tuition for the pensioners.
Table of contents
Further Reading: 9 States With No Income Tax in 2023
This overview will give you an insight into everything you need to know about the best college towns to retire in 2022.
Why College Towns Are Best For Retirement?
In case you are wondering whether college towns are ideal places to retire to, college towns come with many benefits, especially for senior citizens.
Planning for retirement is not a sudden decision, but a plan that should have been in place since the beginning of your career.
Even when you have no savings for retirement, some college towns are quite affordable with low-cost living. Since most of the amenities are provided for the university, you have nothing to be bothered about.
Benefits Of Living In a College Town
Living in a college town has its perks and some of which will make you consider living in a decent college town. The benefits of living in a college town are many and it room for you to take part and become one with the community, and you also get to enjoy and be part of any social events.
1. Cost Of Living
One reason why college towns are popular is due because the cost of living in the town that will be listed below is quite low. You don’t have to pay more than you can afford in some of these college towns. Because of the campuses around, the cost of living is relatively cheap.
2. Cultural Attractions
Cultural attractions are one of the best parts of college towns, students and staff are been recruited from everywhere in the world meaning you’ll get to understand more about various cultures, and also interact with people from different cultures, especially when you attend social events created by students.
3. Free Or Low-Cost Classes
As a senior citizen, you have the privilege of attending free classes, and some university that doesn’t offer free classes often give a discount on tuition. Getting back to class after retirement is one way of socializing with students of all ages, making more friends, and, also gaining some vital education.
College towns might have their share of peace, but when it gets to the social aspect, they are very focused on various activities and this doesn’t limit the residents of the town. If you decide to live in college towns, you get to enjoy various sports events, simply by visiting the stadium and also cheering the participant will make you feel better. There are other events like music concerts, art shows, movie screenings, and many more.
If you’re a social butterfly, read the: Funny Campus College Traditions for 2022
5. Quality Health Care
One benefit of a college town is basic amenities available to the residents of the town, most universities come with teaching hospitals or medical centers where medical health care is provided for individuals living in the community and this also includes retirees.
6. Housing Affordability
Whether you plan on renting or buying a house in a college town, you will find out that houses are quite cheap and affordable, mostly because houses are made cheap because of students living in the environments. So whether you have no big savings planned for your retirement, you will still get a beautiful home.
7. Job Market
With a university being in a town, there is an increase in the job market, which is favorable to the residents of the town. To get a job at the university, you don’t need to gain Ph.D. before securing a job. University often brings about other businesses, making it easy to get a job.
8. Livability
College towns are very peaceful and the environment is just for anyone looking forward to socializing with other people in their community.
So many social events attract tourists and most business owners to the town. It is also unusual to find a high crime rate in college towns. It is quite safe.
9. Tax Retirees
One benefit of living in a college town is that some of these colleges are in states that are tax-friendly to pensioners. And this is beneficial to retirees because they won’t have to pay more.
10 Best College Towns To Retire In 2022
These are the best college towns to retire in 2022, they can easily afford most of these college towns, while some are quite expensive, yet they come with so many offers and benefits.
Here is a list of the best college towns to retire in 2022 with accurate reviews:
1. Beaufort, South Carolina
Average Home Cost: $223,400- $363,00
Average Monthly Rental: $1,648.
Institution: Technical College Of The Lowcountry
Population: 13,404
Beaufort is a city in South Carolina, popularly known as the Queen of the Carolina sea, on Port Royal Islands. The county is well-known for being peaceful. You should consider Beaufort as a place for retirement, the city is a perfect example of peace.
The city is an art town, equipped with various galleries and museums. The Beaufort town has various landmarks that make the town iconic for visitors and residents of the town, you will find Santa Elena history center, Beaufort historical church, and many other important landmarks, with over 70 sites on the National Register of Historic Places the town is simply one of the best.
As a senior citizen 65 and above, the university will offer you free tuition at two of their campuses in USCB.
Website: www.cityofbeaufort.org
2. Oxford, Mississippi.
Average Home Cost: $219,000
Average Monthly Rental: $1,577.
Institution : University Of Mississippi
Population: 26,962
Oxford is a city in Lafayette County in the north-central part of Mississippi, the University of Mississippi is one of the best in the county. The city is well-known for its love for football, and their hospitality towards visitors is second to none.
Not only does this city make life easy for pensioners, Oxford Miss, is also tax-friendly toward them. At Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, there is a health specialist available for the care of residents. Retirees willing to work can volunteer for jobs or apply for jobs.
Oxford is perfect for retirees looking for a place to live after retirement, the city has several beautiful public parks, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and many more satisfying places just for your comfort.
As a senior citizen, the University of Mississippi offers unique educational programs for pensioners, with a tuition-free in one academic course per year
Website: www.oxfordms.net
3. Athens, Georgia.
Average Home Cost: $137,000
Average Monthly Rental: $928.
Institution : University Of Georgia
Population: 124,719
Athens is a city that is popularly known as “The Classic City”, the city is home to the University of Georgia. if you are looking for one of the best cities to live in after your retirement, consider Athens, the city’s cost of living is lower than average and also offers fantastic tax treatment. The city is just a few day’s drive to Atlanta, 70 miles away.
The University of Georgia offers retirees willing to learn more, some educational programs at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program, and lessons on the unique history of the city. This will help retirees learn new things and also help them socialize with other students. Athens is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees with benefits associated. For retirees and residents living in Athens, there is St. Mary’s Health Care System and Athens Regional Medical Center, to help provide quality health care.
Website: www.oxfordms.net
4. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Average Home Cost: $313,300
Average Monthly Rental: $1,915
Institution: University of Michigan
Population: 120,735
Ann Arbor is a city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. The city is home to the University of Michigan, galleries, arts, local restaurants, and many more.
This university provides pensioners discount of half-price tuition, residents of Ann Arbor get to enjoy the city even in the winter. The city’s health care amenities are one thing that attracts people from across the country.
The educational programs offered to senior citizen is one reason retirees want to live in the city, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute also provides lectures, classes, and study groups to people age 50 and up. Regardless of how expensive the city may be, you will find more affordable options.
Website: www.a2gov.org
5. Durham, North Carolina
Average Home Cost: $329,706.
Average Monthly Rental: $1,272.
Institution : Duke University
Population: 269,702
Durham city is also known as the “City of Medicine” is situated in the Research Triangle region which also includes Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and other places. The city is a perfect choice for retirees looking forward to settling in the county.
There are over 15 colleges, community colleges, and universities in Durham, you can easily rent or buy a house in the town at an affordable price, the health care of the city brings more people into the city, there is UNH health care system for the residents of Durham. Duke University is in partnership with OLLI, and they offer over 300 courses each term.
Website: www.durhamnc.gov
Every student needs to know the 20 Best Scholarships in North Carolina 2023 [UPDATED]
6. Fort Collins, Colorado
Average Home Cost: $313,200
Average Monthly Rental: $1,745.
Institution : Colorado State University
Population: 165,609
Fort Collins is on the foothill of the rocky mountains. Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, the city might not be the cheapest, but it has various cultural attractions, coffee shops, restaurants, beautiful views of the rocky mountains, and many more traits you will like about the city.
If you’re 60 and above, you can easily attend classes gratis. Colorado State University is in partnership with OLLI, and they offer over 300 courses each term, they also, sponsored speakers with retired CSU faculty.
Website: www.fcgov.com
7. Asheville, N.C.
Average Home Cost: $215,000
Average Monthly Rental: $1,346.
Institution: University of North Carolina–Asheville
Population: 91,560
Asheville is home to the University of North Carolina with over 3,700 students, which also includes retirees. Asheville is in the blue ridge mountains of western Carolina, something well known in the city is its craft breweries scene, restaurants, architecture, and art scenes.
The University of North Carolina is in partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute(OLLI), and they offer over 300 courses each term, they also sponsor speakers with retired CSU faculty.
One program available to retirees is Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend, which was created for people planning to retire in Asheville. Regardless of how expensive the city may be, you will find more affordable options. Retirees might not be exempted from state taxes but you can qualify for a $25,000 exemption.
Website: www.ashevillenc.gov
8. Charlottesville, Virginia.
Average Home Cost: $358,605
Average Monthly Rental: $1,215
Institution : University Of Virginia
Population: 857,425
Charlottesville is a commercial hub in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The University of Virginia is in the city. Residents of the city get to enjoy various social events set up by the university.
The city is suitable for hiking, biking, paddling, and many more. Retirees and other residents over 60 can take a free non-credit class at the University of Virginia or Piedmont Community College.
Virginia city is tax-friendly toward retirees. Although there are no social security benefits, Pensioners can easily apply for relief from real estate taxes or request for a tax exemption.
Website: www.chalottenc.gov
9. Gainesville, Florida
Average Home Cost: $169,287
Average Monthly Rental: $1,198
Institution: University Of Florida
Population: 132,127
Gainesville is the home of the University of Florida. Gainesville is a city in northern Florida. This city offers a near-tropical climate which is 75 miles from the ocean and several outdoor activities, famously known for its museums, lakes, galleries, historical buildings, and many more, the city is quite affordable, and retirees get to enjoy everything the University of Florida offers.
The University of Florida is in partnership with Institute for Learning in Retirement at Oak Hammock, and they offer free courses to retirees each term. The health care is made available to the residents of the state through the North Florida Regional Medical Center, and also the university’s Shands Hospital.
Residents of Gainesville get to enjoy more basketball and football events from the university, and also the state is tax-friendly towards retirees living in the state, and you can request for tax exemption of up to $50,000.
Website: www.cityofgainesville.org
10. State College, Pennsylvania
Average Home Cost: $265,800
Average Monthly Rental: $1,576
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Population: 42,275
State College is home to Pennsylvania State University, the college town is in the center of the county in Pennsylvania.
The town is named after the university, with so many activities offered by the university such as cultural events and athletic (Penn State Nittany Lions Football team), retirees willing to move and live in the town can get some free evening education courses in the university. Pennsylvania State University is in partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute(OLLI), and they offer over 300 courses each term, and the state is tax-friendly towards retirees.
Website: www.statecollegepa.us
Conclusion
College towns are ideal for senior citizens who are looking forward to retiring in an exciting and affordable place. These towns are not just packed with various social events, some of the college towns listed above are also tax-friendly towards retirees and also great health care for the town’s residents. I hope this overview gives you the answers to your questions.
References
- aarp.org – 10 Great Places to Live and Learn
- kiplinger.com – 10 Great College Towns to Retire to
- money.com – The 10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2022
- thebalance.com – What Are the Best College Towns to Retire?
- money.usnews.com – The Best College Towns for Retirement
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