 Choosing a place for retirement requires some research. You want to spend your remaining years as comfortable as possible, but you also need to be able to afford it. Green places to retire are getting popular because the relationship between environment and quality of life has been shown. There are forunately quite a few places to choose from so you can be in a climate and social geography that is green and to your liking.
Portland is a favorite place for fans of the Pacific Coast. Its lush greenery attracts people to the natural beauty of the region along with its famous coastline and proximity to mountian recreation. Portland is also a very walkable community with affordable housing near public transportation. This makes it much easier for seniors to perform daily life activities without the expense and concern associated with driving. Fewer cars mean cleaner air. If that isn’t enough to draw one in, the fresh food at the farmer’s markets just might do it. It’s definitely worth the trip on weekends. San Diego boasts similar features with a slightly warmer climate. In addition, there are many city park projects under way so there will be lots to do for future citizens of any age.
Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Jacksonville are good for those who want to retire in the sun. There are several open space programs that make parks better and have more recreation programs open so that citizens can live a very engaging life in their cities. Parks range from the traditional to the unexpected. At one extreme are urbanized landscapes with few trees and at the other extreme there are wild preserves located in dense forests or marshland.
For those who like the mountains, Colorado is a green state with lots to offer. In Colorado Springs' 1,600-acre North Cheyenne Cañon Park, you might encounter wildlife where the mountains meet the foothills and plains. There are many green communities in the area boasting solar homes and other green home features.
Even densely developed cities made the green list. Chicago, for example, claims 7,300 acres of parkland, 552 parks, and 33 beaches. The city's stunning skyline plays backdrop to many landscaped parks and playgrounds, which feature scenic ponds and manicured gardens.
U.S. News came up with a list of green retirement destinations. Their search tool allows you to build your own list of retirement spots based on your personal preferences, including region, climate, healthcare, recreational and cultural activities, and other factors. You just have to look at these destinations and others to see what fits your definition of green. You may be surprised what you find.
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