Best Kentucky retirement towns and communities

Overall
Kentucky is a state with many great retirement towns, including several that have been certified as retirement communities. Kentucky offers very good value for your retirement dollar - real estate and the cost of living is lower than most other states. Yet the recreational activities are exceptional in this beautiful state with ready access to the Appalachians. Just under 4.3 million called Kentucky home in 2008. This site will some basic facts about retirement to the best places in Kentucky.

Climate
The Kentucky climate is characterized as humid sub-tropical. Summers are hot and humid and winters are milder than in states further to the south. In mountainous areas the climate is quite cooler than in lower areas.

Economy & Housing Prices
In 2007 the KY median household income was almost $40,300, which put it in the lowest third of all states. This statistic reflects Kentucky's low cost of living. Zillow reports the 2009 median home price in Berea is about $135,000, the NAR reports 1st quarter 2009 median sales price in Louisville to be $121,000 vs. the national median of $169,000.

Taxes
Kentucky is in the middle of the pack as far as tax burden goes - 25th out of 50 states. The state has 6 income tax brackets, the top one (6%) kicks in at $75,000. Sales tax is 6%. Kentucky is 45th highest state in terms of per capita property taxes collected. Federal, state, and private pensions are exempt up to $41,110.  Social security benefits are also exempt. For more information go to Kentucky Department of Revenue.

Certified Retirement Communities
Kentucky has a list of 8 certified retirement communities chosen in its certified retirement communities program. The eight include: Glasgow, Danville, Campbellsville, Madison, Maysville, Murray, Morehead, and Richmond.

Best retirement communities
Some cities and towns in Kentucky are extremely popular as retirement communities. Some are located near very large man-made lakes, while others are identified as college towns.

- Berea - One of the fastest growing towns in America, Berea also one of the most unusual small towns in the south. It was was founded by abolitionist missionaries in 1853. They established Berea College,where tuition is free - but students must work. Arts and crafts are very big in Berea.
- Bowling Green - A delightful college town of about 52,000 in southwest Kentucky is about an hour's drive north of Nashville. Bowling Green has been cited by Forbes Magazine (Best Small Places to Do Business) as well as making a list of the 2007 'Top Ten Value Towns' for retirees.

Murray - Situated near one of the biggest man-made lakes in the country, Paris offers low-cost living, a great climate, and unlimited recreation. Murray State University, a top institution, makes this a delightful college town.

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