Columbia, Missouri is the home of the University of Missouri and rapidly becoming a popular retirement community. The population has grown to just over 126,000 people (2020). Columbia is nicknamed “College Town” or “The Athens of Missouri” because it has so many colleges in one town. Columbia was listed as one of the “Top 10 Value Towns” of 2007 for…...

Located in the Swannanoa Valley, Black Mountain is a recreational, homey town in North Carolina, not that far from Asheville. Hiking, biking, golf, gallery-hopping, and swimming are some of the main activities here. The town has a reputation as being an artistic town that attracts weekenders, vacationers, and retirees who tilt toward the liberal side. There is a nice downtown…...

Bartow is an up and coming community of 17,000 about 40 miles east of Tampa in central Florida. The town is formerly rural but now attracting all kinds of people, including retirees and active adults.  Its live oak trees and many preserved historical buildings give it a southern charm that is very refreshing. The town is laid out in a…...

Vacationers and people in retirement love the vast area of Tahoe because of its scenery and recreational opportunities. This community offers world class skiing to boating, among other activities. Nearby areas like Squaw Valley and Mammoth Lakes offer lower key and less developed versions of Lake Tahoe that could also be considered as retirement destinations. Lake Tahoe has suffered from…...