Why Retire Near a Big City and Not In One
When you moved to the city years ago, you were probably drawn to the area for several reasons. Perhaps it was a strategic career move. Or maybe it was the allure of museums, restaurants or shopping. Maybe you liked the idea of being close to all the food, sports and entertainment you could ask for.
When you’re young — or even as you’re raising a family — close proximity to these can be both practical and exhilarating. But now that you’re retiring, the city has lost some of its appeal.
Maybe you’ve noticed you’re among the oldest adults riding public transportation. Perhaps you aren’t as excited about concerts and massive sporting events as you were in the past. Or, maybe your children have grown and gone on to other locations, leaving you feeling a bit lonely.
Whatever your situation, it may be time to consider your retirement options.
Drawbacks of Retiring in the City
Living in or near a big city may have been ideal when you were working, but now that you’re retiring, it has its drawbacks, like:
1. Crowds Everywhere
The high population of cities can be challenging to navigate as you age. More people means more traffic. It means fewer parking spaces, longer lines and a fast pace. You may find yourself waiting an hour or more for a table at your favorite restaurant or arriving at a movie theater only to discover the film you came to see has already sold out. And, over time, you may even find you don’t move as fast as you need to.
2. Lack of Personal Space
In the crowded spaces of the city, it’s difficult to find peace and quiet when you need it. You’re crammed onto public transit with fast-moving and stressed-out crowds of people. The sidewalks, parking garages and public venues are all full of other people. Even just stepping outside your front door, you may encounter noises of all kinds.
Living spaces also tend to be smaller and more expensive — if you want a family-sized home with plenty of space inside the city, you’ll have to pay a lot for it. Even parking isn’t guaranteed with city living.
3. Cost of Living
Housing prices tend to be higher in big cities. You’ll also likely pay more for other necessities, like food and gas. Although costs vary from city to city, entertainment, parking and utilities also cost more in urban areas.
4. Rapid Pace
Cities are known for their fast pace — which is exciting when you’re in your twenties and looking for a place where you can work during the day and socialize late into the evening. But as you get older, that constant busyness loses its appeal. Even if you aren’t living in or near a big city for the social aspects, you’re more likely to encounter a fast pace during your daily commute around town. As you get older, this can become increasingly exhausting.
Benefits of Retiring Outside a Big City
1. Lower Cost of Living
Depending on the area you leave and the community you move to, you could cut your expenses down by half. This will get you more bang for your buck and help stretch your money a lot farther than it would go in the city. Your property taxes will be lower, utility bills will be lower and you won’t have the additional costs of parking, commuting and public transportation that you had in the city. Even food prices tend to be lower in more rural areas.
2. Fewer People
When you move to a smaller town, you won’t constantly bump into people on the sidewalk or get stuck in traffic jams every day. Living outside the city gives you more space to spread out. You can be social when you want to, but your friends and neighbors aren’t all on top of you all the time. The low crime rate is also a byproduct of living in a smaller area.
3. Slower Pace
Life outside a big city has a distinctively slower pace. People aren’t as stressed, and it shows in the way they drive, the way they walk and the way they interact with others. Outside of the city, you’re less likely to be disturbed by neighbors having a party or wait in line for a table at a restaurant.
4. More Room to Spread Out
Because the cost of living is typically lower in rural areas, you’ll be able to afford a home that offers more space — both inside and out. You’ll be able to afford a home with plenty of room for the grandkids to come to visit and to host friends for cocktails. The appeal of nature can also be incredibly alluring after years of urban living.
You’ll be able to plant that rose garden you’ve always wanted or sip coffee while looking at the scenery outside your back door. You can enjoy the seasons changing, the rain or snow falling and the warm air of early summer without interruption from traffic or loud neighbors nearby.
Retiring Near Philadelphia – Why Cornwall Manor?
So if you are ready to retire outside of the city, there are many Pennsylvania towns that have been named among the best areas to retire in the U.S.This is because Pennsylvania has:
Favorable Retirement Taxes
Pennsylvania doesn’t tax retirement, which( means you get to keep more of the money you’ve saved, including social security, 401(k) and government pensions. These savings help to maintain your quality of (life) living and stretch your retirement savings farther than it would in other states.
Pennsylvania’s inheritance and estate taxes are also among the best in the U.S., which will ensure your heirs receive more of what you leave to them.
Experience All Four Seasons
Pennsylvania’s climate allows you to experience the best each season has to offer. Our moderate summers are beautifully contrasted with our gorgeous fall leaves. And, for those who still love snow, we offer that in moderation too. At Cornwall Manor, you’ll find homes with beautiful scenic views and plenty of access to nature all around you.
Access to High-Quality Healthcare
Cornwall Manor is strategically located for its residents to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s vast high-quality health care options, including the Penn State/Hershey Medical Center, Penn Medicine and UPMC.
City Access When You Need It
If you’ve spent years living in urban areas, it can be difficult to walk away. The thrill of seeing a live show, the breathtaking beauty of viewing historical monuments and the variety of shops and eateries may still be calling you into the big city.
Make Your Retirement Your Own
Cornwall Manor has been providing high-quality living and senior services for more than 70 (80) years. Our goal is — and has always been — to provide seniors with a comfortable place to call home. Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you don’t want to be active.
Our community is known for providing extensive programs and services, all designed with seniors in mind. And our 190-acre campus is designed so you can soak in all the beauty Central Pennsylvania has to offer.
Ready to leave the city and discover a new way of life? Schedule your visit today.
