It’s difficult to think of New York State without envisioning miles of traffic, crammed sidewalks, and tons of noise. This is probably due to the fact that the Empire State is home to the nation’s largest and busiest city, New York. However, in certain areas of the state are retirement havens for seniors looking to escape the busy life of New York.
As it turns out, a number of cities in New York feature plenty of culture, gorgeous scenery, and, despite the cold winters, a chance to escape the fast lane. For those considering retirement in New York, here are five facts they should know:
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1. High taxes and cost of living
Unfortunately, the cost of living in New York State is 26 percent higher than the national average, according to Kay Conheady, a financial planner at Apropos Financial Planning. The Hamptons, a popular retirement destination for years, has one of the higher costs of living in New York with the median cost of a home totaling more than $1.1 million.
Marketwatch indicates that “the cost of living is 167 percent higher [in the Hamptons] than average.”
2. Hot summers and cold winters
The weather in New York is described as “humid-continental,” and the people there experience the ups and downs of all four seasons. There’s plenty of heat during the summers and plenty of cold, wind, and snow during the winters.
Topretirements.com indicates that, “Western New York has a more severe climate; Long Island more moderate.”
3. Artistic communities
According to The Huffington Post, many areas in New York State “[have] a rich tradition of fostering creative arts like music, literature, and painting.” There are also a number of liberal arts colleges and universities such as: Vassar College, Colgate University, Bard College, and Union College. The towns and cities in New York maintain a considerable artistic flair with lots of food and wine culture.
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4. Natural beauty
Places such as Ithaca and Saratoga Springs are known for their lovely surroundings.
According to AARP, “Ithaca is also a great place for nature lovers, who are drawn to the region's breathtaking scenery ... Set at the foot of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca also has plenty of kayaks and yachts, which adds to the city's appeal and outdoorsy-urban hum.”
5. Overall good health
The state currently ranks 14th in the country for overall health. The state experiences higher per capita health funding, and its primary care physicians and home health care providers are readily available on a consistent basis.
Clearly, there is more to New York State than just New York City. There are a number of affordable cities and towns perfect for those interested in finding a retirement destination. The culture and affordability of each might just be enough to offset the higher cost of living and the cold winter months.
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