Senior Living: 10 Great Places to Retire for Great Weather

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that between 2012 and 2050 the country will “experience considerable growth in its older population.” In fact, by 2030 more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. Chances are high that you will fall into that age group, which means it’s never too early to start planning for your retirement. While having enough in savings is the most important part of your plan, you also should begin looking at possible places to retire. While there are a number of factors that could influence your decision, such as affordability, who wouldn’t want to enjoy great weather 365 days of the year? If that’s you, here are 10 great places to retire with great weather, boasting some of the best climates in the country.

1. San Diego, California Sunny San Diego is one of the most ideal destinations for retirement, being multidimensional, friendly, clean and home to a bustling downtown. The main reason to consider San Diego, however, is the climate. The average high in July is a comfortable 75 degrees, while the average low in January is a moderate 48 degrees. There are also 266 days of sunshine a year. 2. Cape Coral, Florida Described by Forbes as having a “rosy economy in (a) half-century-old Gulf of Mexico coast city developed with a master plan,” Cape Coral, Fla., has favorable weather and above-average air quality. The cost of living is 4% below the national average; however, home prices are slightly above the national average, at approximately $190,000.

3. Tucson, Arizona It’s no surprise that Tucson is a popular retirement destination, hosting more than 100 performing arts events annually, boasting sunny weather, and offering no taxes on Social Security income. But Tucson is also one of the most affordable places to retire, thanks to the Senior Pass for nearby national parks and recreation sites, and an average monthly rental rate of $771. 4. San Antonio, Texas Not all warm and sunny climates have beaches. Case in point: San Antonio. Home to the beautiful Riverwalk, a quaint downtown and historical sites like the Alamo, there’s plenty to do and see in this culturally rich city. It’s also a budget-friendly destination for retirees, who can expect to spend about $670 in monthly rent, according to 2012 figures. 5. Yuma, Arizona Situated in the Sonoran Desert along the banks of the Colorado River, Yuma is the sunniest city in the United States, with low humidity to boot. Founded in 1540, Yuma offers a lot of history and culture to explore, as well as numerous outdoor activities like fishing, boating, golf and tennis. 6. Grand Junction, Colorado Believe it or not, Grand Junction, which is nestled between the inspiring Colorado National Monument and the hundreds of lakes in Grand Mesa, is one of the sunniest locations in the country. With a population under 60,000, Grand Junction has been described as “a suburb without a city.” Besides the relaxing downtown, the surrounding area has wineries and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rafting, fishing and golf.

7. Redding, California Located in Sacramento Valley, Redding is home to the amazing Sundial Bridge, has pleasant weather – averages of 82 degrees in July and 46 in January – and has a moderate population of around 90,000. Because of the weather and abundance of sunshine, Redding is known for its outdoor activities, specifically mountain biking and fishing. 8. Santa Fe, New Mexico This Southwestern gem is known for its culture – a wonderful blend of Anglo/Hispanic/Native American – and scenic mountains. Santa Fe also has an active art community, excellent air quality and breathtaking scenery. Best of all? Santa Fe experiences approximately 300 days of sunshine annually.

9. Savannah, Georgia Because this is a coastal city, you’re going to have to get used to the humidity. But that’s a small price to pay when you live in an area with mild and sunny winters. Savannah is also known for having some of the best restaurants in the South, and there’s no shortage of activities, whether it’s exploring the historic downtown, spending the day at the beach, or visiting one of the city’s golf courses. 10. Vero Beach, Florida It’s no secret that people love retiring to Florida, thanks to not being taxed for inheritance and Social Security income. But why settle for a major metropolitan area like Miami or Tampa? Instead, consider this hidden gem of the Sunshine State. Vero Beach is home to serene beaches, golf courses, a senior population that’s 28% of only 15,000 residents, and an average monthly senior housing rent of $750 per month.  This article was originally published on After55.com: 10 Places to Retire with Great Weather Looking for more ideas for great places to retire with great weather? Check out After55.com’s Senior Housing Guide for information of the types of senior housing to consider.