Spending your retirement anywhere in Ohio gives you access to a low-cost yet active lifestyle, a robust cultural community, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, as well as outdoor activities for the nature enthusiast. Some areas in particular, however, offer access to a thriving community of retirees and activities designed just for senior citizens. If you're considering retirement in Ohio, check out these four retiree-friendly spots.
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- Lakewood - Real estate blog Movoto recommends this town of nearly 59,000 people for retirees, citing the city's active Division of Aging. This lakeside community, located near Cleveland, is the ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. There are two senior centers offering events and activities such as tai chi, book clubs, photography groups, and exercise programs. Out of the 140 cities Movoto evaluated, it ranked Lakewood 68th in terms of the amenities and features valuable to retirees, and named the city one of the top 10 places in the United States to retire.
- Mentor - MarketWatch named this lakeside community as one of the best places in Ohio to retire, citing the city's abundance of natural features and proximity to other cities with luxury and cultural offerings such as wine tastings. The article also noted the city's senior center with its more than 4,000 members, and the high involvement of retirees within the community. A relatively small community with just more than 52,000 residents, the city nonetheless offers the kind of amenities you might find in a larger city, including a thriving shopping district, major mall, and more than 160 restaurants. If that's not enough, residents need only travel half an hour to Cleveland for a taste of big city life.
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- Oberlin - Home to Oberlin College, this tiny community boasts a progressive history, and these values persist to this day. MarketWatch notes that the city's progressivism and environmentally friendly policies are a big draw for many retirees, who relish the opportunity to make a difference and get involved with some of the nation's most innovative projects and initiatives. For example, both the city and Oberlin College enlist retirees to assist with local sustainability programs.
- Cortland - With seniors comprising 20.9 percent of the population, this city of slightly more than 7,000 residents ranked number one on SmartAsset's list of best places to retire in Ohio. Cortland has 1.4 senior centers for every 1,000 residents, and 4.2 doctors' offices for every 1,000 residents, giving retirees plenty of access to health care, social interaction, and recreational activities.
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