The 10 Brainiest Places to Retire

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I lived in Pittsburgh for many years and while I would certainly agree that its preponderance of fine universities, arts organizations, and cultural activities (renowned symphony, opera, ballet, and theater companies) should place it on this list, I am aghast that anyone would tell retirees to move to the remote suburb of Upper Saint Clair.
Why? Mostly very large homes on large lots (requiring much upkeep); you can walk to NOTHING; no public transportation into the city except during rush hour; 30-minute+ drive to most cultural activities; no town center, only two indoor malls; academically a good school system, but with arguable worst drug problem in the suburbs.
If you golf, you'll love it. If you want a huge house with 1990 decor and a complicated security system, you'll love it. If you want to be neighbors with corporate types, you'll love it. If you don't mind living in your Mercedes, you'll love it. Otherwise, move to Squirrel Hill, where you can walk to either Carnegie-Mellon U. or U. of Pittsburgh and most of your neighbors will have good educations.

Louise of AZ 11:06PM July 26, 2009

Has a Wal-Mart and an IHOP...what more do old people want?

JJ of KS 3:13PM July 13, 2009

FREEDOM MEENS JUST THAT AND THE AMERICAN INDIANS HAD IT RIGHT TO START WITH SO DON'T BE A STICK IN THE MUD AND AND PUT SOME WHEELS UNDER YOUR SHACK AND HIT THE ROAD. THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WILL ENCHANT YOU FOR YEARS JUST LOOKING AROUND FROM YOUR LAWN CHAIR AND ALWAYS IN THE WEATHER OF YOUR CHOICE. BEST THING IS EVERY ONE IS ON A ADVENTURE AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE TIME TO TELL YOU A INTRESTRING STORY AND YOUR VISITING GRAND KIDS WILL HAVE A LASTING MEMORY AND LOVE FOR THE TRUE FREEDOM FOUND WITH YOU.
THE ANDERSON'S

ANDERSON of AZ 8:11AM June 29, 2009

Oak Ridge is a "brainy" community in which to retire. Most of the scientists and engineers stayed on after the bomb; started businesses and a volunteer college; kept the oldest orchestra in the state (Played by volunteer scientists, now by professionals); hired an excellent director for The Playhouse; and contributed more than $83 million to have one of the best high schools in the state for their grandchildren. We are surrounded by The Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberlands, but are close enough to Knoxville, where we can shop and see a first rate opera.

Anne Parks-Johnson of TN 6:40AM June 10, 2009

Oak Ridge is a "brainy" community in which to retire. Most of the scientists and engineers stayed on after the bomb; started businesses and a volunteer college; kept the oldest orchestra in the state (Played by volunteer scientists, now by professionals); hired an excellent director for The Playhouse; and contributed more than $83 million to have one of the best high schools in the state for their grandchildren. We are surrounded by The Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberlands, but are close enough to Knoxville, where we can shop and see a first rate opera.

Anne Parks-Johnson of TN 6:40AM June 10, 2009

what about Ithaca, NY. Beautful country, nice little city with lots of good restuarants and easy to get around and dominated by the culture of one of the top universities in the nation, Cornell.

bob of MD 1:44PM June 09, 2009

I've met many older Americans in San Juan and they all have great things to say about it. The economy there doesn't seem hampered by the sagging mainland economy yet. We plan on moving there in a few months. My wife is a practicing medical doctor and I am early retired planning to work in tourist related field.

David Stewart of NC 1:12PM April 23, 2009

It's Sequim, Washington, not Sequin, and the 'e' is silent; you pronounce Sequim as one syllable. Sequim used to have that quaint small town feel to it, but there has been an increase in development over the past several years, and Highway 101 now bypasses the town. If you're looking for acreage, it could possibly be a difficult challenge. Same with starting a business there. I thought about retiring there, but opted for the Washington Coast. If you're interested in Sequim, make sure you do diligent research.
The weather in Sequim is significantly different than surrounding areas. The reason is that the Olympic Mountains split storms coming from the Pacific Ocean with one part heading to the Puget Sound area from Everett and Seattle southward and the other part heading north to Canada. That means Sequim gets bypassed. In short, there will be over 300 inches of rainfall in the Olympic Mountains per year; there might be 20 inches per year in Sequim.
For some, Sequim will be perfect; for me, it's lost its small town feeling. But then, I'm a homegrown Washingtonian and Seattle-ite, so I'll admit to a bias. There are lots of other small towns in Washington state worth exploring.

Sandra C of WA 6:09PM April 01, 2009

Join the lively, intellectual, cultured, large and active American ex-patriate community in Heidelberg, Germany. Medical care is superior, mind stimulating opportunities are plentiful and inexpensive, restaurants are international and fairly priced, forest walking trails are beautiful, bike paths omnipresent, etc. and etc. - Bonus - major European cities such as Paris and Rome are only a few hours away.
Enjoy!
Mary Louise Murray-Johnson
Heidelberg, Germany

mary Louise Murray-Johnson of NY 12:05AM February 27, 2009