10 Best Outdoorsy Places to Retire

Reader Comments
Back to article

The boise area is the best all around city there is. It borders both an arid desert area and the largest national forest in the US. Its surrounded by mountains and many rivers. More than 260 sunndy days and mild winters. No traffic. All around is the best outdoorsy city and state.

mike of NV 9:48PM July 05, 2010

Year-round activities for all ages... golf, swimming, sailing, tennis, skiing, scuba diving, biking, etc...

JZ of FL 12:03PM October 27, 2008

Oregon has it all, folks. The rivers,mountains,coast,sand dunes,anything you could ever want is so close. I was born in New York & raised in Southern Calif, but my soul is in northwest Oregon, and here I'll stay. We are a well kept secret.

jo of OR 11:54AM October 19, 2008

Try looking sometime in Tennessee,if you'd like to see beatutiful all around country living. Maybe some where near Tri-cities area Johnson City, Bristol and Bridgeprot. Grat and beautiful scenic areas.

Daniel of CA 8:19PM September 28, 2008

I have to totally agree with this blogger. The east coast with hurricanes, people trying to keep up with the jones, and increased property taxes and insurance is for the birds.
I was born and raised in Portland until jr high, than moved to Sou Oregon. Left Southern Oregon in 1986 and moved to south Florida. Although I love the tropical weather in the winter, I do miss the northwest and the 4 distinct seasons. I also truly miss the Oregon Coast, so different than Florida beaches.
As stated, the people are much more down to earth in the northwest and the recycling and living green is truly a way of life. I plan to work about 4 more years and hope I can convince my husband who is a former new yorker to settle in the northwest.
Signed~
Left my heart in Oregon

Virginia of FL 3:15PM September 23, 2008

We wrote a top 10 places to retire "young" last year.
http://blog.outdoorzy.com/2007/04/12/top-10-best-outdoorzy-places-to-retire-young/
Good article though, and important topic for those approaching retirement.
Wade
Outdoorzy.com

wade of KY 9:35AM September 22, 2008

... after living in the south for 3 years and summer temperatures of ll8 degs, and hurricanes, i am moving
back to Newport, Oregon, pop. 9,000 and Waldport, Oregon, pop.
2,000.
... summer is superb there. nice breezes, little crime, inexpensive food and housing. part time jobs to be had in medicine and science.
... winters i will spend in southern cal. near claremont and my 3 grandchildren, twin sister, and niece.
... i will say what i like about Oregon is there is no sales tax, people recycle and share everything... trade houses, give clothes and food away (the Gleaners who actually glean the fields and give it to low income). there does not seem to be the "keep up with the Joneses" syndrome at all.
... and best of all, we have private homes that care for you when you are older (foster homes)... with only 5 residents and a lot of good food and attention. not all states have set up
foster care... and they should. the cost can be HALF that of a nursing home.. people also live longer in them because they get more love and emotional attention & stimulation.
... all and all... give me a wonderful garden in Oregon where i can still freeze and can my own food, honest neighbors who are not that rich and are willing to share, and spotless beaches and mountains.... and i will call that home.
... very little pollution, very little population... makes for a peaceful, quiet, clean life.
mrs. oregon...... wink

Beth L. of OR 6:55PM September 19, 2008

Take a look at Iowa for biking. Quiet backroads.
Keosauqua,Iowa in VanBuren County has some wonderful riding.
We just rode the Bike VanBuren XXII this past weekend. About 100 miles in two days. Very little traffic with historic villages along the Des Moines river. Low cost of living in the nations heartland.

Martin Helgerson of IA 8:58PM August 18, 2008