10 Best Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement

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California is indeed a beautiful state. Mountains, beaches, deserts, forests, who could ask for more?
How about lower taxes and immigration control? Because of the tax structure in
this state, and the fiscal fiasco California is experiencing, my husband and I are sadly leaving. We are financially solvent, but if we stay here we would not be able to enjoy the things we have been looking forward to when we retire.

GMPH of CA 9:25PM July 03, 2011

An American can easily stretch their retirement dollar if loving mountain towns when considering relocating abroad , which many baby boomers will do, or forcefully will do. The exodus of American retirees will happen sooner or later given the gradually worsened living conditions in this otherwise great land.
There are numerous places good for retirement abroad where the living standards is cheaper for retiree with dollars than the poor places that were mentioned in this article. Not only in Latin America, but Europe, in particular Eastern Europe and more beautiful that those mentioned, especially in the lower standard states.
For example, check the all-season Bulgarian resort (ski in the internationally recognized winter resort, soak in the mineral water spa places, Aegean sea beaches and island Thassos in Greece territory are only 2 hours away drive, and etc. Think big out-of-the-box and you will be awarded, your hard-earned money deserve better fellow Americans retiree!

ken of CA 5:38PM June 14, 2011

I lived in Redding Ca., well exsisted. Not a good quality of life. Too many trashy people for the small size of a town it is. Boise, Idaho offers a much higher quality of life. Crime is lower even with a higher population. On a positive note, Redding Ca. Is beautiful. It's the community that makes it ugly. They need a change in their city. Way to many backwards people.

Robert of ID 3:07PM March 27, 2011

I enjoyed Vernon's post about Holiday Island, Ark. It's not too far from my home state of Louisiana. I'm an early retiree at age 59 but don't think I can take another humid summer here in the deep South. I'm looking for other women around my age who may or may not necessarily need a roommate..but would like one. I'm a former photo/journalist. Any ideas folks?

Jamie Gates of LA 12:47PM December 14, 2010

I plan on retiring in October and definitely am moving to Redding. I grew up in the area and have decided to return after a living many years in the greater Sacramento area. Comparatively, Redding has substantially less crime than most of the metropolitan cities within California. While the summers can definitely be hot, I prefer the heat to the drizzle of Oregon. Redding, ringed by mountains to the west, north and east, sets in a scenic location that provides panoramic views of Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. Shasta Lake and Wiskeytown Reservoir are short drives away and both provide ample opportunities for anglers or folks just wanting to spend a cool day on or near the water.

Buck of CA 2:20PM August 18, 2010

Fayetteville is great town and is on several lists of great places to live. However, the best mountain place to live is Holiday Island, AR. It is located 10 minutes north of Eureka Springs, a great place to vacation in a Victorian Village, and Branson MO is less than an hour away. Holiday Island qualifies as one of the best places to live on water as well with the tail waters of Table Rock around the "Island" and a marina as part of its amenties. You can boat the lake or fish for trout, walleye bass,etc. or travel another 20 minutes and fish the dam of the 1000+mile shoreline of Beaver Lake for Strippers. We have great rivers for canoeing and kayaking including King River a 20 minute drive away or the National Buffalo River or Mulberry which are less than two hours drive. There is 27 holes of golf and two swimming pools along with tennis and pickel ball courts and many other recreational opportunities. Low traffic, milder winters with very few snows, low crime rates, and very low property taxes compared to the rest of the country. This is the place for the active retiree in Holiday Island, the Natural Destination. I have been here five years and have not found another place like it around the country.

Vernon Anderson of AR 12:41PM August 06, 2010

As I was returning from short trip north last night I was listening to the most entertaining lyricist and guitar player and part of his conversation w/ interviewer spoke highly to Redding CA i.e. only 2 seasons, winter and summer because of its location. The reason I write in question of Redding this a.m. is I'm not a believer in coincidence. Any comments esp. Redding folks?Gerri

Gerri of CT 1:19PM July 26, 2010

So glad to have one of our cities included, although I think there are several others that are wonderful in California, what makes them good enough for retirement?

Lollie Real of CA 11:03AM July 26, 2010

The town of Maryville, Tn would have been a good pick. Right outside the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Great private college, cultural center. Housing in a varied price range. Friendly people. I retired here and love it.

Marilyn of TN 10:39AM July 26, 2010