The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012

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So much to see and do in Santa Fe- year round! Whether you're retirement age or just making future plans... come for a visit! Pueblo Bonito bed & breakfast inn, located in downtown Santa Fe celebrates 25 years of serving New Mexico visitors. Voted "Guests Favorite" 2011-bnbfinder.com- this 150 yr old adobe pueblo-style compound with secluded grounds boasts area hertiage and is the perfect way to emerse oneself in the Santa Fe culture. Great rates, parking & location. Walk anywhere in downtown. CAll today- 1-800-461-4599

Amy Behm of NM 2:01PM October 18, 2011

Sorry to dispel the myth Marilena, but Santa Fe is NOT just for millionaires. I have helped retirees find lovely places in all budget ranges - from the high 100's on up.
There are also very reasonably-priced restaurants all over town. One of the great things about Santa Fe is that it is a small but heterogeneous city with three major ethnic groups (Anglo, Hispanic, Native American) living side by side and representing all socioeconomic levels. Many of the cultural events held throughout the year are free as well.
Also Marilena, Santa Fe is not on the list because of "affordable" housing - it's on because of of its culture and art, which I think you'll agree is first-class.

GreatSantaFe of NM 12:48PM October 18, 2011

Emily:
Rossmoor Adult Community, Walnut Creek, CA, may be the greenest place to live but it is also the least democratic community to live. Nine GRF board members who get themselves rubber-stamped into power, capitalizing on the frailty of the community's residents, weld rather than share power with its residents. Right now this board that is yearning power, money, voice domination, etc., is trying to make Rossmoor, designed as a residential community only, into a residential-commerical community by building a $14 event center that most residents do not want. This monsterosity will take away open space, create round-trip 1000 car traffic jams in 5 hour events, lower property value for those in its path, and lays a $14 million debt on the backs of its fixed income residents. You should do an article on this aspect of Rossmoor. Sigh.

Sigh of CA 12:10PM October 18, 2011

I was interviewed and quoted in the Santa Fe segment: Emily did capture what is truly wonderful about our city; its unique blend of culture, ethnic heritage, and abundant artistic treasures. However, the city is the country's oldest state *capital* (not capitol), I said "Santa Fe has a *character*" not a charter, and most importantly, the world-famous market is not the native treasures festival which was mentioned, but the *Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Indian Market* http://swaia.org/

Karen Ralston of NM 12:10PM October 18, 2011

I consider Flagstaff the most desireable community in Arizona. I would retire there in a heartbeat if it weren't for the high real estate costs.

Jim of AZ 10:55AM October 18, 2011

I am retired and live here in Walnut Creek. I rent, and do not live large... I love it. I take art classes and keep my paintings in a gallery in Berkeley. I also love to bike ride where there are over 30 miles of safe paved trails to ride upon. I can take BART and go to San Francisco for a pleasant walk around Fisherman's Warf. I then have a great lunch at Scoma's!!! There is no excuse to be bored. Love it.

Callie of CA 11:52PM October 17, 2011

I live in Fort Collins, Colorado. It's on the list. I love this town and bought a house here so I will always have a home here to come back if I ever had to leave. The people are friendly and love living here. It is absolutely beautiful and so close to the mountains. Lots of culture, dance and music events all the time. We have Art Walks, where the galleries stay open with food and wine. Lots of playhouses, historic trolley rides into Old Town, pianos all over town, (yes, to play.) Fort Collins has so many unique to Fort Collins events going on, I could ride my bike into Old Town and run into a really cool concert or take my dog for a walk and run into a Farmers Market and a French Nest Antique event outdoors or even a children's ballet on Oak Street in Old Town. Rafting and canoeing down the river, Lindy Hop Swing Dancing, The list goes on and on. I love Fort Collins

Kim Marino of CO 11:17PM October 17, 2011

San Diego.

gary of CA 11:01PM October 17, 2011

When they say, best places to retire, why arn't they listed? I have had to click on several pages and still don't see the list!

Harold W. Piggott of IL 9:05PM October 17, 2011

I would like to know how they get this polling! My husband and I traveled for three months last year and Santa Fe is a beautiful place and it has a lot to offer especially if you like arts. Its quite expensive and only retiree with millions can afford to settle to retire. We had a lovely time and enjoyed every bit of it and plenty to do. We stayed for five nights in a 4 star hotel and restaurant are expensive as well as shops. Please don't mislead seniors!!!! If you consider to retire in Santa Fe do a lot of research especially real estate. Good Luck!!!!!

marilena of MD 5:43PM October 17, 2011