Why You Should Consider Retiring in Connecticut
City dwellers like to escape to Connecticut for its scenic countryside, serene shoreline, small-town charm and local cuisine. But if you’re considering places to retire, you might want to linger for a longer look at the Nutmeg State. Connecticut may not be the cheapest place to live in the U.S., but the quality of life is hard to beat. Consider these 10 reasons why Connecticut is a good place to retire:
1. A Change of Scenery Year-Round
From fall foliage and winter wonderlands to spring blooms and seaside summers, Connecticut is beautiful year-round. It’s a top destination for photographers, artists and nature lovers.
2. 300 Miles of Coastline
The Connecticut shoreline offers miles of picture-perfect New England beaches, punctuated with inviting seaside villages, tiny islands, lighthouses and bike trails. In addition, the state is crossed by four major rivers, providing residents plenty of beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.
3. Fun for All the Family
From the country’s oldest amusement park in Bristol to the world’s last wooden whaleship in Mystic to steam train rides in Danbury, Connecticut has a well-established sense of fun. It should come as no surprise that P.T. Barnum got his start here.
4. Small Towns, Big Charms
Connecticut’s diverse landscape is matched by the variety of its small towns. There are beach communities and small fishing villages; charming old mill towns in the Housatonic River Valley; and scenic rural towns like Redding with easy access to New York City and Boston. If you’re looking for big-city amenities and world-class shopping, look no further than Hartford and Greenwich.
5. Love of Learning
Connecticut is consistently recognized for being one of the top five smartest states, largely due to its prestigious universities and colleges like Yale and the University of Connecticut (UCONN). Intellectual discussions, book clubs and lifelong learning opportunities abound for those retiring in Connecticut.
6. Access to a Tuition-Free Degree
Connecticut allows senior citizens to take college classes and earn a degree tuition-free. At UCONN, seniors can take undergraduate courses on a noncredit basis for $15/semester. Senior citizens working toward a degree do not have to pay tuition but do have to pay university and activity fees.
7. A Rich Culture and Heritage
As one of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut has a history of firsts: the nation’s first library, first dictionary and first amusement park. But it also leads the way with its amazing art galleries, museums, theaters and architectural attractions.
8. A Low Crime Rate
In addition to being one of the oldest and wealthiest states in the country, Connecticut is also one of the safest. Weston, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding, Easton and Madison top the state’s safety rankings.
9. Top-Quality Health Care
A recent U.S. News & World Report survey ranked Connecticut number one in the nation for access to health care and number three overall in its health care rankings. With access to quality health care an important factor in maintaining good health, Connecticut may be just what the doctor ordered for retirees.
10. A Longer Life
The life expectancy in the United States is 78.6 years, but in Connecticut it’s 80.8 years, making its life expectancy fourth in the nation. The state’s cancer rate has fallen dramatically in the past decade, and experts believe access to affordable care, advances in treatment, and healthy living may account for the increased longevity.
Meadow Ridge Residents Rate Redding Highly
Situated on a hilltop overlooking wooded hills, Meadow Ridge offers scenic views as far as the eye can see. Residents love the open space and the charms of small-town Connecticut life in nearby Redding, Weston and Wilton.
“Doctors, hospitals, shopping, dining, gourmet groceries, culture, Ridgefield Playhouse, museums, historic sites and nature preserves are all within a short drive,” says one resident.
Though we’re located in the countryside, the bright lights of the city are never far away. New York City is less than 90 minutes from our door by train. And historic New Haven is only 15 minutes away. To learn more about retirement in Redding, contact us. We’re always happy to answer your questions.