Why Seniors Choose Small Town Life For Retirement
The lure of small-town charm is strong, and more and more seniors are choosing the quiet, yet active lifestyle available in today’s growing number of small-town retirement communities. Among the small towns gaining in popularity for senior living is Florence, Alabama.
So what is it about small-town life that people from larger cities find so appealing? Some of the reasons are what you might imagine. Small-town charm equals a quieter atmosphere with a laid-back pace. Small towns also tend to have a lower cost of living, and a lower crime rate. Those are all advantages in Florence, Alabama, as well. But there are so many more reasons to think of it as one of the best places to retire.
8 Great Reasons to Retire in Florence, AL
It always helps to have a list of advantages and benefits when you’re contemplating moving to a new place. We’ve pulled together some of the most important ones for you here:
It’s on the beautiful Tennessee River – Florence is inviting because of its proximity to water and natural surroundings. By far the main advantages of living close to the Tennessee River are the increased recreational, touristic, and relaxation opportunities that are at your fingertips. Be ready to relax while living in harmony and among the beauty of nature, and plenty of peace and quiet places.
It’s a picturesque town – Florence was voted as the most picturesque small town in the State of Alabama by USA Today. Florence sits on the Tennessee River in North Alabama and is a gateway to Helen Keller's home in nearby Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals' tremendous music scene. Florence oozes creativity, from hometown heroes W.C. Handy (the Father of the Blues) and legendary record producer Sam Phillips to contemporary designers Billy Reid and Natalie Channin.
The wonderful reviews – Comments from Niche.com paint a lovely picture of Florence as a "place to live and work that is more of a priviledge than a circumstance. The cost of living is affordable with nice neighborhoods, a lively downtown area, and plenty of outdoor recreation, it is a place where neighbors show up for each other and lends definition to the term "community." It is described as a "nicer midwest" with many stores, and super friendly people; a hidden gem for all ages!"
The excellent proximity to transportation – Florence is still very much connected to desirable conveniences. You’re just a 60-minute drive from Huntsville and its great amenities and 2 hour drive from Nashville or Birmingham. You can fly out of the regional airport in Huntsville or catch an international flight from Nashville.
The easy access to medical care – Seniors often place easy access to good and reliable medical care high on their relocation wish list, and Florence doesn’t disappoint. The town itself, as well as surrounding areas, offer several choices of quality medical facilities and medical physician offices.
Conveniences you count on – Moving to a small town used to mean giving up many conveniences, but that’s no longer the case in most smaller locales. Florence shopping is vibrant and alive. From tranquil Rogersville to historic Downtown Florence, the English Village to designer brands at Florence Mall; there is shopping for every taste. And with the growth of online delivery availability from Amazon and other retailers, you can order just about anything from anywhere and have it on your doorstep in a couple of days. “Smallness” is also an advantage when it comes to running errands. The grocery, tailor, salon and post office are closer together, so you’re not running all over town to do your errands.
No shortage of fun things to do – There’s always something fun to do here, from sampling the local cuisine to letting loose with the grandkids. Florence has some of the best small, intimate restaurants with farm-to-table selections. Florence is truly a food lover's idea of Heaven. There's everything from steak houses to Thai, Asian to Mexican. There is even gourmet dining in a revolving restaurant with a 360-degree view of the Tennessee River. There are craft cocktails, local brews, frozen yogurt, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream shops, award-winning barbeque, and sidewalk dining. If you like to eat, you're going to love the choices here. There are also many attractions that visiting grandkids will enjoy, such as the Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House, McFarland Park, Deibet Park, University of North Alabama (visit the lions), Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, Indian Mound and Museum, W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum, and Library, Pope's Tavern, River Heritage Park, Pickwick Lake, Singin' River LIVE, Children's Museum of the Shoals, Wilson Park, Larimore Home, Kennedy-Douglass Center of the Arts, Shoals Symphony at UNA, Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge, Paradox Games and Escape Rooms, Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, First Friday's, Blackberry Trail Golf Course, AMC Florence Theatre, Florence Mall, Lauderdale Lanes, and MORE.
Easy on your taxes – The state of Alabama is also appealing to retirees’ wallets. Alabama fully exempts Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. Retirees who own a home i Alabama benefit from some of the lowest property tax rates in the country.
