6 Towns in the Mid-Atlantic that Are Ideal for Seniors

As you waltz into your sunset years, you need not only a supportive community but also peers with whom you can easily relate, as well as a quiet, peaceful setting where you can shift gears and enjoy a slow and unhurried life. Needless to say, access to medical care, recreational facilities, and spots to enjoy life-renewing sunsets or some of nature’s best views will be high on your list as you reminisce about the good old days. The Mid-Atlantic, home to natural wonders such as the Pocono Mountains, Catskill, Chesapeake Bay, and beautiful beaches in New Jersey and Delaware, boasts excellent credentials for retirement. For specific recommendations, consider the following six towns in the Mid-Atlantic that are ideal for seniors.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

While Harrisburg, with a population of about 50,000, is not tiny, it is everything a retiree would love. It is ranked as the number one city for retirement in the United States, according to a study by U.S. News & World Report. The state capital of Pennsylvania particularly excels in outdoor adventure opportunities. Seniors enjoy biking the trails of Riverfront Park each morning, while taking in the beautiful views of the Susquehanna River. As a state capital, access to top-notch medical care is a given. UPMC Harrisburg has received America's 100 Best Hospitals Award, and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center has been recognized for the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award as well as America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award. For those who want to step back in time, the Amish Country is conveniently within driving distance. With a median age of 31.6 years, retiring here means joining a vibrant, youthful community.

Great Neck, New York

Celebrated novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald once lived here, and Great Neck served as the setting for the Great American Novel, often called 'The Great Gatsby'. A classic of American fiction, published just before the Roaring Twenties, this masterpiece has received both significant praise and criticism. Aside from its literary heritage, this peaceful Long Island hamlet boasts one of the highest numbers of medical centers per 1,000 residents on the East Coast. Furthermore, Great Neck has a notable number of retirement communities, among the highest in the region. Known for its captivating flora and fauna, Great Neck is just 21 miles from New York City. If you wish to nest close to what is arguably the cultural capital of the world, yet in a more peaceful and quiet setting, Great Neck might be your ideal choice.

Lewes, Delaware

Lewes is justifiably one of Delaware’s most beloved towns. Known for its quiet charm, "The First Town in the First State" offers retirement appeals that are scarcely equaled by any other town in the Mid-Atlantic. Lewes is celebrated for its rich history and is home to The Ryves Holt House, Delaware's oldest building. Here, you'll find a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community, as evidenced by the fact that 83% of residents, according to Niche, are homeowners. With a median age of 65.7 years, one of the highest in the region, Lewes resembles a retirees' gathering. If you appreciate engaging with well-informed and witty individuals, you'll be pleased to know that 33% of Lewes’s residents hold a master's degree or higher. Affectionately known as "Lower Slower Delaware," retiring here means joining an upbeat and friendly community in a state with no sales tax.

Ocean City, Maryland

With seniors comprising about 53% of the town's population, nearly every second person you meet is likely to be a fellow empty nester, adding to Ocean City's retirement appeal. True to its name, Ocean City offers access to some of the area's prettiest beaches. Its iconic boardwalk is ideal for early-morning walks, where the rushing ocean waves often set the heart aglow. Financially, Maryland exempts Social Security benefits from taxation, allowing seniors to allocate more funds towards other adventures. While the town has several walk-in clinics, both the Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) in Berlin and Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Salisbury, two of the best hospitals in the region, are easily accessible.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Known as the "Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe is one of the most storied towns in the country. The athlete after whom this charming town is named, and the intriguing story behind its naming, will pique anyone's interest. In Jim Thorpe, whitewater rafting is a popular activity, reflecting the town's adventurous spirit. Its beautiful Victorian architecture ranks among the most elegant in the country. Nearby medical facilities, such as St. Luke's Lehighton Campus, are just minutes away. With 78% of residents being homeowners, the town has significant appeal for retirees. But the ultimate clincher might be that 41% of the town's residents are seniors aged 55 and above, ensuring a community of peers with similar interests. Backdropped by the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe offers a variety of adventure options, leaving seniors spoilt for choice.

Exeter, New Hampshire

Retiring in Exeter means joining a community of about 9,900 residents, enjoying small-town tranquility along with many desirable big-city amenities. Its awesome historical architecture, tree-lined streets, and the scenic Squamscott River contribute to making this beautiful river town a sought-after retirement destination. Frequent visits to the largest independent bookstore on the Seacoast and benefiting from a tax burden of only 11.3%, one of the lowest in the Mid-Atlantic, are added advantages. The town's impressive number of medical centers, 5.42 per 1,000 residents, underscores its strong healthcare provision. Exeter Hospital, for instance, has been recognized with the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. With a median age of 45.7 years, a stage often associated with a new chapter in life, Exeter is an ideal spot for blooming into one's sunset years.

The Take-away

If you seek to retire in environments that are slow-paced yet vibrant, removed from the bustle of big cities but not isolated, and where the great outdoors are literally at your doorstep, the Mid-Atlantic region offers several spots that check these boxes. For example, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is highly regarded as a retirement destination in the Mid-Atlantic, along with Great Neck, New York, and Lewes, Delaware. Whatever your ideal, the Mid-Atlantic has you covered.