6 Towns in the Northern United States that Are Ideal for Seniors
The Northern United States can be divided into sixteen different states. It goes from Wisconsin and Iowa all the way to Maine in the northeast, meaning that there are plenty of spots for retirees and seniors to call home. The more northern climate means that this region of the United States enjoys a cooler climate, which is superb for people who like to ski or just enjoy winter rather than the warmer summers of other parts throughout the country. Many villages and towns in the area have a more compact feel, with amenities, shopping, and activities being close by. The access makes enjoying what these places have to offer almost effortless, which, combined with welcoming communities, makes the Northern United States remarkable for any age range.
Lake Placid, New York
In upstate New York is Lake Placid, which is a compact yet quite robust winter escape. It held the Winter Olympic Games in both 1932 and 1980, and that snowy atmosphere is engrained in its culture. The town is more than ideal for retirees since it has much to offer year-round, along with a mostly quiet, small population of around 2,200. Many shopping opportunities are offered throughout the town, with differing products like candles, maple syrup, clothes, and jewelry! Activities like The Peaks Paintbar invites people to paint in group settings while enjoying an assortment of beers and wine. Many people go to the nearby Whiteface Mountain for hiking and skiing during the winter while enjoying the lake itself by fishing or boating during the summer. Also on offer are several golf courses, more than any town in the region. Lake Placid is split 50/50 for those who own versus rent their living spaces, according to Niche.com. The median home value is $319,000, while the median rent is $901.
Marion, Ohio
Marion, Ohio, features many different historical landmarks. Several of these places were made after former United States President Warren G. Harding. These include the Harding Home, Harding Memorial, and Hotel Harding, each revolving around some aspect of the President's life. Events like the annual Marion Popcorn Festival and the Marion County Fair are held during summer, getting people outside during the warm mid-year months. Public art like The Cardinal Project, which is a display of Ohio's state bird through 17 different statues around downtown, created by different artists, is also present in the town. This selection of art, events, and historical locations brings the people of Marion together. The town has a population of around 36,000 people, with most owning their places of residence at a median home value of $83,400. Health centers like OhioHealth Marion General Hospital and the Marion Area Health Center are just off Route 423.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the town of Sturgeon Bay is separated by a canal that connects Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It's always been about the water for its residents, which is where a lot of them unwind. Thousands of boats line the coast, and there's never anyone not casting a fishing line out in the bay. Sturgeon Bay is home to three shopping districts: The West Side, Jefferson Street, and Third Avenue, which offer a varied small-town shopping experience. Parks like the Potawatomi State Park and Sunset Park are more than perfect for a picnic or for looking at the stunning water views that the coast has to offer. Almost 70% of residents in Sturgeon Bay own their house, with a median home value of $153,100, which is ideal for those who want to enjoy a coastal life. Medical centers are on both sides of the bay, so there aren't any worries about having to take a lengthy trip to get care.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Anyone who loves chocolate should consider staying in Hershey, Pennsylvania! It's home to Hershey Park, which is a collection of different attractions that are fun for the whole family. Stop by the Hershey Story Museum to learn about the founding of one of the biggest brands in confectionery in the world! Contrasting the largest theme park in Pennsylvania is the Hershey Gardens, which is a 23-acre botanical garden and arboretum with five separate themed areas. People of all ages come to stop and smell the roses, quite literally. Hershey is a nice blend of suburban life mixed with the perfect amount of activity for anyone with a sweet tooth. There are around 15,000 residents in the area, so it's not too big, yet not too small. Nearby parks like Little Buffalo offer wonderful walks and great views outside of town. A little more than half of the town's residents own their homes, with a median home value of $288,400. The more suburban location means easier access to health services as well.
Madison, Indiana
Madison runs along the Ohio River in the south of Indiana. The town lies between major metropolitan areas like Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati, making it convenient for anyone who wants to travel to a larger urban area. Madison has many historic buildings and architecture all throughout, with many small businesses running these structures. Broadway Fountain is also downtown and is listed as "a Madison treasure" on the town's website. It's a copy of the 19th-century original but is still a stunning attraction right in the heart of Madison. Natural beauty can easily be found in the nearby Clifty Falls State Park, which has over a thousand acres of precious forest and walking trails. The split of renting versus owning is somewhat slim, with just over 50% of residents owning their own home. The median home value is $149,000, while the median rent is $713. Serving the town is the Madison State Hospital, while more local MDs are scattered throughout.
Waterville, Maine
The town of Waterville in Maine is filled with arts, making it perfect for any creatives who want to live in the north. Some of the locations in town include the Colby College Museum of Art, the Redington Museum, the Railroad Square Cinema, the Flagship Cinema, and the Waterville Opera House! Through all of these are both local and regional artists, which helps keep the town's creative vision alive. Only two miles from downtown are the Quarry Road Trails, offering outdoor fun for all ages at any time during the year. Winter lovers will enjoy the ski slopes; meanwhile, in warmer conditions, there are chances for biking, walking, and disc golf. These nearby offerings make Waterville very cozy for almost anyone. A non-profit organization called Spectrum Generations provides help and information through programs for adults, senior citizens in particular. Waterville has a population of almost 16,000 residents, with most renting rather than owning. The median home value is $137,100, while the median rent is $805.
The rather inexpensive lifestyle of the Northern United States makes senior living not only easy but safe as well. There's much to appreciate all over the north, including art galleries, theaters, parks, lakes, and everything in between. Not only that, but medical centers and hospitals are everywhere, which aren't difficult to access at all. Enriched with history and culture, these towns should always be considered by any senior looking to live in the upper areas of the United States.
