4 Health-Conscious Cities for Retirees with Wellness Focus and Budget-Friendly Options

Key Takeaways Retirees looking for health-conscious, budget-friendly living might look to affordable destinations in Arkansas, North Carolina, Idaho, and Utah. Their proximity to nature, access to recreational activities, and affordability are key factors in their allure for retirees. Among all the factors that contribute to choosing a place to settle down in retirement, the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle is among the most important. Not all retirement destinations are equally wellness-focused, and savvy retirees may look to maximize health benefits while also considering budget constraints and lifestyle appeal. A woman practices yoga at sunrise on Lake Fayetteville in Arkansas—one of four budget-friendly cities where retirees can prioritize health and wellness without breaking the bank.Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Boise's 220 miles of foothill trails and 29-mile Greenbelt offer retirees easy access to outdoor fitness with views of downtown.Lee Cohen / Getty Images The mountains surrounding Asheville offer endless trails for active retirees, like this vista at Grandfather Mountain State Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway.MargaretW / Getty Images St. George's striking red rock terrain offers retirees year-round access to world-class hiking.Jordan Siemens / Getty Images Lake Fayetteville offers rowing, biking, and hiking just minutes from downtown in this Ozark Mountain city with over 100 miles of trails.Wesley Hitt / Getty Images The cities below may help retirees focus on fitness, access to fresh food, spending time in nature, and a low-stress pace of life. Retirees are increasingly seeking easy access to fresh food, clean air, gyms, and natural amenities such as trails and parks. The fact that healthy living does not have to be expensive is also a primary draw. How We Selected These Healthy Retirement Destinations While there are many factors impacting healthy living, we looked at the following when determining our choice of health-focused cities for retirees to consider: Cost of living and housing affordability Access to green spaces, trails, and outdoor recreation Availability of quality health care Wellness amenities like community centers, fitness studios, and farmers' markets Walkability, low pollution, and community engagement Boise, Idaho Boise's 220 miles of foothill trails and 29-mile Greenbelt offer retirees easy access to outdoor fitness with views of downtown. Lee Cohen / Getty Images Boise has exceptional access to hiking and biking trails , many of which are centered along its 29-mile Greenbelt. Proximity to the Boise National Forest means many more opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other recreational activities. With nearly 100 gyms and a booming restaurant scene, Boise offers easy access to healthy living options for retirees. Retirees love Boise for its focus on older adults, including many community centers, a vibrant arts scene, multiple top-rated medical facilities, tax policies favorable to retirees, and a cost of living 6% below the national average. Asheville, North Carolina The mountains surrounding Asheville offer endless trails for active retirees, like this vista at Grandfather Mountain State Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway. MargaretW / Getty Images Asheville's wellness culture-including its cool mountain air, natural hot springs, and growing spa scene-make...

Preview: ~500 words