What are you looking for in retirement? A water front view? Memphis has the Mighty Mississippi River coursing through the city. Besides the view, hop a riverboat for cruises that last a few hours or a full week. What’s even more attractive about retiring to Memphis is a large city full of history, music, some of the best food in the country, with entertainment galore.
When it comes to a retirement community, you'll find plenty of options and reasons to select Memphis. Of course, retirees need more than a nice climate and a place to live. The amenities and resources for retirees are plentiful in the Memphis region. Memphis abounds in recreation centers, places to find delicious food, opportunities to volunteer, and many other activities for seniors.
The local government and churches have activities and outreach programs geared specifically towards seniors. However, if you're not overly fond of the city life, there are senior orientated communities a short drive from the city that will appeal to you while keeping you close enough to the city hub to take advantage of what it offers.
There are over a 100 senior living specific communities in Memphis. These range from independent living facilities to fully staffed nursing homes. Individuals have very different ideas about what makes an ideal living environment for their golden years. Many do desire the mild climate of the southeast but that is only the beginning of choices. Some want the companionship that comes with a wealth of organized activities while others seek solitude.
Whether it's golfing, playing shuffleboard, playing tennis, or simply going for a walk, baby boomers have a strong interest in sports. Memphis has plenty to offer when it comes to being a spectator at professional and college sport venues. Among them are the Memphis Grizzlies (basketball) and Memphis Redbirds (baseball). For $5 you can get lawn seating for the Redbirds - the local minor-league baseball team. The University of Memphis offers football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and track.
The median sale price of a home in the Memphis area was $158,000 in the last quarter of 2016, according to the National Association of Realtors. Memphis enjoys all four seasons of the year. January's average temperature is 41 degrees and July's average is 82 degrees. Annual precipitation is high at 53 inches but is evenly distributed throughout the year with August through October the driest period.
Much is written about Memphis’ abundance of entertainment and cultural amenities. If you’re active in retirement, you also need to consider the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Memphis has many historic sites, parks, and museums. If you’re attracted to the outdoors, try The Wolf River Nature Area where you'll find tree lined walking paths and several nature stations with information about wildlife conservation and other tidbits about its long history. When you’re ready for a break from your river view in the city, take a day trip to enjoy The Great Smoky and Cumberland Mountains.
For those that enjoy antiquing, there are few better places than the Midtown/Cooper Young neighborhood where you'll find everything from precious estate jewelry to riches from the south to European furnishings.
Memphis has a treasure trove of activities appealing to seniors. The city and region is consistently rated in the top five places for those in their golden years.
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Author bio: Brian Kline has been investing in real estate for more than 35 years and writing about real estate investing for 10 years. He also draws upon 30 plus years of business experience including 12 years as a manager at Boeing Aircraft Company. Brian currently lives at Lake Cushman, Washington. A vacation destination, a few short miles from a national forest. With the Pacific Ocean a couple of miles in the opposite direction.