Kiplinger, the venerable magazine covering personal finance advice and business, has accrued a top 10 ranking of best college towns for retirement, and Fort Collins is included in that lofty list.
When you retire to a college town, Kiplinger says that you can re-create “the horizon-broadening experience and sense of adventure” that you had when you first entered those hallowed halls of higher learning.
“In these 10 towns, a university generates intellectual and cultural sizzle for local residents and opens the door for retirees to take free or low-cost classes. College sports unite the entire community (and sometimes impel retired alums to move back). On-campus attractions, such as concerts, lecture series and games, are open to all comers, not just undergraduates.
“College life isn’t the only reason these towns are great places to retire. Most are in states that are tax-friendly to retirees. Most have home prices close to the national median (some far below), active restaurant scenes, and access to good health care.”
Fort Collins was included because of the proximity to Colorado State University, population of 152,061 and median home price of $280,000.
Here’s what Kiplinger said: “With more than 30,000 Colorado State students, Fort Collins is a city teeming with young adults. But the characteristics that make it attractive to twentysomethings are luring retirees, too. The city is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, offering plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy its more than 600 acres of parks and 20 miles of walking and biking trails. For more adventurous outings, residents can hike in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
“Retirees who enjoy urban pursuits head to Fort Collins’s lively downtown, home to coffee shops, outdoor cafés, brew pubs and live-performance venues. On the third Friday of every month, the city hosts a Foodie Walk in its historic pedestrian center so residents can sample local culinary specialties.
“The median home price of $280,000 is above the national median ($201,700) but lower than the price of homes in other parts of Colorado (in nearby Boulder, the median home price is $418,700). Colorado is one of the most tax-friendly state for retirees: Residents 55 and older get a generous retirement-income exclusion from state taxes and may qualify for a homestead exemption of up to 50 percent of property value.
“Poudre Valley Hospital, a 270-bed community regional medical center, is located in Fort Collins. Denver, which offers a broader range of medical options, is about an hour’s drive away.”
See the rest of the list at www.money.msn.com/retirement/10-great-college-towns-to-retire-to.
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