In a Yahoo article Dothan, Alabama ranked 2^nd in the top 5 Best Places to Retire! Wow!  One thing retirees are looking for is places that are retiree-friendly.  Retirement-friendly places consist of a large number of doctors, low state tax rates and exemptions, low crime rate, access to airports, local transportation, and access to all types of activities from libraries and theaters to hiking and golf.  Retirees seem to be more active in this generation and aren’t satisfied to just “rock their life away on the porch” they want to be going and doing.  Of course, in the evening is when the rocker comes in handy just to enjoy the view.

Retirees are looking at the cost of living index also, in other words, how much is it going to cost for me to live here?  The national average cost of living index is 100. Dothan, Alabama has the lowest cost of living index at 89.4. Combine this low cost of living with mild winters, cheap real estate taxes, parks, theater, sports activities, golf, and only being 2 hours from the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches in Panama City, Florida.  The medical facilities are top notch and doctors are in large supply for any ailment you may have.  Dothan also has many charities to get involved in and help make a difference in your community.

Here are the other communities that made the list:

Charlottesville, Virginia also ranks well in mild climate and plenty of activities.  Palm Bay/Melbourne/Titusville, Florida are right in there with the national average of the cost of living index.  They have beautiful beaches, warm climate, major cruise port, and plenty of outdoor activities.  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has the Steelers playing there, low taxes, strong in the arts and sports, and a great downtown Riverfront.  If you can believe it, San Francisco, California rounds out the top 5 with year round pleasant weather, over 200 parks and beaches, and plenty of the arts, sports, dining, and theater.

Retirees definitely have some choices out there.

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