What are your priorities when it comes to choosing where to retire? Proximity to your family and friends? Access to top of the notch healthcare facilities? Maybe an area with a low crime rate and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy once your schedule clears up? I’m still in my thirties, but when I think about retirement I’m always picturing a secluded beach and a bunch of grandchildren running around, building sand castles, and swimming in the ocean. My dad, however, has other things in mind.
He was always an avid golfer. Since he’s retiring in a couple of years, he can’t wait to spend all his free time taking some extra swings at the driving range and enjoying that intoxicating fresh-cut grass smell. Consequently, he’s planning to leave New York behind and relocate to a golf-friendly community, where he can indulge in his hobby on a full-time basis. He recently asked me to help him do some research on areas that might appeal to golf lovers. I’ve listed out top four picks below, to provide a bit of inspiration for golf junkies on the lookout for the perfect retirement spot.
1. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
The warm weather here is certainly appealing, but what makes Mount Pleasant stand out is its golfing culture. The suburb has no less than 30 golf courses nearby, and it’s within a day-trip distance of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, two golfing havens my dad has become familiar with over the years. I don’t think there’s any chance he will get bored if he decides to relocate in the heart of South Carolina.
Mount Pleasant is nine miles east of Charleston. According to Forbes, the median home price here is $345,000, but the cost of living is 3 percent below the national average. Dad would only be a two-hour flight away, so I guess that would be manageable.
2. Quechee Lakes, Vermont
Quechee Lakes is a premier destination for avid golfers. Once you move there, you instantly gain access to two championship golf courses: The Highland Course and The Lakeland Course. The courses were designed by Geoffrey Cornish, and they each feature spectacular layouts and dramatic finishing holes that have earned many accolades from industry magazines. Me and my dad spent hours browsing the Quechee real estate market, and it turns out we managed to find a few appealing properties that are in his price range.
Quechee Lakes is a short 15-minute drive from Lebanon, the New Hampshire airport. Since there are daily flights from New York’s LaGuardia to Lebanon that take under an hour, this is currently my dad’s first option. He would still like to be able to come into the city fairly often, to spend time with us and enjoy his beloved Broadway shows.
3. Barton Creek, Texas
Austin is always ranked high as a golfing destination, so any community around would be a good choice for golf enthusiasts. What we loved about Barton Creek was that we stumbled upon Querencia, a resort-style retirement community which promises to make retirement feel like an endless vacation. It sure sounds appealing, although it’s a bit outside my dad’s price range. What I love about this place is that it offers residents 24-hour emergency call and response systems and 24-hour security – I would know that my dad is always safe, even if he’s a bit further that I’d like.
The retirement community also provides residents with plenty of opportunities to stay active, so boredom is out of the question. They have a beautiful campus ideal for outdoor fun, and the staff also keeps a busy calendar of activities, from yoga to Spanish lessons.
4. Isleworth, Florida
Isleworth is just outside of Orlando, and it’s a 6,000-acre gated community that sounds like a small paradise for golf lovers. The community is home to a championship 18-hole golf course originally designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay; course which consistently ranks as the longest and toughest course in the state. Not to mention the fact that this is where Tiger Woods used to live before moving to Jupiter Island, so I’m guessing they really take their golf seriously here.
Isleworth is also appealing to those on the lookout for water recreational opportunities, offering direct access to the Butler Chain of Lakes. All in all, it’s one of the most prestigious and secure luxury residential communities we found during our research. However, the prices can get pretty high in the area, so dad is doing his best not to get overly excited yet.
Dad is still weighing his options, but he’s leaning more towards Quechee Lakes, due to its proximity to New York and more affordable home prices. Although, I must admit, traveling to Florida every summer to pay him a visit doesn’t sound that bad either.
Do you know any other great retirement destinations recommended for golf enthusiasts? Don’t be shy – sound off in the comments!