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Where to Retire: Bloomington, Indiana |
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To Have a Residence in Florida, That is the Question |
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Where to Retire: Lexington, Virginia |
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Where to Retire: Oxford, Mississippi |
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Where to Retire: Bloomington, Indiana
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Ed. Note: Where to Retire shares desired destinations for those wishing to relocate after retirement. Provided by author Warren R. Bland, these summaries offer a quick overview of the most desired retirement communities.
By Warren Bland
The home of Indiana University since 1820, Bloomington is a small place. But thanks to the university, it has more culture and recreation than most metropolitan areas and at bargain prices. Additional big-city assets are readily available in nearby Indianapolis, 50 miles north adding to the allure as a retirement community.
Landscape: Bloomington is situated on the gently rolling Mitchell Plain in south central Indiana. The rugged and forested hills and valleys of Brown County are a few miles east. A number of small lakes are within 10 miles of town.
Climate: Bloomington has four distinct seasons including a long, hot summer and a short, mild winter. Bloomington is frost free 180 days and sunny about 40% of the time in winter and 70% in summer.
Quality of Life: Very good. Local manufacturing consists of relatively clean electrical goods and elevator production. Downtown’s revitalized Courthouse Square and Kirkwood Avenue provide lively venues for walking, shopping and dining.
Housing: Housing costs are about 12% below the national average. New and resale homes of varied size, type and price are available.
Goods and Services: Goods and services are generally priced near national norms. Utilities and health care are about 10% below their national norms.
Taxes: State and local taxes in Bloomington approximate the national average. Income taxes are above the national norm but sales, excise and property taxes are lower than average.
Transportation: Most residents drive, take local buses, or walk. A shuttle provides service to Indianapolis International Airport. Indianapolis provides Amtrak service. Greyhound bus service is available from Bloomington and Indianapolis.
Retail Services: College Mall, a health foods-oriented grocery store and a farmers’ market, the beautifully restored Courthouse Square area downtown, Wal-Mart and several additional shopping centers offer many shopping options.
Health Care: Bloomington Hospital provides good medical care in a wide range of specialties. Additional medical services are found in Indianapolis.
Community Services: Very good services are provided by the Bloomington Area Agency on Aging, AARP, RSVP and several social and fraternal organizations.
Cultural and Educational Activities: Indiana University is an enormous educational, cultural and recreational asset. Several other venues in town offer more visual and performing arts options. Arts and crafts fairs are held annually.
Recreational Activities: Bloomington offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including parks, golf courses and natural areas. The university provides high-caliber sports events for fans of Big Ten competitions. Nearby, two lakes, two state parks, two state forests and Hoosier National Forest provide lovely scenery and many activities.
Work and Volunteer Activities: Some part-time jobs exist in retailing and service industries. Volunteers serve in many areas.
Crime Rates and Public Safety: Bloomington is one of America’s safest mid-sized college towns. Residents perceive the community to be safe and it certainly feels that way as one walks downtown sidewalks or campus paths, daytime or evening.
Conclusion: Indiana University, the scenic hill country surrounding the city, and Bloomington itself offer an unbeatable combination of culture and recreation to suit every taste. The town, with its mature, wooded residential areas and historic Courthouse Square, retains its small-town charm. Bloomington is a safe and friendly place that offers a plethora of amenities at low cost for an active retirement.
Ratings courtesy of “Retire in Style, 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada” by Warren R. Bland, PhD (www.nextdecade.com)
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