Is This the Best Place To Retire in New York?

When most people think about places to retire to, New York isn't top of the list.

However, many people, like my parents who have kids and grandkids in the state, want to stay within a reasonable driving distance of family during their retirement years, so they want to retire in New York which means hunting for the best spot inside New York to spend their golden years.

Deciding where to retire, especially if staying in state means looking at several different factors such as cost of living, home prices, and places where they can meet people their age and socialize.

If you're someone who plans on staying in New York when it's time to retire, but you want a change from your current scenery, you might find this interesting.

A recent report from GoBankingRates.com says that Fredonia is the top spot for retirees in New York. The report looked at several factors including population size, living expenses, and the average cost of a mortgage.

Fredonia's Rich History and Cultural Heritage

Fredonia is a small old town in New York with a lot of history and friendly people. The town has been around since the 13th century when Native Nations lived there, so clearly, it's well-established.

History and Culture of Fredonia

There's a lovely part of town in Fredonia scattered with beautiful buildings built during the Victorian era, many of which have been recognized as important historic sites. In the 1800s, Sicilian immigrants had a big impact on Fredonia's culture, a culture still going strong today. The impact of the Sicilian immigrants led to the creation of a yearly festival called Festival Italia which honors the heritage of the town with food, music, and fun events.

Economic and Population Demographics

According to the report, one of the biggest reasons that retirees are drawn to Fredonia is because it's affordable. The estimated average monthly cost of living is around $1,761, and the typical single-family home costs about $195,320 as of May 2024. Retires find the low cost of living and housing attractive.

Another reason retirees are drawn to Fredonia is that the town is made up of a good number of people close in case. About 23% of the town's population, which is just under 10,000 people, are 65 years old or older.

Community Amenities and Recreational Opportunities

A great perk for retirees in Fredonia is that they can use the facilities at the State University of New York (SUNY) campus, such as the library, gym, and financial planning services. This gives them plenty of chances to keep learning and stay active during retirement.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts have endless things to explore in Fredonia, as the town is very close to Lake Erie which is known for its stunning beaches, fishing, and diving opportunities.

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Culinary Options and Wine Trails

For those retirees who love wine, Fredonia is surrounded by scenic vineyards that are part of the Chautauqua and Lake Erie Wine Trails, offering the chance to indulge in wine tasting and delicious local foods.