Dec. 15, 2018
Top Reasons for Seniors to Retire in Durham NC
Getting closer to retirement can be both a scary and exciting time. You will likely have the opportunity to choose a new city, possibly in a new part of the country. If Durham, NC is not already on your short list, it needs to be added. The 2018 U.S. News rankings for best places to retire in the United States placed Durham among the top 15. With an annual average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and almost no chance of snow, Durham’s temperate climate is a great choice for seniors looking to escape the brutal winters of the northern part of the country.
Durham is also a very practical location for any senior looking to downsize and prepare for their retirement since North Carolina doesn’t tax social security benefits. Beyond what’s already been mentioned, here are some of the top reasons why you should choose Durham:
1. The Durham NC Housing Market Ranks Among the Most Affordable
Housing in Durham NC is more affordable than most similarly sized metropolitan areas across the United States when you compare housing costs. The Triangle MLS calculates the median price of homes sold in Durham in 2018 to be $250,000, which is just above the overall national median sold price of $225,700. Durham offers much more than your average US town, so the value you can get from your home in this city versus other places is worth noting for seniors. Additionally, you can also expect to save on property taxes in Durham. The average current tax rate is 1.23%, so for an average priced home, you will pay about $2,727 in annual property taxes.
If you do not have a lot of income or retirement savings, Durham could still be the right place for you. The city government takes measures to promote better housing accommodations for those of limited means. Earlier in 2018, the Durham County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve about 300 new apartments in the downtown area for people who make less than 80% of the area income median.
2. Healthcare Access in Durham is Virtually Unmatched
Durham’s nickname is “The City of Medicine,” which is extremely fitting given the healthcare access residents enjoy. The city is home to an impressive array of healthcare settings and offerings. This is primarily due to the proximity of the medical, nursing and pharmacy schools at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. If you are a veteran or have a loved one who has served, it’s worth noting that there is a VA hospital within 30 miles of Durham.
The most recent statistics collected by the Durham County Community Health Assessment really speak for themselves when it comes to healthcare access. Durham boasts:
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A physician-to-population that is more than 4 times the national average
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More than 3,700 licensed physicians and interns, plus more than 6,000 nurses
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Pedigreed hospitals. Many of the major hospitals near Durham, including Duke University Medical Center UNC Hospitals, are recognized by the American Hospital Association for leadership and innovation in quality, safety, and commitment to patient care
If you have health concerns that go beyond what you think you can easily manage on your own, you should know that Durham has more housing options than just regular homes. There are many assisted living facilities and other senior care options in the area. These options are most appropriate for seniors who currently need or may soon need assistance with activities of daily living. The many senior living communities in the region can provide peace of mind for seniors and their families.
3. Durham Offers Social Programs and Opportunities for Seniors
The facts are pretty much undeniable: being lonely or not having enough of a social life or social support system can greatly affect a senior’s physical and mental welfare as the years go by. As a city, Durham recognizes the need for seniors to live a healthy, active lifestyle, and it fulfills this need through the Durham Center for Senior Life. The center offers access to essential services, such as:
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Communal meals
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Transportation
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Education initiatives designed specifically for seniors
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Exercise classes
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Socialization
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Health promotion
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Caregiver support services
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Information referrals
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Case assistance.
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These services can help you stay happy and healthy while also giving you an opportunity to meet new friends in your new town.
Many people refer to their retirement as their “Golden Years,” and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t experience the same thing. Contact Us if you'd like more detailed information on life in Durham, to see your home's value, or to receive automatic emails when new listings go up for sale in your target neighborhoods.
Article is courtesy of Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate at seniorhomes.com
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