Nearing retirement age? You’re probably considering where you want to spend this next life phase, and retirement in Pennsylvania is an excellent option. Located in the northeastern region of the United States, Pennsylvania offers many benefits for retirees, including an affordable cost of living, stunning scenery, plenty of outdoor recreation, and great tax benefits. Keep reading to understand how retiring in Pennsylvania can help you ease into your golden years and enjoy newfound freedom.
The Allure of Pennsylvania’s Landscape
Pennsylvania is known for its breathtaking landscapes. The state is home to the Pocono Mountains and over 120 state parks, and its variety of trees, wildflowers, bodies of water, and natural scenic beauty creates a vibrant, peaceful environment you’ll love to call home.
Spend your days hiking, biking, fishing, and bird-watching, especially in summer and early fall when the weather is best for outdoor exploration. The state is also home to the Appalachian Plateaus Province, a heavily forested area that includes Allegheny National Forest and the Catskill Mountains.
The Financial Advantages of Retiring in PA
Pennsylvania boasts great Social Security benefits and retirement taxes, providing many financial advantages for older adults. It doesn’t tax Social Security income or retirement income, granting retirees more funds to use for living expenses. Additionally, it doesn’t tax withdrawals from individual retirement accounts and has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the country.
Compared to other states in the region, Pennsylvania also offers a low cost of living, with reasonable prices for housing, groceries, and healthcare, helping seniors stretch their retirement benefits even further.
Healthcare and Senior Services
Pennsylvania is home to many top-ranking healthcare facilities and medical centers, including the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Presbyterian and Lancaster General Hospital. Between Pennsylvania retirement tax friendliness and Medicare health plans for adults aged 65 and older, seniors receive ample assistance for accessing needed medical services.
Pennsylvania retirees can also find resources including Medicare counseling, health and wellness services, housing assistance, and at-home care through the state’s Department of Aging. These community-based services can help retirees age safely and comfortably to maintain a high quality of life.
Rich History and Cultural Attractions
Home to the Gettysburg National Battlefield, a significant landmark of the Civil War, Pennsylvania is steeped in rich history and cultural attractions. You’ll have no problem finding ways to stay entertained throughout retirement. Check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia or Valley Forge National Historical Park, the former site of a Revolutionary War encampment, in King of Prussia.
The state also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with museums, art galleries, theaters, and festivals catering to a wide variety of interests. Catch a film or concert at the historic Carlisle Theater, or delve into one of the nation’s largest collections of historical documents at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Whether you prefer being on the water or exploring forests and nature preserves, retirement in Pennsylvania is a busy time for outdoor enthusiasts. With thousands of miles of streams, lakes, and rivers, Pennsylvania offers ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, and swimming to cool off and relax after hiking the Appalachian Trail or exploring Cook Forest.
The state also has thousands of campgrounds where you can enjoy a peaceful night sleeping under the stars, especially since it’s one of the best spots in the eastern United States for stargazing. Cherry Springs State Park is a world-famous “Dark Sky Place” due to its low light pollution and small population, offering unmatched views of the stars.
Proximity to Major Cities and Travel Destinations
Pennsylvania’s prime location offers an ideal balance of bustling metropolitan areas and serene natural retreats. The state is home to major cities, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with their rich history, cultural attractions, and sports teams. If you’re looking to travel out of state, Baltimore and New York City aren’t far away, serving as ideal destinations for weekend getaways or day trips.
For a laid-back, slower-paced vacation, book a room along the coast of Lake Erie, or head over to New York State to enjoy scenic views of Niagara Falls. Your Social Security retirement benefits and tax income can come in handy when traveling throughout the state and beyond.
Riddle Village: The Perfect Retirement Community
Retirement is meant to be stress-free and exciting, offering more time to explore and have fun now that work is no longer your priority. Many retirees consider moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) to expand their social network, access convenient amenities, and enjoy a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
Riddle Village in Media, PA, is a resort-style CCRC that strives to make every day feel like a luxury vacation. You’ll have access to premium on-site amenities, including:
- A heated pool
- An art studio
- Manicured gardens
- A well-stocked library
- A fitness center
- Four restaurants
- A woodworking shop
- Monthly socials
- Guest suites
Additionally, you can choose from multiple private floor plans with beautiful decor, modern conveniences and all utilities, including cable TV and Wi-Fi. Safety features, such as emergency pull cords, daily check-in buttons and 24-hour staff, are also provided for peace of mind and security. Since most amenities and services are covered by a fixed monthly rate, your retirement income and tax benefits may go further at a CCRC like Riddle Village.
Why Choose Riddle Village?
Riddle Village is a continuing care retirement community in PA that believes senior living communities should encourage residents to live life to the fullest. We offer a balance of vibrant activities and events as well as critical health and wellness services, promoting resident engagement and well-being. Additionally, we provide multiple levels of care, ensuring residents don’t have to uproot their lives as their needs and preferences evolve.
If you’re looking for a secure, joyful space to spend retirement and call home, contact our luxury retirement community today to schedule a visit and see how you can build a life with us.