One Of The Best Towns For Retirees In Connecticut Is Also A Gateway To A Magical State Forest

Connecticut does not have a reputation for being one of the best states for retirees to live after leaving the workforce, though that might soon be changing as more people discover the majesty of towns like Granby. For those who consider themselves outdoor enthusiasts, Granby is the perfect place to plant roots after retiring, being named one of the best retirement towns in Connecticut by World Atlas.

Along with its acres of forests, wilderness, and reserve lands, one attractive aspect for retirees is that cost of living is much more manageable in Granby. Those retirees looking to invest in the real estate market will find a median home price of $447,772 in Granby, per Zillow. Even those who are looking to rent should be happy to discover that a two-bedroom unit tends to go for $1,490 per month, according to Best Places, which is 11.4% less than the rest of Connecticut where the average rental price hovers at $1,660. Whether renting or buying, the fact of the matter is that retirees can find affordable housing in Granby.

A major reason for retiring in Granby is the ease of access to the Enders State Forest, which expands over 1,500 acres, offering a little something for everyone who wants to do some exploring and have a bit of fun in the wilderness. Best of all, retirees who become full-time residents of Granby and have a Connecticut-registered vehicle are able to park free of charge at all Connecticut State Parks and Forests year-round.

Connecticut is one state where $250,000 in retirement savings goes further than most states, though by no means would it be considered an inexpensive place to live. That's why Granby's vast outdoor playground of places like the McLean Game Refuge are so attractive to retirees. Over 4,000 acres of reserve land offer retirees a chance to indulge in wildlife activities that will not add additional expenses to their lifestyle, nor stretch their budgets to their breaking points. After all, it does not cost a penny to walk outside and be in the beauties of nature. This could be one of the reasons why Granby is consistently ranked as the top small town to live in within Hartford County.

While the outdoor activities might be the initial draw, not to mention affordable expenses, other aspects of living in Connecticut can be more taxing on a retired person's finances. For starters, Connecticut is one of the top five states in America with the highest energy bills, not to mention that it is one of 11 states which taxes Social Security benefits. No matter which way you cut it, Connecticut remains an expensive place to live, however, hidden gems like Granby come with their own benefits that retirees should take note of.

Granby is generally a safe place to retire, with a relatively low violent and property crime rate, not to mention that the monthly cost of living amounts to about $2,112. These stats can bring a lot of peace of mind to retirees who are living on a fixed income, as well as making sure they feel secure in Granby, the place amongst the wilderness that they can call home.