Fort Wayne is an all-around excellent place for retirees to settle down. According to U.S. News, the city is one of the top 50 best places to live in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Below you’ll find just some of the many reasons why retirees would do well to consider Fort Wayne as an option for their Golden Years:

1. There’s Plenty to Do in Fort Wayne

As a midsize metropolitan area in the heart of the Midwest, retirees who choose Fort Wayne have access to the amenities one would expect to find in a large urban area, such as great entertainment options and a thriving arts scene. Retirees who live there also run into many of the quirks that come with living in a small town, such as the yearly BuskerFest devoted to street performers, and the annual bed race that takes place during the Three Rivers Festival. 

Retirees who enjoy the outdoors will be happy to hear that Fort Wayne has an excellent parks service dedicated to the upkeep of 86 beautiful parks, and many of those parks are equipped with fun amenities like tennis courts, hiking trails, and outdoor fitness equipment. Retirees who fancy themselves foodies can enjoy the fun dining scene, while those who prefer to go out for libations can visit the different craft breweries and cocktail bars Fort Wayne has to offer. There’s truly something for everyone.

2. Fort Wayne is Affordable for Retirees

Fun is important, but money is an equally important thing to consider. Affordability is one of the top criteria retirees need to consider when choosing where they’d like to settle for their Golden Years. This is especially true for retirees who plan to primarily subsist off a fixed income. The good news about Fort Wayne is that the city boasts a low cost of living. The city is more affordable in just about every major spend category of consequence to retirees, including housing, utilities, health care, groceries, and transportation.

Additionally, Indiana is considered to be tax-friendly for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security income and property taxes are low when compared to most other states. If you’re interested in buying a home, you’ll be happy to hear that homeowners in the Hoosier State are given substantial property tax benefits in Indiana. The over 65 deduction is available to older adults who own and occupy their principal residence, have a combined income of no more than $25,000 and assessed property value of less than $182,430. Your real estate agent can help you learn more about eligibility requirements. 

3. Fort Wayne is Home to a Variety of Senior Living Options

If owning a home isn’t in the cards for you, you’ll be happy to hear that you have many different senior living options to choose from in Fort Wayne. The right choice for you will depend on a combination of factors – including your needs and preferences. 

You could choose to move into a retirement community, otherwise referred to as a “55-plus” community. Moving into a 55-plus community is an ideal choice for retirees who want to stay active and have fun enjoying their Golden Years without dealing with the headaches that come with managing a full property. Community management typically deals with things like lawn care, roofing repairs, and exterior maintenance issues. Plus, many of these communities have fun amenities like pools, community clubhouses, and fitness centers. 

While retirement communities are a great choice for many older adults, they may not be the optimal choice for everyone. If you anticipate having issues with your health or think you may eventually have trouble getting around on your own, you may want to consider moving into an assisted living facility. An assisted living facility can provide peace of mind in the form of health monitoring and 24-hour access to specialized staff that can assist you with activities of daily living and moving around your living space safely. If this seems like a good fit for you, you should check out the many highly-rated communities in the Fort Wayne area.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to commit to Fort Wayne and want to get started on finding your perfect home, contact Regan+Ferguson Group today!

Guest post from Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate with Senior Homes.