Deciding where to retire is a major life decision, and soon-to-be retirees definitely have a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the right location. Housing affordability, access to quality hospitals, and the overall desirability of a location should all be taken into account.

U.S News ranked Durham among the top 15 best places to retire in the U.S. for 2018. It is a comfortable city, and while it is often known as a college town, the pace is relatively slow and the vibe is quaint. Durham experiences hardly any snow, if any at all, during a given winter - which makes it an ideal location for seniors looking to escape the colder winters of the North. If you are among the seniors ready to downsize and prepare for retirement, here are some of the major reasons why many choose Durham as their top destination:

1. Affordability for All Budgets

Durham offers better value than similarly sized metropolitan areas. Themedian home value in Durham is $221,7000, which is just a hair over the overall national median price of $221,500. This is a great value when considering Durham is a metropolitan area with many amenities and conveniences for dwellers. The property taxes are relatively low in Durham, with the current tax rate being 1.23%. At this rate, for a median value home, you can expect to pay $2.727 in annual taxes.

Seniors with an income lower than $38,000 per year should know they are not priced out of Durham. This year the Durham County Commissionersunanimously voted in favor of almost 300 new apartments in the downtown Durham neighborhoods for residents who make less than 80% of the area income median.

2. Abundant Opportunity for Social Activities

Research has long supported the claim that loneliness or a lack of social support can ultimately lead to declines in both mental and physical health in seniors. Durham recognizes the need for older adults to live a healthy, active lifestyle, and the city meets this need through the Durham Center for Senior Life.
Through the Center, you have access to services including:


• Meals in a community setting
• Transportation
• Education initiatives geared toward older adults
• Exercise classes
• Socialization
• Health promotion
• Caregiver support services
• Information referrals
• Case assistance

Such services can help you stay happy, healthy and social in your new setting.

3.  Top-Notch Medical Facilities for Seniors

• Durham has been aptly nicknamed “The City of Medicine” because the area has impressive healthcare offerings. This is due - in part - to how close the medical, nursing and pharmacy schools at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University are.

• For veterans and families, it’s also important to know there is a VA hospital within 30 miles of the city.

Seniors with present or future health needs can take comfort in the following statistics, published in the most recent Durham County Community Health Assessment:

• The physician-to-population is more than 4 times the national average.

• More than 3,700 licensed physicians and interns, plus more than 6,000 nurses.

• Some of the country’s top hospitals, notably Duke University Medical Center and UNC hospitals, are in the Durham area. These facilities 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, there are a host of assisted living facilities and other senior care options in the Durham area. These facilities can provide peace of mind for people who currently need or may soon need assistance with activities of daily living.

If you have any other questions or would like more information about living in Durham, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.



Article written by Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate.