Embracing Adventure: Best Places to Retire for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As we get older, we may start acknowledging that at some point it’ll get harder to move around. We may need handrails in the shower, or even a house with no stairs. Therefore, we may start thinking about the next stage of retirement, of moving to a community that offers a continuum of care and support as our capabilities change.

The good news is that you don’t have to compromise. You can think about the future while still enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle now.

At Acts Retirement-Life Communities, we have spent more than 50 years helping older adults navigate later-stage living decisions. We understand that the best places to live the next stage of retire for outdoor enthusiasts include beautiful scenery as well as year-round access to activity, a supportive social network, and the financial peace of mind that allows you to focus on your next adventure without worrying about skyrocketing health service costs.

Based on our wealth of experience, we have identified several top regions that serve as the best places to retire for outdoor activities.

Georgia: The Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Georgia is a premier destination for those who want a little bit of everything: mild winters, lush landscapes, and diverse recreational opportunities. It is a state that truly embraces the active adult lifestyle, making it a magnet for retirees from across the country.

Gainesville and Lake Lanier

For the true nature lover, the Gainesville area is hard to beat. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this region offers stunning vistas and a slower pace of life that still feels energized. The crown jewel of the area is Lake Lanier, providing endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

There is also an Acts community in this region. Lanier Village Estates is designed to help you leverage this environment. Residents enjoy a resort-like atmosphere with easy access to hiking and gardening, while we handle the home maintenance that would otherwise take up your time. And should you or your spouse ever need a higher level of care, it’s included right on campus.

Financially, Georgia is also a win; it does not tax Social Security benefits and offers significant retirement income exclusions.

Florida: Coastal Living and Year-Round Sunshine

It is no surprise that Florida remains one of the top best places to retire for outdoor enthusiasts. With its renowned sunshine-filled weather and world-class beaches, the state is an irresistible destination for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Dunedin and the Gulf Coast

Dunedin is a standout for those who crave "small-town charm with big-city access." Located near Tampa, it offers a vibrant coastal spirit with walking paths that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. This area is perfect for retirees who want to stay moving through cycling, swimming, or simply lounging on pristine sands.

Boca Raton and Interior Beauty

Further southeast, Boca Raton provides high-energy social scenes alongside beautiful natural settings. Our community St. Andrews Estates even features its own on-site fishing lake, allowing residents to indulge in a relaxing hobby just steps from their front door.

Bonita Springs Eternal

You may not be aware of Bonita Springs in Florida, near Naples, but it is perhaps the state’s best kept secret, and very much worthy of consideration for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Along with Acts’ newest affiliate, The Terraces at Bonita Springs.

Florida’s lack of state income tax means your retirement savings can go further toward funding your outdoor passions.

Maryland: A Sports and Nature Lover’s Paradise

Maryland is often called a sports lover’s paradise, but its natural beauty is equally impressive. From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the rolling hills of the interior, the state offers four mild seasons that are perfect for outdoor engagement.

Sykesville and the Patapsco River

Sykesville has been voted the best town in Maryland, and for good reason. It overlooks the Patapsco River and offers a serene, historic atmosphere. The retirement community Fairhaven features a sprawling 300-acre campus that is a dream for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and hikers.

Maryland communities like Heron Point of Chestertown as well as Bayleigh Chase in Easton provide easy access to the water, making them ideal for those who enjoy rivers, the Atlantic beach lifestyle and local boardwalks.

Delaware: The Coastal Tax Haven

Delaware has become a top destination for retirees who want to maximize their budget without sacrificing a vibrant lifestyle. With 28 miles of stunning beaches and a moderate climate that experiences all four seasons, it is one of the best places to retire for outdoor activities.

Wilmington and Hockessin

Regions like Wilmington and Hockessin offer a relaxing yet vibrant environment. Communities such as Country House and Cokesbury Village feature beautiful walking trails and manicured grounds that encourage daily exercise. Manor House in modern Seaford surrounds residents in rich farmland as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.

Perhaps the greatest "outdoor perk" of Delaware is its status as one of only five states with no sales tax, combined with no tax on Social Security benefits, giving you more capital for travel and gear.

The Carolinas: From Mountains to Myrtle Beach

North and South Carolina consistently rank high for retirees due to their diverse geography and welcoming communities.

Rock Hill, South Carolina

South Carolina is a true golfer’s haven, with world-class courses at Hilton Head and the beach-town fun of Myrtle Beach. Rock Hill offers a laid-back Southern atmosphere where retirees can stay active with golf, tennis, and social clubs. Park Pointe Village is a perfect base for these adventures.

Columbus, North Carolina

In North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer stunning views and a wealth of outdoor activities. At Tryon Estates in Columbus, an on-site dog park means four-legged companions can enjoy the mountain air right along with you, or a walk around the campus’ beautiful lake. Meanwhile, Matthews Glen combines the most desirable aspects of NC retirement living with the convenience of a gated suburban campus.

Pennsylvania: Seasonal Beauty and History

Pennsylvania is packed with history and charm, offering a landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons. For those who enjoy winter sports like skiing or summer activities like hiking, the Pocono Mountains are a perennial favorite.

Media: "Everybody’s Hometown"

Media, Pennsylvania is perfect for the active retiree who enjoys a walkable downtown environment. Communities like Granite Farms Estates and Lima Estates emphasize fitness and vitality through on-site wellness centers and walking groups. Pennsylvania is also one of the most retiree-friendly states, with no tax on Social Security or retirement distributions for those over 60.

Why a CCRC is the Best Base for Outdoor Lovers

While choosing the right city is vital, choosing the right type of community is what truly enables an active lifestyle. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer several important advantages for outdoor enthusiasts:

1. Maintenance-Free Living

Your retirement should be spent on the trail, not behind a lawnmower. In an Acts community, we handle all exterior maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal. This "maintenance-free" lifestyle frees up your time and energy to pursue your passions.

2. Built-In Amenities and Clubs

The best CCRCs are designed to keep you moving. Most feature:

• Fitness Centers and Pools: Modern equipment and classes like water aerobics help you stay strong for your outdoor excursions.
• Walking Trails: Miles of secure trails right on campus for your morning stroll.
• Specialized Activities: From putting greens to fishing lakes, Acts communities provide unique ways to stay active.
• Social Connectivity: You will be surrounded by like-minded people who share your interests, making it easy to form a hiking group or a cycling club.

3. The Acts Travel Program

One of the most unique benefits of Acts is the Travel Program. As a resident of one Acts community, you gain exclusive access to all 28 campuses across nine states. You can visit a campus in Florida for the winter beaches or head to the Carolinas for a spring mountain hike, all without the hassle of hotel bookings.

4. Financial and Health Security

True adventure requires a clear mind. Our Type A Life Care contract ensures that your monthly fee remains consistent even if your health needs change in the future. By pre-paying for future care in today’s dollars, you protect your nest egg, ensuring you always have the resources to continue your active lifestyle.

Start Your Next Adventure with Acts

Finding the best place for a single adventurer to live the next stage of their retirement, or the perfect spot for a couple to explore the outdoors with the peace of mind of future care, is a personal journey. At Acts, we’re here to be your partner in this exciting transition. We invite you to trust your instincts and explore how a community-centered life can enhance your retirement.