Top 13 Reasons To Retire in Louisiana
Not everyone flocks to the sunny shores of Florida or the dry heat of Arizona for their retirement. In fact, many older adults only look at the weather as one part of their decision-making process for choosing a retirement destination. If you’re looking for a place to retire that is full of hospitality, southern charm, and plenty of places to explore during a day or weekend trip, might we suggest our favorite state of them all: Louisiana.
Here are the top 13 reasons to retire in Louisiana.
Low Taxes
Louisiana is considered a retirement-friendly state thanks to its low tax rates for older adults. The state does not tax Social Security retirement benefits or income from public pensions. While income from retirement savings accounts is taxed, there are exemptions available for up to $6,000. In addition, property taxes are some of the lowest in the country, which can help your fixed income go further.
Low Cost of Living
While we are talking about fixed incomes, let’s continue with the financial benefits of living in Louisiana. The state’s cost of living is about 10% below the national average, meaning you can get more for your buck whether you are investing in property, going grocery shopping, or taking public transportation.
Access to Healthcare
When choosing a retirement destination, it is crucial to look for access to healthcare. This might include checking to make sure there is a primary care physician in the town you live, or it might be ensuring a specialist for your specific condition is less than an hour’s drive. Fortunately, Louisiana has plenty of outstanding healthcare providers, from physicians to hospitals. You’ll find no shortage of either in Shreveport, Louisiana, as well.
Access to Veteran Specific Healthcare
For those who are Veterans, as well as their spouses, easy access to Veterans’ hospitals and clinics is important. There are 4 VA medical centers throughout Louisiana – New Orleans, Pineville, and two in Shreveport – as well as many outpatient clinics.
Lovely Weather
While weather is only one factor in choosing a retirement destination, we know that the idea of warm weather year-round is enticing for many! Louisiana offers a humid, subtropical climate with comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Of course, summers are hot and humid, so be sure to read up on how to keep yourself hydrated and healthy amid a high dew point.
Outdoor Opportunities
If you love to garden, hike, fish, or birdwatch, Louisiana offers plenty of ways to connect with nature. Thanks to the warm climate, you can garden year-round and there is almost always a bayou, lake, or stream to cast a line into. When it comes to trails and spotting animals, the state is home to more than 30 state parks and five national parks.
Want to get outside but aren’t sure where to start? Many outdoor outfitter stores offer beginner classes, or you can connect with other nature newbies online or at your local senior center.
Senior Centers
Speaking of senior centers, there are plenty throughout the state of Louisiana. Check out a senior center near you to gain access to resources about healthy aging, participate in activity programs, or get a question answered about any of your senior benefits.
Cultural Opportunities
If you love to go to museums, watch orchestra concerts, or settle into a historic presentation, you’ll love living in Louisiana. Major cities throughout the state serve as cultural hubs, with New Orleans leading the charge when it comes to music and food. Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport are considered some of the best cities for art in the state, and there are museums to explore in large cities and smaller towns.
Employment Opportunities
Not all older adults want to fully retire, with some seeking employment through consulting or via a part-time or full-time job. Louisiana has growing employment needs across the tourism and healthcare sectors, though you can likely find a job in other industries in the town you choose to live in. A job ensures you keep a sense of purpose, gives you the chance to meet new people, and allows you to share your talents and skills, all while bringing home a regular paycheck.
Hospitality
There’s just something about the hospitality in the South, where no one is ever really treated like a stranger. Louisiana offers customer service that is steeped in this philosophy, which means you can likely strike up a conversation more easily at your local restaurant, grocery store, or post office.
Public Transportation
While not always available in more rural areas of the state, large cities throughout Louisiana have public transportation available for residents. Shreveport, as a relevant example to The Glen, has the Shreveport Area Transit System. Check with your city to see if there are discounts for older adults or if there is a special service for seniors to schedule transportation for errands or medical visits.
Booming Retiree Population
The 2020 Census reported that about 14% of Louisiana’s population is over the age of 65. As the retirement population in Louisiana grows, so will the state and city resources intended to benefit retirees. In addition, you are more likely to find peers your age near you!
Retirement Living Communities
Louisiana is home to several senior living communities, including ones that are designed to support active adults with a continuum of care and assistance. When you’re searching for homes in Louisiana, consider adding upscale retirement living communities to your list to explore. The right retirement community can offer you maintenance-free living among peers with high-class amenities and services that make life more convenient and wellness goals more easily achieved.
We’d love to show you why we think retirement at The Glen is ideal for someone looking to experience everything Louisiana has to offer. Contact us to learn more about our community and to schedule a tour so that you can experience what a Louisiana retirement can look like among friends.