I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about where I'll be spending my golden years. In fact, every visit to the doctor's office reminds me that I need to have a will made. It's been on my "To Do" list for several years, now. Whenever I hear people discussing Florida, I always think of retirement.

Also Read: More Macy's Stores Closing, 3 in Washington, and 2 in Oregon

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While I love living in the state of Washington, I'm not 100% sure I'll retire here. I don't even know WHEN I plan to retire. I just know that I'm looking for the most pleasant place on the planet.

Cost of living is definitely a factor to consider when choosing an area to settle in.

According to a report from GoBankingRates.com, retirees:

want to ride off into the sunset in a location that offers the perfect combination of affordability and quality of life.

While Fort Lee, New Jersey was ranked #1, Rocky River Ohio was #2, both ranking high for livability. Florida has 8 cities on the top 20 list.

Ashland, Oregon is ranked #13 with the following stats:

  • Livability: 82/100
  • Monthly cost of living: $5,017
  • Percentage of population 65-plus: 27.8%
  • Total annual cost of living with Social Security benefits: $37,794
  • 15 years cost of living with Social Security benefits: $566,915
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I've never been to the City of Ashland. It's the BEST Small Arts Town in America. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a HUGE, popular event. Ashland has many theatres and festivals. There's also the Ashland Springs Hotel. Check out Ashland. It looks like an interesting place. See if you agree with the following post of "worst and best" states to retire.

The 10 best and 10 worst states to retire

For their 2024 report, Bankrate.com analyzed factors such as cost of living, health care and crime to rank the 50 states as places where you might want to consider retirement. Visit this link for the complete report.

Gallery Credit: Bankrate/New Jersey 101.5

LOOK: The 25 least expensive states to live in

Here are the top 25 states with the lowest cost of living in 2022, using data Stacker culled from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Gallery Credit: Aubrey Jane McClaine

LOOK: Best Counties To Retire to in Washington

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Washington using data from Niche.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

5 Unusual Family Attractions That You'll Love in Oregon

The Beaver State is home to an assortment of unique and offbeat attractions that promise delights for both parents and children. These spots provide an alternative to the conventional amusement park and museum visits, ensuring that every member of the family carves out an unforgettable experience.

Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals

See Why Washingtonians Flock to AZ for Warmer Weather

Faith's Winter Trip to Sedona Arizona

Gallery Credit: Faith Martin

LOOK: This is the best place to live in every state

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in every state using Niche's 2023 rankings, from planned communities to college towns.  

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: The 25 least expensive states to live in

Here are the top 25 states with the lowest cost of living in 2022, using data Stacker culled from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Gallery Credit: Aubrey Jane McClaine

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