Missouri offers hot and humid weather in the summer, with frequent thunderstorms—ideal for watching from the window of an assisted living condo in one of Missouri’s picturesque small towns or bustling cities. Missouri has plenty to offer retirees—including cosmopolitan cities, small towns and villages, and unspoiled wilderness.
The state’s two major cities are St. Louis and Kansas City. Both offer professional football and baseball teams as well as historical downtown areas. But perhaps its most important benefit is its affordable cost of living. The median home prices in Missouri are significantly less expensive than the US average. Government pensions will be mostly tax exempt throughout the state starting in January of 2012.
The beautiful Missouri River runs through the state, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing. The Lake of the Ozarks is also a popular tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love to fish—and there are also several well-known golf courses in the area.
There are many attractive destinations for senior living in Missouri. Here are just a few:
Branson
A small town of only 6,000 permanent residents, Branson’s population regularly grows to over 50,000 when there’s a major event in town. There’s plenty to do in Branson—from over 47 theatres to plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Branson is proud of the fact that it has more theatre seats throughout the city than New York City. The average age of Branson residents is 58, proving its attractiveness to retirees all over the country.
Jefferson City
The capitol of Missouri, Jefferson City has plenty to offer in the way of history, culture, and art. The city is located on the banks of the Missouri River, a perfect location for those who love fishing and boating. There are numerous parks and trails surrounding the city, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Kirkwood
Nicknamed the “Queen of the St. Louis suburbs,” senior living in Kirkwood, Missouri has a lot to recommend it. You can see the St. Louis Arch from Kirkwood—as well as breathtaking views of the city. There’s plenty to do for active retirees, including hundreds of boutiques and cafés in the Kirkwood Junction area, an aquatic center, an amphitheatre, an ice rink, and more. Kirkwood is only a few miles from St. Louis—and all the city has to offer.
Kansas City
Located on the border with Kansas, Kansas City is a divided town—located partially in Kansas and partially in Missouri. The Kansas City side is smaller, and is often thought of as a suburb of the Missouri side of the city—which is the largest city in the state, with a population of approximately 460,000. The city is known for its eye-catching fountains, its rich civil war history, and the Country Club Plaza—an outdoor shopping venue designed to look like Seville, Spain. Lately, Kansas City has seen a large amount of growth in its percentage of residents over age 60—proving its status as a sought-after destination for retirees. And it’s no wonder retirees are flocking there—Kansas City offers art museums, ballet, symphonies, sports teams, and more.
Missouri has plenty to offer retirees—from laid-back small town life to the sophistication of the big city. Look to Missouri for fishing and boating along the Missouri River and the state’s beautiful lakes and waterways; the cultural and sports entertainment of big cities like Kansas City and St. Louis; and the close-knit neighborhoods and family-oriented culture of Missouri’s small towns. Even better, you get all this for a low price—Missouri is known for its affordability. Check out our listing of Missouri senior housing options today—and find your perfect retirement community.
