Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SALEM – Low cost of living, low crime rate and low taxes make Indiana an ideal place to retire. But where are the best places in Indiana to live out those golden years?
World Atlas ranked Indiana’s best cities for retirees and one city in the Radius region made the list.
Salem, a city of about 6,400 people and the county seat of Washington County, is ranked among the 10 best retirement towns along with cities such as Madison, Michigan City, Bluffton and Hobart.
World Atlas touted Salem as a “relaxed and welcoming town … where retirement comes with meaningful neighborly connections and care.”
Historic features such as The John Hay Center, Stevens Memorial Museum and a downtown anchored by the Washington County Courthouse provide retirees with plenty of places to explore, noted World Atlas. Retirees can learn about the town’s history at the museum and its rail history at the Depot Museum. For book-loving seniors, the Salem Public Library is a boon for continuing their love of reading, either at the library or simply taking home a good novel to enjoy at home.
“It’s great to see Salem from Washington County on this list. Salem is a beautiful gem that is often overlooked and easy to miss. The crime rate is very low with lots of things in the area for seniors to do,” said Erik Bush, CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “We are currently waiting on the Monon South Trail to finish to bring even more opportunities to get our residents out in the community, exploring the county, getting the exercise to keep them vibrant and healthy.”
Bush also noted the county’s large Amish population makes it easy to find locally sourced meat and produce.
Overall, World Atlas said Indiana offers affordability and cities that can provide social support and activities seniors are looking for.
Indiana residents ages 65 and older make up 17.2% of the population. According to World Atlas, the state offers the Senior Property Tax Deduction and the Energy Assistance Program lends a hand with heating and cooling bills during extreme seasons.
Other cities that made the World Atlas list include Connersville, Merrillville, Logansport, New Castle and Peru.
