Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Escape With Lake Fun, Antique Shops, And Charming Destinations

When most Americans think of retirement, their minds tend to go to the sunny state of Florida, which has long stood as the nation's retirement hub. However, recent data has shown a significant decrease in seniors moving into the Sunshine State. Plenty of retirees are trading in the sweltering heat in favor of the milder summers and snowy winters of the Northeast, with Maine emerging as a top choice, per WGME. For those in search of a slower pace of life, as well as excellent access to healthcare and outdoor recreation, Kennebec County in Maine should be high on your list.

Located in south-central Maine, Kennebec County is a picturesque region full of natural attractions and charming cities and towns. It is home to the Belgrade Lakes region, which provides breathtaking lake views and endless outdoor activity. However, whether your interests lie in nature, antique shopping, history, or art, Kennebec County has a lovely area waiting for you. Each municipality has its own distinct charm, from the artistic hub of Waterville to the historic atmosphere of Augusta. Plus, about 23% of the county's residents are 65 years old or older, meaning that new senior residents are joining a robust senior community no matter where they choose to settle down.

Although retirees in Maine do have to pay taxes on 401(k) and IRA incomes, Social Security is exempt, and seniors who choose Kennebec County can look forward to a lower median home value compared to the rest of the state. So, if four distinct seasons, a strong senior community, and plenty of lake fun appeal to you, look no further than Kennebec County.

The towns and cities of Kennebec County have their own distinct personalities, giving retirees plenty of variety to choose from. A great place to begin is Augusta, Maine's lively capital city with a walkable downtown full of unique shops. History lovers will enjoy all that the Capitol Complex has to offer. Here, you'll find the State House, the picturesque 20-acre Capitol Park, and the informative Main State Museum, among several other historic structures. Plus, as the largest city in the county, seniors here have excellent healthcare access.

Right next door is Hallowell, another walkable city with historic charm for retirees. Despite only having about 2,600 people, residents here have an active senior community. Not only do seniors make up approximately 38% of the total population, but they also receive plenty of resources at the Cohen Community Center. Organized by Spectrum Generations, a senior care nonprofit, participants can enjoy a variety of weekly events and social hours, including pay-what-you-want dining events. For retirees looking for a bigger city with more opportunities to engage with art and culture, look toward Waterville. Peruse the exhibitions at the Colby College Museum of Art, enjoy a live performance at the Waterville Opera House, or catch a screening during the Maine International Film Festival each July.

Regardless of where you choose to settle down, you're never too far from some unique vintage finds. Maine is well-known for its antique shopping scene, and Kennebec County is packed with some incredible hidden gems. From the quaint, family-owned Capital Area Fleamarket to the eclectic treasures of the Rusticators Emporium, antique lovers will find no shortage of quaint shops to peruse. One of the biggest offerings is Hallowell Antique Mall, featuring two buildings and a variety of vendors. This sprawling space is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind items.

For retirees in Kennebec County, stunning natural scenes and outdoor recreation are never too far away. The county is situated within the breathtaking Kennebec Valley region, "a convergence of outdoor splendor and recreational fun," according to Maine Tourism, meaning that you'll have plenty of nature to explore. The county is home to Cobbosseecontee Lake, spanning an impressive 5,550 acres, with about 62 miles of shoreline; it's one of the largest lakes in Central Maine, as well as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the region. This is also where you can find the Ladies Delight Lighthouse, the state's only inland lighthouse. Kennebec County also houses part of the Belgrade Lakes Region, a picturesque collection of seven lakes that draw tons of people to its waters each summer for fishing, swimming, and boating.

There is still plenty of outdoor recreation in Kennebec County that's off the water. There's the Kennebec River Rail Trail, which meanders for 6.5 miles through several charming cities. It travels along the Kennebec River, so those who choose to walk or jog the trail have beautiful views of the water to keep them company. Another attraction situated along the river is the historic Two Cent Bridge, also called the Ticonic Footbridge. Distinguished as the nation's last known toll footbridge, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can enjoy views of the water and the stunning Ticonic Falls. With all of these incredible recreational opportunities, it is easy to see why Maine is such an attractive destination for retirement.