Forget Florida, Retire To This Pennsylvania County With State Parks, Historic Charm, And Affordable Living

While Florida may have had a long reign as the nation's top retirement choice, sweltering heat, overcrowding, and a rising cost of living are just a few of the reasons seniors are looking elsewhere for a place to live out their golden years. For retirees concerned about affordability, Pennsylvania is an attractive choice thanks to its tax-friendly benefits, with zero taxes on Social Security or retirement accounts. Not only that, the state is a haven for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Fayette County is one possible hub for retirees seeking outdoor recreation and endless character. 

Nestled in the southwestern corner along the West Virginia border, Fayette County blends rich history and small-town charm among the stunning scenery of the Laurel Highlands while boasting a cost of living more than 20% below the national average, according to Best Places. Fayette County was first established in 1783, and its name derives from the famed French military officer, Marquis de la Fayette. Before that, the land was the site of a conflict between French and British forces that would eventually grow into the French and Indian War. That's just one piece of the deep history that runs through the county, and there are plenty of sites scattered across the region for history lovers to explore. 

Fayette County is also an excellent choice for seniors looking to stay active, as it is home to several state parks, rushing rivers, and scenic long-distance trails. The nearest major hub, Pittsburgh, is just over an hour's drive away, adding a sense of tranquil seclusion to the picturesque region. 

Regardless of which Fayette County municipality retirees choose to settle in, an interesting historic site is never far away. The county seat of Uniontown, for example, houses a plethora of buildings in its downtown historic district. From the Romanesque-style county courthouse built in the 1890's to the grandiose State Theatre Center for the Arts constructed in 1922, there is always another building with an interesting past to discover. Into food history? Uniontown is also the birthplace of the Big Mac, invented in 1967!

There's a wide range of historic landmarks to explore in Fayette, one of which is the iconic Fallingwater in Mill Run. The house is a National Historic Landmark designed by acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. For a glimpse into American military history, Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington is where the inciting incident of the French and Indian War occurred in 1754. Further north is Brownsville, a riverfront borough with scenic views. Nestled along the Monongahela River, this is where you'll find Nemacolin Castle — built in 1789, it claims to be the third-oldest castle in the country.

Fayette County cities and towns aren't just havens for history lovers; they're also full of resources for retirees. The Fayette County Community Action Agency runs a handful of senior centers that provide retirees with plenty of social and educational opportunities. Its Retired and Senior Volunteer Program allows retirees to join a robust network of senior volunteers with similar interests and get involved in the community.

Retiring in Fayette County means having easy access to three of Pennsylvania's most stunning state parks. The largest is Ohiopyle State Park, an underrated Pennsylvania paradise spanning an impressive 20,500 acres. Ohiopyle is open year-round, so retirees can view the gorgeous waterfalls or explore the 79 miles of hiking trails in four different seasons. The park also provides access to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, with nearly 27 miles of the 150-mile trail running past waterfalls and wildlife, providing views of the rushing Youghiogheny River Gorge and the surrounding Laurel Highlands. 

Ohiopyle sits near Laurel Ridge State Park, and the two are connected via the 70-mile Laurel Highlands hiking trail. This popular trail has both challenging and easy sections, making it a great option for seniors looking to stay active. Spanning about 13,600 acres across three different counties, there are plenty of trails and wildlife in Laurel Ridge State Park. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for various animal species, from small frogs and salamanders to black bears, while birdwatchers can look forward to seeing species such as woodpeckers, great horned owls, and even turkeys.

But the smallest, and perhaps the most unique park is Laurel Caverns State Park. Although it only spans 426 acres aboveground, there are more than 4 miles of trails underground where visitors can explore some of the world's largest sandstone caves. "For those who are adventure-minded, this cave is a must," wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor. The tours range in difficulty, and seniors can enjoy the stair-free Maze Tour at a discounted rate.