Asheville was highlighted recently by Kiplinger, a respected source for economic information, as one of its “10 Great College Towns to Retire to.” According to the magazine’s editors, retirement to a college town allows you to “re-create that horizon-broadening experience and sense of adventure,” though probably without the partying and exams. Also noted are the on-campus attractions such as concerts and lecture series that are open to all local residents – not to mention ever popular sports events. And, Kiplinger reports, most of these towns are in states “that are tax friendly to retirees.”
Asheville receives a strong nod for multiple reasons, aside from its size and lovely location in the mountains. The magazine says about Asheville, “”UNC-Asheville is a small campus of about 3,700 students, but it has an outsize influence on retirees. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers more than 300 courses a year, usually in six- to eight-week terms. One of the institute’s most popular programs, says director Catherine Frank, is its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend, designed for working people who are considering relocating when they retire. Many of those who attend the weekend end up moving to Asheville, Frank says. It’s not hard to see why. In addition to the extensive educational offerings through the Osher Institute, Asheville has a world-class symphony, a vibrant local arts scene, and lots of breweries and restaurants. There are quirky pleasures, too. Every Friday during the warm-weather months, locals bring their drums to Pritchard Park to participate in a drum circle, an Asheville tradition since 2001. The event attracts a surprisingly large number of seniors, Frank says. In North Carolina, Social Security benefits are exempt from state taxes, but some other types of retirement income are taxable. Homeowners age 65 and older may qualify for a homestead exemption of $25,000 or 50 percent of the home’s appraised value, whichever is greater.”
Local residents also will point out the wealth of learning opportunities provided by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, known best as A-B Tech, which serves over 25,000 students through its on-campus and extension programs. Also close by are Warren Wilson College, Western Carolina University, Mars Hill University and Montreat College.
Asheville and the surrounding communities served by these institutions of higher learning offer a wide range of homes and communities to suit the needs and desires of retirees or active Boomers, combined with a multitude of recreational activities and appealing cultural lifestyle. All in all, it’s just a relaxed, friendly place to call home.
Computer classes are just one of many creative opportunities offered at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC-Asheville
At Home In Asheville 