Neta wrote:
Can someone offer suggestions. Specifically, how would you rank: Ann Arbor, Urbana Champaign, Madison. Weather seems more or less the same. What are the perks/drawbacks of each? I'm mainly interested in affordability, running/fitness scene, etc.
Thanks.
Ann Arbor is a great town, but why would you want to retire there? Do you want to shovel snow and drive in bad weather and slip on the ice and break a hip when you are 80? I lived in Ann Arbor for 2 years, and the two winters I was there were brutal. Also, outside of the immediate bubble of Ann Arbor, everything sucks. The roads are horrible. Have to go north for the more desirable places in Michigan (other than Ann Arbor). Ann Arbor ain't cheap either. Money best spent elsewhere.
Madison, WI has the same winter issues.
If you REALLY need to live in a college town in the Midwest, Precious Roy's suggestions are very good, especially Wooster, OH and Appleton, WI. My in-laws went to Lawrence University in Appleton, and they speak highly of the town. I spent a week there once on a business trip, and it seemed nice. I like Traverse City, MI to visit, but it's too touristy for me to want to live there. Someone also mentioned Oberlin, OH. My sister went to college at Oberlin and liked it. There are a lot of what could be pejoratively called "townies" just on the outskirts of the college though. Not sure I would want to live there.
If you decide on Ohio, Granville is a nice town, home of Denison University.
Here are what I would consider better choices if you open your horizons and will leave the Midwest (in order of preference).
Asheville, NC - If you are willing to spend the money to live in Ann Arbor, Asheville should be on your list. Its housing is still 4% below the national average. UNC Asheville is there. Beautiful scenery. Day trip away from the ocean. 8 hour drive to Orlando, FL (not that Orlando is a destination...just giving you a sense of what you are close to). Smoky mountains there. Lots of retirees there including many from the Midwest. Mostly mild winters.
Knoxville or Nashville, TN - College towns, both. Low cost of living. Lots of Midwest transplants. Mostly mild winters, but if the cold is coming, there are VERY cheap flights to Orlando, FL. Get on one and stay in a hotel there for a week.
In my opinion, all three are better choices than any Midwest town for retiring in. Asheville would be my top choice if I were you.