Hamptons Towns Among Best Places to Retire in NY
Who could think of a better way to start retired life than by settling in the Hamptons?
According to Niche.com, Westhampton, Southampton and East Hampton are among the top 10 cities to retire in New York State. Ranked three, five and six, respectively, the three East End cities all have similar grades when it comes to cost of living, accessibility and weather—but before you start looking at real estate, it’s important to look a little closer at the perks and quirks of each city.
Cost of Living
Westhampton, Southampton and East Hampton received low grades when it came to living expenses, not that this should come as a surprise. Southampton and Westhampton received D ratings, while tony East Hampton received a D-, nearly failing all attempts to intrigue retirees to live with financial comfort in. The Hamptons is notorious for its expensive real estate and its pricey, high-end stores and restaurants, but if money isn’t a problem, these three cities will accommodate you to a T. After all, luxury living is what attracts many to our shores.
Percent of Residents Living 65 and older
If you are looking to make new friends, East Hampton is definitely the place for you. With 45 percent of East Hampton’s population 65 and over, retired residents will have the best opportunity to find new friends. Whether you want to get a group together for Mahjongg, a dinner party or someone to join you for some exercise, East Hampton’s high retiree population is the place to be for finding new friends. Although almost half of East Hampton’s population is composed of retirees, Southampton retirees barely comprise a third of the population. Southampton is ranked above East Hampton overall, but East Hampton is definitely the contender when it comes to socializing with fellow retirees.
Weather
A winter in the Hamptons is definitely not like a winter in Boca Raton. The towns’ low winter temperatures all hover around 30 degrees, and the average winter snowfall for each town is greater than half a foot. The three towns have authentic New York winters, but the sun shines for two-thirds of the year, allowing retirees to take the beach once temperatures start to climb.
Access to Doctors
It’s inevitable a retiree will break a few bones as the years go by. Some people stay exceptionally healthy throughout their golden years, while others, unfortunately, start to break down. If you find yourself needing a doctor more often than others, Southampton is definitely the town to live in. Receiving an A rating in accessibility to doctors, you’re never too far from receiving necessary medical care. With a hospital located in Southampton Village limits, and a great deal of doctors’ offices in the area, this is a haven for those seeking medical attention. East Hampton and Westhampton Beach are also strong contenders for medical accessibility. Both cities tied with an A- in this category.
Access to Golf
Retired people and golf go together like peanut butter and jelly. When deciding on a retirement destination, for some, golf is a deciding factor. The Hamptons is loaded with highly golf courses, but those seeking the most courses should turn to Westhampton Beach, according to Niche.com. Between Westhampton Country Club and Hampton Hills, it’s heaven for golfers. These 18-hole golf courses are within five miles of the center of the town, making them no more than a 10-minute drive away. A close second in this category, Southampton Village alone boasts Southampton Golf Club and Sebonack Golf Club, and the Southampton Driving Range. The town also houses two public golf courses, the Poxabogue Golf Course in Sagaponack and the Sag Harbor Golf Course, among others. East Hampton’s A- golf accessibility rating is due to the town’s lower availability and proximity of golf courses, though no one could say they’re in short supply. The town still holds two high-end golf clubs—the Maidstone Golf Club and the East Hampton Golf Club—and, of course, the Montauk Downs public course.
For more details on Niche.com’s top places to retire and how the rankings were accomplished, visit local.niche.com/rankings/places/best-places-to-retire/s/new-york/.