Fairway Freedom: Best Retirement Locations for Golf Lovers
Posted by Oliver Meredew on February 3rd, 2016.
Golf is an incredibly popular sport the world over with new courses springing up across the globe. However (in the opinion of some) the US has one of the globe’s greatest range of top-quality courses – courses to quench any retirees’ golfing thirst.
For golf enthusiasts, retirement is an opportunity to take full advantage of finally having spare time by filling the day with as many holes as can be fit in. For Brits, the weather and quality of courses varies dramatically, so choosing to retire to the United States (known for its world-beating courses) could help you evade these issues. If you’re one of those planning on making the move to an overseas golfing paradise, this article will explore the top three destinations as highlighted by golfadvisor.com.
Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida
Whilst Florida’s famed theme parks attract many tourists, the golf lover will thoroughly enjoy Sarasota; a city in South Tampa. Boasting a diverse selection of private and public courses, this could prove to be your ultimate retirement destination. One of the more popular destinations is Bradenton, which is a 25 minute drive from Sarasota. According to Mike Baily, writing for GolfAdvisor; ‘The ultimate would be to have a membership at either the Tom Fazio-designed Ritz-Carlton Members Club Sarasota or Sara Bay Country Club, a classic Donald Ross course with a great history in Bradenton.’
The median cost of homes in Sarasota is $151,400 which is well below the US average of $170,100. In addition, the overall cost of living in Sarasota is far less than the US average. It goes without saying, however, that if you wish to live in a dedicated golfing resort both house prices and cost of living is likely to be far steeper. A top tip would be to find a home half way between Sarasota and Bradenton as you’ll be within 20 miles of over thirty courses.
Monterey Peninsula, California
Granted you’ll need a fairly healthy pension to afford retirement to the Monterey Peninsula, but the huge selection of world-beating golf courses is well worth a mention. Once again, Mike Baily of GolfAdvisor has some useful insight, stating; ‘Ideally, you’d love to have a membership at Cypress Point Club, but the two courses at Monterey Peninsula Country Club aren’t exactly slouches with their great ocean views and service. Or you could get a membership at Tehama Golf Club, The Preserve Golf Club or CordeValle Golf Club in nearby San Martin. For good measure, there’s plenty of great public golf, too, like Bayonet/Blackhorse and one of my personal favourites a few miles up the coast, Pasatiempo Golf Club.’
Unsurprisingly, house prices are not cheap in this area of stunning natural beauty and superb golf courses. The average price of homes is $742,000 according to realtor.com. However, prices are diverse, ranging from approximately $300,000 to $5,000,000. Cost of living will not be cheap either with groceries, health, housing, utilities, transportation and miscellaneous categories all vastly exceeding the US average. In fact if the overall average of living in the US is classed as 100, Monterey would equate to 186.
St. George, Utah
St. George, Utah, has become one of the most popular retirement communities in the whole of the US, offering year-round golf due to very mild winters. GolfAdvisor’s Mike Baily writes; ‘With mountain views, pristine water features and some of the best designers in the business, the sampling of the area’s outstanding golf includes private Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club as well as public facilities such as Coral Canyon Golf Course, The Ledges Golf Club, SunRiver Golf Club, Sunbrook Golf Club, Sky Mountain Golf Course and the spectacular Sand Hollow Golf Resort, a John Fought design that includes a nine-hole links course.’
Realtor.com state that the average price of homes in St George, Utah, is $269,950 which is obviously far more affordable for many when compared to Monterey Peninsula, and the area is certainly not lacking for the golf enthusiast. Whilst the cost of living is also far less than that of Monterey, it is still above the US average. Once again, if the US average is classed as 100, St George comes in at 102. However, it is only house prices that exceed the national average in this case.
So there you have it, our look at three of the most popular golfing locations in the US! Whether you’re a pro golfer at heart or a keen hobbyist, moving to any one of these destinations will ensure you can enjoy the sport in picturesque surroundings. If you’ve got any locations you’d like to recommend to your fellow golf lovers please let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
Remember, if you’re planning to retire overseas, keeping track of the latest exchange rate movements can help you get more from any international currency transfers.
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