The Best Places to Retire

According to U.S News & World Report, two of the top 10 best places to retire in 2018 include Lancaster and Pittsburgh. Residents of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown and the Masonic Village at Sewickley couldn’t agree more.

The “Best Places” were determined by a study of housing affordability, desirability, happiness, taxes, the job market and access to top-quality hospitals. The study’s criteria was based on two U.S. News surveys asking people 65 and older what they are seeking in a place to retire.

Lancaster

Lancaster landed second on the list. The article cited the area’s many historical sites and volunteer opportunities they offer as some of its appeals. It also mentioned Lancaster General Hospital and Lancaster Central Market, as well as being home to Peeps, the marshmallow candy.

Elizabethtown is indeed part of Lancaster County and about a 30-minute drive from the city. Set amidst 1,400 acres of farmland, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown offers the best of country living with easy access by train or car to Lancaster, Philadelphia and Harrisburg.

“I can feel the tension and stress melt away every time we drive onto the grounds to return to our cottage,” residents Linda and John Hope said. “The 1,400 acres are the largest and prettiest of any comparable facility we’ve seen, our cottage is spacious and well-appointed, and the staff and other residents are extremely friendly, respectful and helpful.”

Several residents have referred to the campus as a “cruise ship in a cornfield,” with seven restaurants, a wellness center, three pools, approximately nine miles of walking paths, numerous amenities, lifelong learning programs, a variety of entertainment and much more.

“The best place to live out your retirement years,” residents Ted and Andrea Anspach said. “You will think you are in paradise.”

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh was named the 8^th best place to retire because, according the article, it’s a sports fan’s paradise, is home to several colleges offering courses for older adults and the reputable UPMC health system.

Masonic Village at Sewickley provides a breathtaking view of the Pittsburgh city sky line, set amidst a suburban hillside. Just 10 miles from the city, the community offers almost as much to do on campus as the Steel City.

“Masonic Village at Sewickley is located near the lovely village of Sewickley and close to Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Airport,” resident Claudia Brenneisen said. “Amenities abound with our wellness center, organizations and activities. All this, with a campus of outstanding beauty year-round, makes for a uniquely rich lifestyle.”

Residents are passionate about their Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, often hosting parties and events around games and their teams’ many recent championships. Their passions also include resident-run clubs, an art studio, woodworking shop, spiritual and volunteer opportunities and much more.

“For seniors looking for a year-round resort-type setting – this is the place to be!” resident Judi Hindes said.

Fans of Masonic Villages would undoubtedly also add the smaller communities of Dallas, Lafayette Hill and Warminster to the list of Best Places to Retire!

“I always felt we would come to the Masonic Villages, it was just a matter of which one and when,” Masonic Village at Dallas resident Bob Boone said.