Page 47 - Columbus NCG 2020

SENIOR LIVING

That’s right. Columbus was recently ranked
the ninth-best place in the nation to retire
by the website livability.com. The rankings

COLUMBUS assessed more than 2,000 cities across the
country with populations between
20,000-300,000.
BLOSSOMING Columbus was in the top 10 thanks to

its access to affordable and quality
AS A healthcare, a low cost of living, retiree-

friendly businesses and services, as well
RETIREMENT as amenities to keep residents active and
engaged. With a bevy of options across each
of those categories, Columbus is checking
DESTINATION boxes on a lot of retirees’ must-have lists for

prospective retirement destinations.

he Greater Columbus region is billed as one of the top areas While the percentage of Columbus residents
in the South for many distinct groups – from families to over age 65 increased from 11 percent to
Tyoung professionals and from established companies to 13 percent from 2010 to 2018, there has
hopeful entrepreneurs. In recent years, Columbus has also
become a haven for a group most may not expect: retirees. been significant growth in retiree-focused
development in the last five years.

“When it comes to senior retirement,
Columbus is growing,” said Robin Raben,
the executive director of Legacy Reserve
at Old Town, a local retirement community.
“There are a lot of venues for socialization
like the RiverCenter (for the Performing Arts),
Springer Opera House, and all of the great
things Columbus State is doing in Uptown.”

Beyond the growing number of things to
do, Columbus hits the mark in other areas
important to prospective residents who are
looking for a place to enjoy their retirement.

“Columbus offers a very solid medical
community,” Raben said. “Some of the best
hospital ventures are right here in Columbus,
and of course the affordability and low cost
of living are attractive as well.”

Raben said she expects the number of
retirees in Columbus to increase as new
facilities open across the region. Whether
forthcoming developments are designed
as active senior communities, traditional
assisted living facilities, or continuing
care retirement communities that provide

Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce | www.columbusgachamber.com | 706-327-1566 43