When it comes to finding the perfect place to retire, St. Louis is a hidden gem. As soon as you step foot through the Gateway to the West, you’ll instantly fall in love with its friendly community vibe and Midwestern charm.
But that’s not all this big city with a small-town atmosphere offers older adults. From a low cost of When it comes to finding the perfect place to retire, St. Louis is a hidden gem. As soon as you step foot through the Gateway to the West, you’ll instantly fall in love with its friendly community vibe and Midwestern charm.
But that’s not all this big city with a small-town atmosphere offers older adults. From a low cost of living to inspiring your sense of adventure, read these top five reasons you should retire in St. Louis, MO.
1. Keep more money in the bank with a lower cost of living
The cost of living in St. Louis. is 4% lower than the state average and 13% lower than the national average. When you retire in St. Louis, you can expect to pay less for living costs such as goods and services, health care, transportation and food, which means more money in your bank account.
You can save even more on cost of living by moving to a retirement community like ours at Friendship Village. Our Life Care communities feature a wealth of services and amenities designed to make balancing your retirement budget easier. Everything from our maintenance-free residences with all utilities included to our on-site physician clinics and continuum of care can save you time and money.
2. Explore abundant opportunities to pursue your passions
Retirement is the perfect time to continue your education, especially on subjects you’re passionate about. Washington University in St. Louis offers courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which are courses, lectures, and events designed for people 50 and over. Annual memberships are only $10, and you can expand your knowledge on subjects like world mythology, art and architecture, American folk music, geometry, and much more.
Since 1986, the After Hours Community Band has been offering people of all ages and abilities the enjoyment of playing in a band. Any musician can join and there are no auditions or fees. Our two Friendship Village communities also offer a variety of ways to pursue your hobbies, like a train club in our Sunset Hills community and a creative arts studio in our Chesterfield community.
3. Rely on award-winning health care services
St. Louis is home to several high-performing hospitals and health care centers, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Ranked the 11th best hospital in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 in Missouri, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is high-performing in geriatrics, cancer surgeries, cardiology and heart surgeries, diabetes and endocrinology, nephrology, and more.
Friendship Village joins Barnes-Jewish in U.S. News and World Report with our retirement communities in St Louis, MO. Our other notable achievements include Ladue News 2022 Platinum List winner for Assisted Living, Best Assisted Living Community by St. Louis Magazine, and 13 straight years of zero deficiencies found by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at our Sunset Hills community.
4. Find a new experience around every corner
You’ll always have something to do when you retire in St. Louis. The city boasts a rich history that’s reflected in its many museums, landmarks and attractions, such as the Gateway Arch and the World Chess Hall of Fame. St. Louis is also home to a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with a variety of theaters, galleries, and music venues that showcase local and national talent, like the Fabulous Fox theater and Jazz St. Louis.
St. Louis also holds several cultural events that draw visitors from all over the country, like the Festival of Nations, The Loop Ice Carnival, and Art Fair at Laumeier. Our senior living communities also feature a variety of cultural and social activities, including the Drama Club, live music events, dance parties, and off-campus excursions.
5. Discover plenty of ways to inspire your sense of adventure
St. Louis offers many parks, green spaces, and outdoor attractions, including the St. Louis Botanical Gardens and Carondelet Park. Both Friendship Village senior living communities in Chesterfield and Sunset Hills are only about a 20-minute drive to Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It features 1,300 acres of beautiful landscapes, forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams. Forest Park also is home to the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Art Museum.
Along with its central location, the Gateway to the West is home to the St. Louis International Airport and the St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center, a state-of-the-art facility in downtown St. Louis that serves Amtrak, Greyhound, light rail, and city buses. Whether adventure calls you to the Golden State of California, the sunny beaches of Florida or somewhere in between, you’ll find a convenient way to get there when you retire in St. Louis.
Whether you’re looking for a landing pad in between travels, a vibrant community with friendly people, or the perfect place to put up your feet and relax, our senior living communities in the St. Louis, MO, area include everything you need for an exceptional lifestyle. Contact our team online, and learn more about Friendship Village by arranging a personal tour.