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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Website lists Spokane as top place to retire

Spokane’s affordability makes it the perfect retirement destination for baby boomers, according to grandparents.com.

The website says Spokane’s mix of affordability — low cost of living, low sales tax and no state income tax – and things to do make it the top retirement city for people who want the most out of their retirement funds, remain active and enjoy cultural venues.

The other five high-ranking cities are Roanoke, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Louisville, Kentucky; and Columbus, Indiana.

In contrast, the same publication ranked the seven worst places to retire based on high crime, poor air quality, natural disasters and other qualities. St. Louis, Missouri, topped the list followed by Las Vegas and Modesto, California.

Spokane topped the best list based on a combination of factors including a cost-of-living that is 9 points lower than the national average, no state income tax and a state sales tax of 6.5 percent.

“The area’s natural beauty, outdoor activity, cultural diversity, entertainment venues such as the INB Performing Arts Center and a thriving local wine industry” also make Spokane attractive for the boomer market, according to the news release.

Besides the 26 family-run wineries and the performing arts, the article calls out the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and the Spokane International Film Festival. It mentions Spokane’s thriving downtown, robust cultural scene and notable lilac flowers.

“We’ve found that when it comes to retirement, people want the whole package: places that are beautiful, cultural, the living is easy, and their nest egg won’t get tapped out,” said Ellen Breslau, editor-in-chief of Grandparents.com in the news release. “The six places we chose for our most affordable cities list definitely meet our criteria and are excellent retirement choices.”

In 2011, CNNMoney.com ranked Spokane 19th among the 25 best places to retire.

Caregiver Conference scheduled for Spokane

Elder Services is having its 13th annual Caregiver Conference May 20 in Spokane.

“Navigating the Caregiver Journey” will provide caregivers with information about services and resources to help them navigate the twists and turns that are part of the care giving journey.

To register, call (509) 458-745. The conference is at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St., and starts at 8:45 a.m.

Unpaid caregivers can attend for free while the cost for paid caregivers, professionals and students is $25.

Japanese students to visit Fairwood residents

Residents at Fairwood Retirement Village and Assisted Living are hosting a conversation and lunch with Japanese students from Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute on May 13. The inter-generational outreach program is just for residents but gives seniors an opportunity to visit with Japanese students studying in Spokane.

The students and residents will have a Japanese-style lunch and exchange stories and experiences.

From staff reports