Bloomington ranked one of best places to retire

Smartmoney, a publication of the Wall Street Journal, has ranked Bloomington in its list of the top nine best places to retire.

What perks does Bloomington offer to earn it the No. 4 spot on such a list?

The presence of a Big Ten university, according to Smartmoney, an award winning hospital, reduced home prices, theaters and low taxes are amenities responsible for the southern Indiana town’s No. 4 placement.

“The Commission on Cancer gave Bloomington Hospital the 2007 outstanding achievement award for its cancer programs,” according to www.smartmoney.com. 

However, it may be the reduced home prices and low taxes that make retirees flock to Bloomington, since their income isn’t flowing into their bank accounts as steadily as it once did during their working days.

Bloomington home prices are $80,000 less than the national average, and Indiana ranks No. 28 in highest tax burdened states in the nation, according to Smartmoney.

Prescott, Ariz.; Saint Augustine, Fla. and Chattanooga, Tenn. were Smartmoney’s top three places to retire.

— Vince Zito