Retirees who appreciate vintage furniture, art, and collectibles may enjoy living in Alton, Illinois, where the mighty Mississippi River meets the Illinois and Missouri Rivers — and where the historic downtown’s Antique Row contains 40-plus antique stores and gift shops. Here, retirees can while away their days browsing through shops to uncover fantastic finds like rare vintage tobacco tins or old furniture pieces worth plenty of money. And retirees who are history lovers will appreciate discovering more about the town’s fascinating past, which they can do on walking and driving tours of the city’s scenic historic neighborhoods.
What’s more, this southern Illinois town boasts more than its fair share of folklore and mysteries — for example, the Piasa Bird. Back in 1673, explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were traveling down the Mississippi River and discovered a stunning Native American rock painting known as the Piasa Bird in what is now the town of Alton. The Native Americans believed that this fierce mythological creature — with its bird-, snake-, and human-like features — was a monster that preyed on both animals and people. Although the original painting has since faded, those who are curious can gaze at a reproduction of the bird painting on a bluff west of Alton. Even spookier, Alton is known as one of America’s most haunted small towns, according to the Travel Channel, with significant paranormal activity having been recorded in the 1869 McPike Mansion, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places (retirees who are curious about the town’s resident ghosts can arrange an Alton Hauntings Tour).
But there’s much more to Alton than antique milk glass and otherworldly miasmas. Alton features more than 60 eateries, from quaint coffee shops to exquisite fine dining establishments. Retirees who enjoy active lifestyles can cruise along the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail near the river to see birds like trumpeter swans, snow geese, bald eagles, and pelicans.
Read more: 12 Items Retirees Will Instantly Regret Buying
Affordable costs of living for retirees in Alton, Illinois
View of Alton from the Mississippi River – Marekuliasz/Getty Images
Affordability also matters during retirement, and according to Best Places, Alton’s cost of living is 17.5% lower than the U.S. average and 12% lower than the average in Illinois. Looking specifically at home buying, the typical house in Alton costs $79,500 — a whopping 76.5% less than the national average of $338,100 and 67.1% cheaper than a home in Illinois, which averages $241,700. If retirees decide to rent, an average two-bedroom in Alton costs $930, which is 35% less than the national average of $1,430 and 35.5% less than Illinois’ average of $1,260.
Furthermore, grocery store costs in Alton are 8% below the U.S. average, though utility costs are a half percentage point above the U.S. average. The only Alton living expenses that appear to be higher than average (33.4%, according to Best Places) are miscellaneous expenses, which include clothing, restaurants, repairs, entertainment, and other services.
Another attractive thing about retiring in Illinois is that it’s one of the states that doesn’t tax retirement income — savings that mean more money to put toward fabulous antiques! And an Alton non-profit, Senior Services Plus, provides older adults with the resources they need to stay healthy, active, and involved in community life, such as wellness center discounts, special events and activities, homecare, Meals on Wheels, and other services.
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