Is Connecticut a good place to retire? Only if you like the best of all worlds. Retiring in Connecticut puts you in close proximity to practically every type of activity and landscape, from coastline to forest, small town to big city. Let’s look at the oversized benefits this small state has to offer – and then zero in on a specific area to consider.

Beauty, everywhere.

It’s no exaggeration to say our state is one of the most beautiful in the country. About 60% of our land is wooded, and according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, you’ll find two national parks, 32 state forests and more than 100 state parks. This state-wide natural greenery is attractive year-round, creating countless outdoor activities. It’s especially popular each autumn during our dazzling leaf-peeping season.

Retiring in Connecticut also puts you close to the Long Island Sound. From McLean, it’s only about 90 minutes by car. For local boaters, beachgoers and visiting vacationers, it’s a haven of shoreline activity. Speaking of “haven,” one of the advantages of retiring in Connecticut is the presence in New Haven of elite Ivy League Yale University, which makes our state home to some of the sharpest academic minds in the world.

Simsbury and our home region

Let’s take a closer look at Simsbury, one of Connecticut’s most attractive retirement destinations: Noted by Money magazine in 2015 as One of the Top 10 places to live in the United States, Simsbury offers colonial charm, flanked by breathtaking natural beauty. This small town is also the home of The Village at McLean, a senior living community offering all the lifelong benefits retiring in Connecticut.

For those who choose The Village at McLean, the recreational and uplifting benefits of nature practically back up to the door. The McLean Game Refuge is just a short drive away and encompasses 4,400 forested acres of flora, fauna, running streams and walking trails. It’s a popular destination for recreation, offering McLean residents nature hikes and bird watching excursions.

Because McLean and Simsbury are not far from Hartford, residents have access to the cultural attractions of Connecticut’s capital city. The Hartford Symphony performs year-round with an outdoor summer concert in Simsbury. Hartford is also home to live theater, including the Hartford Stage and several museums.

The benefits of retiring in our central region include natural beauty and limitless activities, both for families and older adults. Here are a few popular pastimes in Simsbury and nearby towns:

• Wineries. Central Connecticut is home to dozens of renowned vineyards and wineries. Stop for an afternoon or choose one that offers lodging. An added benefit is that most wineries are in lovely rural locations with striking vistas.
• Farmers Market. A fun shopping experience for fresh food and handmade crafts is always nearby.
• Shopping. Eclectic shopping can be found at boutique shops and antique galleries in Simsbury and neighboring towns.
• Hiking. Get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in forested beauty. Hikes in the Simsbury area offer challenges for every level – from steep and rugged trails to flat, groomed and even paved paths.
• Golf. Local terrain offers the perfect landscape for golf, and public and private courses abound. In fact, our community overlooks Hop Meadow golf course, and residents of McLean enjoy a complimentary social membership.
• Biking. Work your legs and cardio, while the scenery whooshes by. In and around Simsbury, miles of bike paths offer smooth pedaling and gorgeous scenery.
• Skiing. It doesn’t take long to get from Simsbury to a beautiful place to ski — whatever your skill level.
• Museums. Retiring in Connecticut means surrounding yourself with culture of all kinds. As an original colony, our museums are fascinating sources of pre-American and revolutionary artifacts. Meanwhile, art museums feature local artists and masters alike. If seafaring floats your boat, visit a maritime museum on the south shore.
• Culture, Music and Entertainment. Several celebrated museums are nearby, as are five-star dining and cultural attractions. Be sure to take in a live performance at The Bushnell, Hartford’s celebrated performing arts center. And to enjoy a truly unique local event, The Hartford Symphony Orchestra performs an outdoor summer concert in Simsbury during their year-long season.

Of course this is a short list. Whatever you like to do, whatever your plans – the possibilities are boundless.

Simsbury is your pipeline to all of it.

Centrally located in our state, Simsbury makes it easy to be near Hartford, beaches and natural forests. Not to mention, the rest of the world — The Bradley International Airport is an accessible hub for travelers.

Why not discover why independent seniors are drawn to The Village at McLean in Simsbury? Learn more about our nature-filled campus and lifestyle of boundless possibility by contacting us here.