Best U.S. Senior Living: La Jolla Village

I have reviewed all the popular web sites for information on best places for seniors to live. The criteria are generally availability of public transportation, weather, proximity to medical assistance and overall services of the locale. This year according to one survey Portland, Oregon is number one for senior's lifestyle. San Francisco and Seattle are next in line. While all of these are fine cities as far as the criteria set for the survey, it is my opinion the surveys miss the point.

Seniors may be age 55 to 105. That is a vast range for considering lifestyles in a category. I have spent extended time in all three places and find major deficits in the assessment that these top cities are good for all seniors. For many seniors their selection is based on family and familiarity with a locale. That factor is individual and cannot be assessed individually. If that is not a factor then other factors should be considered.

The primary concern of most people is safety and maneuverability in their locale. For those considering a move to Florida several concerns should be considered. A ten-year study was conducted in 2003 that found pedestrian deaths in Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Miami were the highest in the nation. These cities are known as retirement cities in part. Other cities making the list included Memphis, Phoenix and Atlanta.

The problem with San Francisco is the massive amount of traffic and steep hills that distinguish the city and give it charm, but can be hard on people as the aging process progresses. As with all of the top three cities mentioned as most desirable for senior living there is the rain factor. It is not just a little rain in the Fall, Winter and Spring. The rains and cloudy days can go on for weeks at a time. The roads, sidewalks and retail establishments floor and entrance ways are slick and treacherous for pedestrians.