In its latest installment in a series called “Retire Here, Not There,” financial news website MarketWatch.com highlights Louisiana and says Baton Rouge is among the state’s best cities to spend one’s golden years.
“Baton Rouge may not have the global reputation of New Orleans, but it boasts plenty of cultural activities and great food of its own. And the cost of living here is even lower than in the Big Easy, 9.9% below the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places,” reads the feature.
MarketWatch highlights Baton Rouge’s relatively low median home cost of $137,600 and notes the city has a wide range of housing options.
“Money goes so much further here, and there’s a lot to do,” says Sal Biondolillo, 63, a retired drug enforcement manager with the Justice Department.
Biondolillo was born and raised in New Orleans, but during his law enforcement career, he lived in both the Washington D.C. area and San Francisco. He moved back to the Baton Rouge area three years ago upon retirement to be closer to his daughter, and he estimates the $211,000 home he bought in Gonzales would have cost three or more times as much if he had tried to buy in the San Francisco area.
“It’s a friendly, open, welcoming community,” says Biondolillo. “You can get as involved as you want to be.”
Read the full feature on Louisiana, which also highlights Natchitoches, New Orleans and Scott as the state’s best place for retirees.
