As I get older and have started to consider where I want to live when I retire, it's nice to know where the best senior-friendly areas are, especially here in New York State because I see myself as a "northern gal". At least at this point in my life, I don't want to live in the southern part of the U.S. I enjoy all seasons, even snow believe it or not.

It turns out that Delaware County which is next-door neighbor to my own Otsego County is one of the 10 best counties in all of New York State to retire to according to niche.com. Niche ranked counties in each state in the U.S. where different factors like the cost of living, healthcare, recreations that seniors tend to enjoy, and weather were most desirable for retirees. Senior citizens have needs that are often different from younger people and the list is compiled accordingly.

Take a look below at the Top 11 list from Niche:

11. Otsego County - As someone who has lived the majority of my life in Otsego County I am thrilled to see how high it ranked on the list, especially since I don't really feel like moving away when I retire since it's so beautiful here.
10.  Dutchess County
9. Westchester County
8. Albany County
7. Delaware County
6. Essex County
5. Ontario County
4. Columbia County
3. Saratoga County
2. Warren County
1. Nassau County

You may have figured out that the higher ranking counties have much larger populations than our rural Delaware and Otsego counties. I guess it all depends on what kind of lifestyle you are looking for: rural or urban. I'll take rural every time!

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