By Jay S. Fleischman, Esq.

Geographer Warren Bland has chosen the top 10 value towns for retirees, and the list is pretty informative. The top of his list? Hot Springs, Arkansas where single-family houses from 1,600 to 2,100 square feet average $135,000 to $225,000, according to Hot Springs-based Coldwell Banker Alliance Realty statistics.To rank the towns, the following criteria were used: landscape, climate, quality of life, cost of living, transportation, retail services, health care, community services, cultural activities, recreational activities, work/volunteer activities and crime.

Bland, the author of “Retire in Style: 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada,” said increased access to information about other parts of the country — and world — via the Internet has helped retirees expand their options beyond Florida.

Below is Bland’s list of top value towns, from the least to most expensive:

1. Hot Springs, Ark.
2. Winston-Salem, N. C.
3. Fayetteville, Ark.
4. Bowling Green, Ky.
5. Lawrence, Kan.
6. Columbia, Mo.
7. Pittsburgh, Pa.
8. Gainesville, Fla.
9. San Antonio, Texas
10. Colorado Springs, Colo.

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