Butler slips to 18th for best retirement place
According to a recent study by Smart Assets, Butler ranks 18th in the state among the best places to retire.
The study took into account a retiree's sales and income taxes, the number of doctors offices, recreational venues and programs, and social life opportunities.
While Butler dropped from the 10th place in 2016, many still see the city as an excellent location with many assets for retirees.
Ed Mauk, Butler County Housing Authority director, said he cannot stress enough what a perfect place Butler is for retirement.
“It's got such appeal,” Mauk said. “We have an affordable market to retire in, and we've got access to all the amenities like health care, a nearby major metropolitan area, Pittsburgh sports and more.”
He said those who retire in Butler can still live the small town life without giving up nearby shopping, dining, services and a quality health care system in Butler Health System.
If more critical or specialty care is required it is available less than an hour away, in Pittsburgh.
“Healthcare systems are extremely important as well as services that retirees would need,” Mauk said. “I just think it keeps getting better and better.”
He said the authority offers various low-income senior citizen housing all over the county, where seniors can live maintenance free.
“We have some of the nicest senior housing in Pennsylvania, in my opinion,” Mauk said.
Butler Mayor Ben Smith echoed Mauk's sentiments, calling Butler “a cost effective place to live” for retirees.
“There are multiple retirement homes where people are able to live and retire in a cost-effective way,” Smith said.
Robert Law, the director of membership at the Butler YMCA on North Washington Street, said retirees keep the facility's Active Older Adults program growing year after year.
The YMCA's Butler location now has 1,506 members who are age 60 or older, Law said.
In addition to the Silver Sneakers program that is covered by most insurances, the YMCA offers more than 40 classes geared toward seniors or those new to exercise.
“I feel this generation of older adults, they want to stay active and fit, and we offer a wide variety of things to do here,” Law said.
Senior yoga, aqua Zumba, functional walk cardio and chair yoga are a few offerings in the crowded Active Older Adult calendar each month.
Law said the most popular senior programs are those held in the warm-water swimming pool. Arthritis classes,
Law said the Butler Y also offers special events like luncheons, painting classes, Bible study and resource fairs.
“It's an overall gathering spot for that generation to see friends, meet new friends and stay healthy,” he said.
He said many seniors battling cancer or who are cancer survivors depend on the friendships they have made with staff and fellow members to see them through their ordeal, which is encouraged by staff.
“It's not just the activities,” Law said. “It's the people who are here as well who make it a special place.”
Mauk summed up the idea that Butler is a great place to retire.
“The climate could be a little better, but it's a nice place with friendly people,” Mauk said. “We have a great environment for retirement.”
