There was a time that retirement meant, for many people, sitting in the sun in a southern retirement community along with a host of fellow retirees. However, today retirement means many different things to different people. Why settle for a cookie-cutter retirement plan when you can use this time to live the life of your dreams?

Whether you’re planning to start a long-delayed new business, go back to school, or perfect your golf swing, there is a retirement option out there for you. There are truly no limits to the places you can go as you begin this new phase of your life.

Retirement Community

This is the option most people think of when they are considering retirement. Whether you choose a sprawling retirement community or one closer to home, you’ll find a variety of services and amenities designed with you in mind. These range from resort-style amenities like swim and tennis to a country club atmosphere with golf on-site.

Many retirement communities offer a variety of home styles including single-family homes and condominiums. In addition, there are usually on-site services like a shuttle service, maid service, and activities director to help with everyday tasks and needs. Clubs and on-site organizations allow you to get to know your new neighbors and feel right at home more quickly than you ever thought possible.

Retire in Place

While we often think of retirement as involving downsizing and a big move, more and more retirees are choosing to stay put upon retirement. For those who are active in community organizations, churches, and family life, retirement in place offers the option to continue their current work and maintain their relationships.

For those with large families, downsizing may not be an option, though they may choose to trade their multi-level home for a one-story ranch-style. Others may want to trade the yard work of a single-family home for a condo or townhome in the same neighborhood or city.

College Towns

What would you have studied in college if given the opportunity? Art history? Horticulture? Physics? Perhaps you never finished college or were unable to go to the college of your choice. The good news for retirees across the country is that there are many colleges and universities that offer free or reduced tuition and welcome senior adults into their hallowed halls of learning.

Even if you’re not interested in taking classes, college towns are a great place to live, especially for retirees. Many offer low- or no-cost activities all year round, including sporting events, theater, concerts, and museums. Many campuses have lovely gardens and walking paths and state-of-the-art fitness facilities where you can obtain a membership.

In addition, many college towns are located in secondary markets that offer greater affordability while still providing an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. If you enjoy the energy and vitality of a youth-oriented area, a college town may be right for you.

In-town Markets

Imagine streets that are cleared of snow quickly and neighborhoods that offer excellent walkability and a variety of transportation options. You’re close to great culture, world-class medical care, and enviable shopping. Instead of moving to a retirement haven, you may want to opt for the hustle and bustle of the big city.

While you’ll pay more to live in an in-town high-rise or townhome, you’ll enjoy a wealth of options for the way you want to spend your retirement. Here you’ll find opportunities for volunteer work, and can even make the connections that might just lead you to a second career.

In addition, you’ll never lack for excitement when you’re living in a downtown setting. With the world at your fingertips and theater, music, and historical sites all around you, retirement will be anything but quiet.

Rural Setting

Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota topped a recent list of best places to retire. Why? Because they offer low crime rates, excellent affordability, and top rankings for wellness.

While the weather can’t compare to Hawaii, if you’ve always dreamed of that cute little farm with a few chickens and a cow or two, rural retirement might offer the opportunity you’ve been looking for. You don’t have to buy a large-scale operation to enjoy the charms of the countryside, and the nearest small town will offer friendly neighbors who are happy to help out a newcomer.