Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Madison, Indiana
Clean, Pretty and Prim, Madison Sits Along the Ohio River and Has One of the Largest, Contiguous National Historic Districts in the United States
Madison sits along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana and is clean, pretty and prim. It got its start in the early-1800s and was for many years a mill town and an iron producing hub.
Today, the downtown, known as the Madison Historic Landmark District, is one of the largest, contiguous national historic districts in the United States. Nearly every block contains beautifully renovated homes and commercial buildings from the late-19th century and early-20th century, with architectural styles ranging from Federal to Queen Anne. Numerous artists and craftsmen have established themselves here, and September's Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is a popular juried art show. Restaurants, bookstores, small shops and galleries are plentiful. The riverfront is a nice spot for an early morning stroll, and there is a farmers' market. Dining options are better than might be expected and include locally owned cafes, seafood bistros, Mexican places, steak houses and more.
The Madison Regatta, an annual hydroplane powerboat race and riverfront festival, is held on the Fourth of July weekend and attracts more than 70,000 tourists. Madison is also one of the stops along the Indiana Wine Trail, which offers wine aficionados a chance to sample vintages from six nearby wineries. Neighboring Clifty Falls State Park has hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and scenic views.
Population: 13,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 41%
Cost of Living: 34% below the national average
Median Home Price: $225,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and humidity is high. Winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s, and the skies are often overcast. The area receives 45 inches of rain and 15 inches of snow on average each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients: Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission: No, but King's Daughters Health has been named a Top 100 Rural Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The nearest accredited facility is 50 miles away in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Public Transit: Yes. Catch-a-Ride has curb to curb and door to door service.
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes, the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library. It has workshops for older adults.
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 20%
Is Indiana Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: The tornado risk is 175% greater than the national average. Louisville, Kentucky is the nearest large city, and it is 50 miles away. This is where many residents travel for in-depth shopping, since local large retailers are few.
Notes: Madison has a nice feeling about it. Ivy Tech Community College has a campus here. The city has grown 1% during the last decade. Some neighborhoods outside of the town center need a little sprucing up. Home prices have increased 5% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the lack of an accredited hospital is something to consider.
Indiana:
The "crossroads of America" entered the Union on December 11, 1816. Its nickname, the Hoosier State, was used as early as 1827 and could refer to its pioneers, a name for corn, or the employees of a canal contractor named Hoosier.
Bordered by Lake Michigan, the state of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, Indiana plays a key role in the American Midwest. Its continental climate is marked by cold winters and warm, wet summers. Temperatures can vary from north to south.
Although manufacture of iron, steel, and transportation equipment is a prime mover of the state's economy, almost three quarters of Indiana's land is dedicated to agriculture. The richest yields are grain crops. Hoosier farmers are also major producers of hogs, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first 500 on May 30, 1911. The state also saw the country's first train robbery when the Reno Brothers stopped a Jackson County train on October 6, 1866. Their take was $13,000 dollars (roughly $200,000 in today's dollars).
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2024. All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Reproducing any original part of this publication without written permission from Webwerxx, Inc. is plagiarism. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this website, but some information may have changed since each article and/or report went online, and Webwerxx, Inc. is not liable for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.