Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Retire in Paia, Hawaii?
Overview: Located on the north shore of Maui, which is often called the best island in the world, laid back little Paia dates from 1896. For much of its history, it was dependent on the sugar cane industry and was home to sugar cane workers.
The sugar cane industry began to decline in the 1950s, and locals started to open colorful retail establishments that catered to the hippies who came in the 1960s. These rustic, wooden shops, some of which are very small, still stand along the busy main street. Surf shops, clothing stores, art galleries, inns, craft stores, bakeries, coffee houses, jewelry stores and now occupy the buildings. Fourteen restaurants serve everything from Indian and Mexican to vegetarian dishes. Mana Foods has organic foods, a bakery and a deli. Residents are friendly, and flip flops and t-shirts are standard attire. Professional windsurfers come from around the world to test the waves off Hookipa Beach, while quieter Baby Beach at the end of Baldwin Beach draws sun seekers and sand loungers.
Paia has essentially two neighborhoods, one along the water and one set about a half mile inland, and homes range from condos and comfortable ranch ramblers on smallish lots to stunning estates with dramatic ocean views. Kahului (population 26,000) is just eight miles away and has an abundance of shopping and dining options.
Population: 2,700 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 30%
Cost of Living: 101% above the national average
Median Home Price: $852,000
Climate: Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s year round. On average, the area receives 30 inches of rain annually.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Maui Medical Memorial Hospital is eight miles away in Wailuku and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by the Joint Commission? No, but Maui Medical Memorial Hospital is eight miles away in Wailuku and is accredited.
Public Transit: Yes. A bus runs up and down the main road and to neighboring towns.
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Very, very liberal
Is Hawaii Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: The beaches are often very windy.
Notes: Paia has five houses of worship, one Catholic, one Protestant, one non-denominational and two Buddhist. The village has lost about 5% of its population in the last decade.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Maybe. People seem to like this little town, but the population loss is a concern.
Hawaii:
The Aloha State is an isolated volcanic archipelago 2,397 miles east of San Francisco. Although it was annexed by the United States in 1900, Hawaii did not become a state until August 21, 1959. It is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands, and it is the northernmost island group in Polynesia.
Hawaii's islands are known for their lush foliage, rugged geography, as well as their gold, red, black, and green sand beaches. Its Kilauea volcano is one of the world's most active. NASA astronauts trained for moon voyages by walking on Mauna Loa's hardened lava fields.
Of the six major islands, Oahu has the only major city - Honolulu. Climate and rainfall can vary depending on altitude and location. Thanks to trade winds, the north and east side receive higher amounts of moisture than the south and west. The islands experience some tropical storms, but the incidence of a true hurricane is rare. The rainiest city, Hilo, in the United States is in Hawaii.
Tourism and defense are a large part of the Hawaii's economy. The state is the only one in the union to grow coffee. It also produces most of the nation's pineapple and sugar cane. Nearly eight million tourists come to visit each year.
Stats:
Population - 1,428,557
Persons 65 years old and over - 14%
High school graduates, persons age 25+ - 91%
Bachelor's degree or higher, persons age 25+ - 31%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin - 10%
White persons, not Hispanic - 22%
Median household income - $71,977
Median home value - $538,499
Social Security taxed? No
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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