Brunswick considered in the top 10 suburbs for retirees across the country

BRUNSWICK — Out of 412 suburbs across the country, Brunswick is considered to be in the top 10 best places for retirees. This Old House recently put out an article titled, "These Are the Best Suburbs for Retirees in 2024," which recognized Brunswick as the eighth best in the United States. The publication used data in the following categories to determine its rankings: Quality of life by looking at factors like life expectancy, the number of retirement homes and crimes per 1,000 residents and the ratio of residents to physicians. Financial well-being through information like the percentage of seniors who live in poverty and different types of taxes. The number of amenities, like golf courses and pickleball courts, per 1,000 residents. "I really think it's a great recognition for the city of Brunswick," Medina County Office for Older Adults Director Laura Toth said. "I think they do a lot to attract seniors." According to This Old House, 17.2 percent of Brunswick's population is over the age of 65, and only 6 percent of residents who are 65 and older live below the poverty line. "The cost of living compared to surrounding communities is very affordable," Toth said. "For a lot of seniors, it fits within their price point, even for many who are on a fixed income. I think Medina County has a great sales tax rate that's very appealing to people, and also lower taxes all around." Brunswick City Councilman-at-Large Tim Smith said the city has a lot of attributes that provide a good quality of life for retirees such as activities for seniors at the Brunswick Recreation Center, a good parks system, a variety of unique shopping experiences and more. "I moved here from Michigan 30 years ago, and I had looked at a lot of different cities to live in," he said. "We just kept coming back to Brunswick, and one of the reasons was the friendliness of people. What I see now that I'm in my older years is there's a respect for the older people here." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.