July 17, 2023
“We thought we’d see a couple of stop signs and a few churches, but instead, we found a town alive with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, art galleries and so much to do.”
~ Vic Crane, a Kendal at Lexington resident who is active on at least seven resident-led committees.
If you are considering retiring to a small town, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to research the town carefully to make sure it has the amenities and activities that are important to you. Second, choose a place that offers a peace of mind as you begin a new chapter in your life. If you are looking for a place to retire that offers a slower pace of life, a sense of community and a lower cost of living, then Lexington, Virgina may be the perfect place for you.
Why Kendal at Lexington?
“It’s not like we’re on a cruise ship being told what we’re going to do every day,” said Vic. “If you want to do something here, you propose it and do it!”
That can-do spirit does not exist in a Kendal at Lexington vacuum.
As Country Living magazine noted, Lexington, Virginia, is a “do-it-yourself” town. “Lexington welcomes new ideas,” stated the article highlighting the many virtues of the “small Shenandoah Valley burg with big appeal.”
A Community Within a Community
Indeed, for Vic, his wife Pamela, and many others, residing in the quaint mountain town of Lexington had much to do with their decision to move to Kendal.
The inverse is true, too, as some residents moved to Lexington specifically with a plan to move to Kendal down the road, assured by the presence of the continuing care Life Plan community.
Either way, happy KaLex residents are living in a community within a community that’s considered a great place to retire for a myriad of reasons.
Storied Past, Lively Present
“What surprised us most is how vibrant Lexington is,” said Vic, a native of upstate New York and former resident of several cities across the U.S.
Remarking that many historical places are somewhat desolate, Vic was impressed that Lexington (settled in 1777 and steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War history) is well preserved and still active.
“We thought we’d see a couple of stop signs and a few churches, but instead, we found a town alive with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, art galleries and so much to do.”
Culture and Charm
For Vic and Pamela, who did not wish to live in a highly urban area or a golf community (though there’s plenty of golf to be had here), Lexington’s rural charm and enriching culture, influenced by two college campuses, is the perfect combination.
“The two universities really drew us,” remarked Vic, noting that the resident-directed Kendal College program partners with local professors to lecture on a variety of topics, and many residents attend events at both Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute.
An avid hiker, Vic also appreciates the area’s expansive trail network, meandering throughout the Kendal campus, downtown Lexington, and breathtaking environs.
Cost Advantages
With a bustling downtown, local charm, scenic beauty and inspiring academia, what more could Lexington offer? As it turns out, plenty, including some enticing economic advantages.
According to Great Retirement Spots, the cost of living in Virginia is 18% below the national average. What’s more, Virginia does not tax Social Security, and taxpayers 65+ with certain adjusted gross incomes can claim a healthy retirement deduction. Long-term insurance premiums are also deductible.
Good Friends Made Easily
But above all, a strong sense of community is what stands out most in Lexington.
“In both the city of Lexington and at Kendal, newcomers become adopted into the community very quickly,” said Vic. “It’s just expected that you can walk up and talk to someone or join them at dinner. It’s like going to college again; within a month or so, you have a whole new set of good friends.”