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Why Ohio National Mutual Employees Should Consider These Top Retirement Locations for Affordability and Ideal Weather

'Ohio National Mutual employees nearing retirement should consider cities like Cary, North Carolina, that balance affordable living, great weather, and top-tier healthcare, as these factors are essential in ensuring a financially comfortable and healthy retirement.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Retirees from Ohio National Mutual companies should prioritize locations that offer both cost-effective living and excellent healthcare, such as Cary, North Carolina, ensuring a fulfilling and stable retirement experience.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The best affordable cities for retirement, with a focus on Cary, North Carolina.
How weather and cost of living are key factors for Ohio National Mutual employees planning their retirement.
The importance of healthcare access in choosing a retirement destination.

Combining great weather with affordability, Cary, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the top spots for Ohio National Mutual employees planning their retirement. Located just nine miles west of Raleigh, this charming city offers retirees a year-round climate with temperatures between 32°F and 89°F. With an average monthly cost of living of $3,615, Cary provides an excellent balance of affordable housing and beautiful weather—two key considerations for Ohio National Mutual employees looking to make the most of their retirement years.

Cary's exceptional quality of life is reflected in its impressive livability score of 90 out of 100. The city offers a community that supports retirees, with 12% of its population being over 65, according to GoBankingRates. The temperature is generally mild, though seasonal fluctuations are expected, with the hottest months being late May through early October. Despite some fluctuations, Cary's facilities, low crime rate, and healthcare services all earned favorable ratings, even though its cost of living score on AreaVibes was slightly lower.

Cary is not the only city with the perfect mix of affordability and great weather for retirement. For example, Metairie, Louisiana, scored 84 out of 100 on the livability scale. This city boasts a reasonably low cost of living, a mild climate, and a hint of Southern charm. For Ohio National Mutual retirees seeking relief from the hotter Southern U.S., Perry Hall, Maryland, is an excellent option due to its consistently milder temperatures.

With its reasonably priced housing and dry, sunny climate, Laughlin, Nevada, offers the lowest anticipated monthly cost of living on the list for retirees who are considering the desert lifestyle. In contrast, Oro Valley, Arizona, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, is particularly attractive to retirees, with more than one-third of its population being 65 or older. The area's year-round, outdoor-friendly temperatures further enhance its appeal.

Although Florida remains a popular retirement destination, the living costs in cities like Miami and Orlando can surpass $60,000 annually. High real estate prices and increasing property taxes might deter some retirees from making the move. For those still drawn to Florida's warm climate, alternatives like Perry Hall and Metairie offer similar weather conditions but at a more affordable cost of living.

GoBankingRates compiled a detailed list of affordable and appealing retirement destinations in 2024 by evaluating cities on several criteria, including rent, weather, cost of living, and overall desirability. At the top of the list is Cary, North Carolina, with its active retiree community and temperate climate. Laughlin, Nevada, and Oro Valley, Arizona, also stand out as great retirement options, showcasing that there are plenty of affordable places to retire while still enjoying a comfortable and pleasant lifestyle.

When planning retirement, Ohio National Mutual employees must strike a balance between living costs and a healthy, active environment. Whether in Cary or another well-regarded location, retirement planning should factor in both lifestyle preferences and financial considerations to help create a fulfilling retirement experience.

In addition to affordability and pleasant weather, healthcare access plays a critical role in selecting a retirement location. Cary, North Carolina, stands out for its top-notch healthcare offerings, including facilities like WakeMed Cary Hospital. U.S. News & World Report (March 2024) named Cary as a top choice for retirees who value both financial stability and healthcare quality, making it an ideal place for Ohio National Mutual employees nearing retirement.

If you're looking for an affordable and desirable retirement destination, Cary, North Carolina, with its 90/100 livability score, is one of the best cities for retirees. Offering a mild climate, affordable living costs, and excellent healthcare services, it's a standout location. Other affordable places with favorable weather for retirement include Metairie, Louisiana, and Oro Valley, Arizona. Discover why these cities are gaining popularity due to their appealing combination of amenities, climate, and affordability.

Choosing the right retirement destination is much like selecting the perfect vacation spot: it should offer the amenities you desire, such as great weather, reasonable prices, and convenient access to the services you need. Like a year-round vacation, cities like Cary, North Carolina, and Metairie, Louisiana, provide a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and practicality, allowing Ohio National Mutual retirees to enjoy both financial comfort and peace of mind. These locations promise a long-term 'staycation' with affordable living, pleasant weather, and excellent healthcare throughout the year.

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Sources:

1. GoBankingRates. “12 Surprisingly Affordable Cities With Great Weather for Retirees.” GoBankingRates , October 2024, pp. 1-2.

2. U.S. News & World Report. “The 2 Best Independent Living Communities in Cary, NC.” U.S. News & World Report , March 2025, pp. 1-3.

3. Investopedia. “Why Arizona Could Be the Perfect Retirement Destination for You.” Investopedia , May 2025, pp. 1-2.

4. CarePatrol. “Beyond Cost: A Different Perspective on Choosing a Retirement Location.” CarePatrol , April 2025, pp. 1-2.

5. Nasdaq. “Retirement Relocation: Choosing the Perfect Place to Call Home.” Nasdaq , April 2025, pp. 1-2.

What retirement plan options does Ohio State offer its employees, and how do these plans compare in terms of contribution rates and employer matching? Understanding the distinctions between the ARP Defined Contribution and OPERS Traditional Pension Plan is important for making informed retirement choices.

Retirement Plan Options: Ohio State offers several retirement plan options, including the ARP Defined Contribution, OPERS Member-Directed, OPERS Traditional Pension (Defined Benefit), and OPERS Combined Plan (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution). Employees contribute 10% of their eligible compensation to these plans, and Ohio State contributes 14%. In the ARP, employees manage their investments, while OPERS plans involve a mixture of defined benefit formulas and employee contributions(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How does the vesting schedule work for contributions made to the various retirement plans at Ohio State? Employees should have a clear understanding of when they become fully vested in employer contributions and how this affects their retirement benefits.

Vesting Schedule: For the ARP plan, both employee and university contributions are immediately vested. In the OPERS Member-Directed plan, employee contributions are immediately vested, but university contributions are vested over five years. For the OPERS Traditional Pension and Combined plans, vesting occurs in stages: employees become 33% vested after 5 years and 67% vested after 10 years(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

In what ways can Ohio State employees manage their retirement accounts following termination or retirement, including options for lump-sum distributions or rolling funds into other retirement vehicles? Exploring these options can help employees better plan their financial future post-employment.

Account Management Post-Employment: Upon termination or retirement, employees can either leave their balance with the provider, roll it over into another qualified account, or withdraw funds as lump sums, fixed-period payments, or annuities. OPERS also offers joint or multiple life annuities(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

Can you elaborate on the investment choices available under the Ohio State ARP Defined Contribution plan, and how does the investment risk differ from that of the OPERS plans? Itâ€™s essential to assess how employees can maximize their retirement savings through sound investment strategies.

Investment Choices and Risk: In the ARP Defined Contribution and OPERS Member-Directed plans, employees choose from various investment options, bearing all the associated risks and fees. In contrast, OPERS manages the assets in the Traditional Pension and the DB portion of the Combined Plan, so employees assume no investment risk(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What criteria must be met for employees at Ohio State to qualify for disability benefits under the pension plans, and how are these benefits structured? Understanding the nuances of these benefits can be crucial for staff planning for unforeseen events.

Disability Benefits: Employees can qualify for disability benefits under OPERS after five years of service. Benefits are calculated based on service credits in the Traditional Pension and Combined Plans. The ARP plan offers no additional disability benefits beyond the vested account balance(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How does the interaction between Ohio State's retirement plans affect employees' eligibility for Social Security benefits, and what considerations should be taken into account? This is a significant aspect that can influence long-term retirement planning.

Interaction with Social Security: Participation in Ohio State's retirement plans may reduce Social Security benefits for eligible employees due to offset provisions. This can impact long-term retirement planning, so employees should consider this when making decisions(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What are the tax implications of withdrawing funds from Ohio State's retirement plans, and how can employees effectively plan for these taxes? Insights into the tax-deferred nature of contributions can aid in financial decision-making.

Tax Implications: Contributions to Ohio State’s retirement plans are made on a pre-tax basis, meaning federal and state taxes are deferred until the time of withdrawal. Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may incur additional tax penalties(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

Are there any additional benefits or programs available to employees through Ohio State that can complement retirement savings, such as health care benefits after retirement? These additional offerings can significantly enhance overall retirement security.

Additional Benefits: Ohio State provides health care, disability, and survivor benefits to employees enrolled in the OPERS Traditional Pension and Combined Plans. Access to a Retiree Medical Account for healthcare expenses is available in some plans(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

How can Ohio State employees get in touch with the Human Resources department to learn more about retirement plan options, contribution limits, and other benefits? It's crucial for employees to know the right channels to obtain help regarding their retirement planning.

Human Resources Contact: Employees can contact the Office of Human Resources or their selected ARP provider for more information on retirement plan options, contribution limits, and other benefits. Ohio State also provides resources on its HR website(Ohio State_Retirement P…).

What changes, if any, are expected in Ohio State's retirement plans for the upcoming year, especially concerning contribution limits and other regulatory adjustments? Staying informed about potential changes can help employees proactively adjust their retirement savings strategies. These questions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of retirement plans and associated benefits at Ohio State, facilitating employee engagement and informed decision-making.

Expected Plan Changes: Any changes to contribution limits or plan adjustments will likely be communicated through Ohio State’s HR department. It's essential for employees to stay updated through official HR channels to proactively adjust their retirement strategies(Ohio State_Retirement P…).