Young retired people are still active, with a need for travel and recreation as well as for taking a well-earned rest. They don't have to fight the crowds of commuters each day, so they can live beyond the borders of major metropolitan areas.

Still, a range of leisure activities is important. Accordingly, each town on this list of Best Places to Retire Young had to be near a sizable city or urban cluster, which can provide the young retired with resources like a major airport, great dining and shops, sports and an active music scene.

In those few cases where a metropolitan area wasn't within 100 miles, we looked for an outdoor lifestyle compelling enough to overcome the relative isolation.

We wanted places that were healthy economically, so we screened for low unemployment and long-term job growth. The cost of living is always important, so we searched for places that were near the average home price for the United States. In some cases, we were willing to include those places that are worth their higher price tag through their unique mix of resources.

Many of these places also have a significant college presence, which can add a great deal of color and dimension to even the smallest town.

Specific criteria used in making up the list of best places follow:

• Population growth: We wanted positive growth since 1990.
• Near major metropolitan area: within 100 miles.
• Housing cost: below $350,000, with a few exceptions. We're showing current median housing prices (asking prices) for single-family houses.
• Cost of living: No more than 20 percent above the national average.
• Economic health: current unemployment rate below 4 percent and job growth greater than 10 percent for the past five years.
• College presence: one or more major and/or highly competitive college in the vicinity.
• Recreation and arts and culture score in the top third for nearby major metropolitan areas.

In some cases, we made exceptions for places that may not strictly fit our criteria but that offer unique benefits that may be worth the higher home cost or relative isolation.

Best Places to Retire Young

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Population: 38,246

15-year population growth: 36.7%

Median home price: $311,700

Home price 2-year forecast: 11.8%

Non-French-speaking types tired of figuring out how to pronounce the name of this nice spot in Idaho simply call it "CDA." No matter. Barbara Walters loves it here, as do the natives who never tire of the city's babbling brooks and stunning scenery. Tourism has grown significantly over the years so traveling on some of the tight country roads can get a little slow. While there's a natural ski environment here, something you probably don't know about Coeur d'Alene (actually pronounced "core da lane") is its flourishing golf culture, which features the world's only moveable floating green.

Charlottesville, VA

Population: 41,425

15-year population growth: 11.6%

Median home price: $398,400

Home price 2-year forecast: 2.4%

For retirees with a serious sense of history, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is here, as is the University of Virginia and the rugged and picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, all imbued with a strong sense of colonialism and 18th-century ideals. For relaxing retirement days, there is a steady diet of serene golf courses and refreshing water sports. There's plenty of kitsch too amid the numerous bookstores and antique shops.

Logan, UT

Population: 44,599

15-year population growth: 28.6%

Median home price: $205,400

Home price 2-year forecast: 14.3%

This popular stop-off on the way to Yellowstone is for those who enjoy the simple life. Home to Utah State University, Logan boasts a buffet of recreational offerings including water sports at Bear Lake and places to soak in what life was like in the Old West. The historic downtown and Logan Canyon Scenic Byway offer simplicity in all its splendor. Of course, the skiing isn't half-bad either.

Burlington, VT

Population: 37,884

15-year population growth: -0.6%

Median home price: $378,000

Home price 2-year forecast: 1.3%

So what might one do here? Ski? Sure, but that's the easy answer. A college town, Burlington is in fact home to four colleges: the University of Vermont, Burlington College, Champlain College and a Community College of Vermont campus. That means there's plenty of culture to be explored, including the South End Art Hop and a rich and varied blend of homegrown musical talent. Need another reason to love Burlington? It's the birthplace of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Anacortes, WA

Population: 15,514

15-year population growth: 24.5%

Median home price: $347,600

Home price 2-year forecast: 9.8%

Water lovers will like the crowned jewel of Fidalgo Island, a hop, skip and a short sail to British Columbia. While recreation at this seaside destination tends towards aquatic staples like sailing, kayaking and power boating, there are plenty of other things to do like golfing, camping, bird watching and beach combing. Anacortes' historic downtown boasts specialty shops, antique stores and art galleries plus bed and breakfasts and gourmet restaurants.

Sarasota, FL

Population: 53,477

15-year population growth: 2.6%

Median home price: $423,400

Home price 2-year forecast: -6.3%

While you're not going to realize a lot of housing bargains in this Gulf Coast spot, you will discover some of the most splendid architecture anywhere in the Sunshine State. It also boasts pure white sands, exotic birds and plants, boating, water skiing, opera, ballets.

Hanover, NH

Population: 8,305

15-year population growth: 13.2%

Median home price: $297,400

Home price 2-year forecast: 0.9%

Ivy League living within drive time of Boston, Montreal and New York City awaits in this colonial enclave and home to Dartmouth College. The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is among the premier institutions in all the Northeast U.S. The entire region is known as the "Upper Valley" and offers trails for snowshoes and cross-country skiing that are among the best you'll find anywhere.

Manhattan, KS

Population: 44,630

15-year population growth: 3.3%

Median home price: $188,600

Home price 2-year forecast: 1.8%

About 120 miles west of Kansas City, "The Little Apple" is home to Kansas State University and Fort Riley, one of the largest U.S. military installations. With natural beauty that includes Tuttle Creek Lake's 15,000 acres, the city also features golf galore as well as numerous arts and entertainment offerings. The historic Aggieville shopping district will help you stroll away many a breezy afternoon. For that special something: Block off the last weekend in June on your calendar and make sure you attend the Country Stampede Music Festival.

Ames, IA

Population: 54,817

15-year population growth: 5.6%

Median home price: $176,700

Home price 2-year forecast: 1.4%

Real, American, Midwest living. That pretty much sums up Ames. The town's pride and joy is Iowa State University, and going to see the Cyclones take on one of their Big 12 rivals is a pretty cool way to spend an October afternoon. Ames is also on the docket for big-name musical acts and touring theater groups. Extemely affordable housing and low crime complete the package. Life here is quiet and calm, just the way you might like it.