These Are The Top U.S. Cities For Retirement
Anyone who has worked their whole life waits for the moment when they finally get the chance to retire. Retirement can give people a ton of freedom, but it's still important to be mindful of certain senior living requirements. This is why people flock to certain American cities that offer an affordable lifestyle, friendly neighbors, great views, and more. Here are the best U.S. cities for retirement.
Wenatchee, Washington
About 150 miles east of Seattle is the charming outdoor town of Wenatchee, Washington. The city has a population of about 35,000 people and has no state income tax.
Most of the retirees who move to Wenatchee love it for the comfortable climate, good air quality, low crime rate, and that people can travel by bicycle to most places.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Life moves a little bit slower in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The area is surrounded by Amish farmland, so there are plenty of Amish crafts, produce, and baked goods to go around.
According to U.S. News, the population is a little over 538,000 with a median monthly mortgage cost of $1,516 and median monthly rent of $978.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Beach lovers may consider retiring in Virginia Beach, Virginia because of its 28 miles of beautiful beaches. Situated against the Atlantic Ocean, the median home price is just about $319,000.
Virginia Beach residents love the area because there's no state estate or income taxes. Also, there's great air quality, low crime rates, and low climate change.
Nashville, Tennessee
There's plenty of fun activities to do in Nashville, Tennessee. Not only do they have the Grand Ole Opry and other famous live music venues, but there are also plenty of museums, parks, sports arenas, and restaurants.
Retirees may be attracted to Nashville because of its affordable housing options and no state income tax.
Jefferson City, Missouri
If anyone is looking to retire in Missouri, one of the best options is Jefferson City. There's tons of charm and history in the state capital with fun shops, restaurants, and architecture.
Those who have an income of less than $85,000 won't get their Social Security benefits taxed and there are some other tax exemptions as well.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
There are many benefits for those who choose to retire in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have some of the greatest health care with the University of Michigan-Hospitals-Michigan Medicine being ranked one of the best in the country.
U.S. News reports that the median monthly rent is $1,083 and the median monthly mortgage cost is $1,737.
Sarasota, Florida
One of the most common places in the U.S. to find retirees is the city of Sarasota, Florida. With an average population of almost 786,000, Sarasota provides white, sandy beaches and sunshine all year round.
According to U.S. News, the median monthly mortgage cost is $1,481 and the median monthly rent is $1,152.
Asheville, North Carolina
Many people come to live in Asheville, North Carolina to be able to get the picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The city remains a vibrant gathering place with art galleries, museums, studios, and more. Those who love the outdoors can partake in plenty of activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking, and fishing. Also, the state doesn't tax Social Security income.
Auburn, Alabama
Auburn, Alabama is best known as the college town for Auburn University with a population of 63,000. It's a reasonable place to retire with the median home price being around $245,000.
According to Forbes, Auburn has an above-average rank on the Milken Institute list of best places for successful aging.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
People can feel like they are on a permanent vacation if they choose to retire in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The area features over 60 miles of beaches, has numerous golf courses, and delicious local seafood.
U.S. News found that the median monthly rent is $913 and the median monthly mortgage cost is $1,267.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Located in southeastern South Dakota, Sioux Falls is a quaint river city with a median home price of $246,000. This means it's about a quarter below the national median.
Those who have retired in Sioux Falls are happy with the availability of medical staff, low natural hazard risk, and no state income or estate taxes.
Manchester, New Hampshire
If you're tired of living in a place where it feels like it stays the same season year-round, then you might like Manchester, New Hampshire.
Considered a seasonal town, Manchester has some of the prettiest views of forests, mountains, and skylines. Residents can usually be found shopping at the farmer's market or cheering on their favorite local sports team.
Alton, Illinois
Alton, Illinois is a city located along the Mississippi River with a population of about 27,000 people. Their median home price is $60,000, which is 22 percent below the national average.
Some pros for retiring in Alton include a wide range of doctors, no state income tax on Social Security earnings, and state income tax breaks on pension income.
Savannah, Georgia
There are several benefits to living in Savannah, Georgia. With a population of 146,000, their median home price is $203,000. This is a whopping 38 percent below the national median.
People love living there for their mild winters, state income tax exemptions for retirees, no state estate tax, and low climate change risk.
Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky, Ohio is at the halfway point between Toledo and Cleveland and sits right along Lake Erie. According to Forbes, the median home price is $69,000 and the cost of living is 23 percent below the national average.
Sandusky has no state estate, income, Social Security, or inheritance taxes, has good air quality, and is relatively easy to get around by walking.
Huntington, West Virginia
Near the western tip of West Virginia sits the Ohio River city of Huntington. Their population is about 48,000 with a median home price of $80,000.
Huntington has no state estate or inheritance taxes, they have an above-average number of qualified physicians, and healthy air quality. Also, their town was named after a railroad tycoon.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo happens to be the largest city in North Dakota with a population of 125,000. Their median home price is $244,000, which is over a quarter below the national median.
There's no state estate tax, lots of choices for medical help, clean air quality, low climate change risk, and is very easy to navigate on a bike.
Brattleboro, Vermont
About 100 miles northwest of Boston is the river town of Brattleboro, Vermont. With a small population of 12,000, their median home price comes to $202,000.
Brattleboro has no state estate or inheritance taxes, the cost of living is at the national average, there's plenty of clean air, and there are low crime rates.
Sacramento, California
California's capital city of Sacramento has a population of about half a million people and a median home price of $317,000. This makes it one of the least expensive places to live in the state.
Retirees love Sacramento for the moderate climate, high number of physicians per capita, good economy, and no state estate, inheritance, or Social Security taxes.
Sun City, Arizona
Retirees who still want to remain physically active should consider the Phoenix suburb of Sun City, Arizona. The town has a population of around 40,000 people with a median home price of $240,000.
Not only is it sunny for the entire year, but the city has a good economy and no tax on state estate and Social Security.
Iowa City, Iowa
College town, Iowa City, Iowa, has a population of about 76,000 people. Their median home price is $227,000, which is 31 percent below the national average.
Good air quality, a moderate climate, low crime rates, a strong economy, and low natural hazard risks make Iowa City a great place to retire.
Lawrence, Kansas
Many retirees are flocking to college towns and one that remains popular is Lawrence, Kansas. With a population of 100,000, Lawrence can be found about 40 miles west of Kansas City.
The town's median home price is $239,000, which is 27 percent below the national median. Lawrence is known for its strong economy, clean air, and easy bicycle commutes.
Lincoln, Nebraska
A little southwest of Omaha is the state capital and college town, Lincoln, Nebraska. Their population comes to about 283,000 with a median home price of $225,000.
Since their median home price is 32 percent below the national average, it provides retirees with some financial relief. Lincoln also has a booming economy, low natural hazard risk, and more.
Casper, Wyoming
Named for a fallen soldier, Casper, Wyoming, has a population of 60,000 people. The median home price in Casper is $201,000 and they rank high for the best cities for successful aging.
Casper residents don't have to pay state income, estate, or inheritance taxes, can enjoy the clean air quality, and appreciate the low crime rates.
Homer, Alaska
While Homer is in Alaska, it's actually a beachfront city that sits along the Kenai Peninsula. Their population only reaches about six thousand with a median home price of $280,000.
Homer has a relatively mild climate and great air quality. There are a ton of doctors and medical staff in the area and no state income, estate, or inheritance taxes.
Madison, Wisconsin
One hint that a lot of retirees live in Madison, Wisconsin is that their official local bird is a plastic pink flamingo.
Their population equates to about 253,000 with a median home price of $252,000. Also, Madison ranks extremely high on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
You won't run out of outdoor activities living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The town is about 70 miles south of Denver and has a population of 465,000.
Homes typically go for about $276,000 and the city has one of the strongest economies in the nation. While Colorado Springs is easy to bike, it's not necessarily the best for walking.
Salt Lake City, Utah
One of the most scenic cities to retire in is Salt Lake City, Utah. Their population is around 194,000 with a median home price of $366,000.
Salt Lake City does not have state estate or inheritance taxes and is great for those who want to stay active throughout their later years.
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Many people probably dream of getting to retire in a tropical paradise such as Hawaii. If Hawaii is your goal, consider moving to Kaneohe.
This beautiful town is on the island of Oahu with a population of about 35,000 people. Their median home price is $828,000 and they have no state income tax on Social Security earnings or pension income.
Westerly, Rhode Island
The beach town of Westerly, Rhode Island is located on the southwestern tip of the state. Westerly has a population of about 23,000 and a median home price of $329,000.
It is one of the safest towns in the region with very clean air quality and a high number of physicians per capita.
