Choosing the best city to retire in is a major decision. You want a location that is affordable, enjoyable, and provides good healthcare.
WalletHub conducted a study comparing over 180 US cities to determine the best places for retirees. They considered factors such as affordability, taxes, activities, quality of life, and healthcare.
Here are the top ten cities that they believe are the best for retirees.
Orlando, Florida
WalletHub ranks Orlando as the best city for retirement. The City Beautiful is well-known for its theme parks, but it also makes an excellent retirement destination. The city has warm weather and a variety of entertainment options.
Whether you enjoy golfing, shopping, or dining out, Orlando has something for every retiree.
The cost of living in Orlando is significantly lower than in Miami and Naples, though it is 1% higher than the national average.
Florida does not have a state income tax, which is good news for retirees with fixed incomes. The city also has good healthcare facilities to meet your medical needs.
Miami, Florida
Miami has stunning beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is renowned for its diverse population and thriving arts scene.
If you enjoy music, art, and festivals, Miami could be the place to spend your golden years.
While Miami’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (19% higher), Florida’s lack of a state income tax helps to mitigate this.
The city also has a number of healthcare facilities to help you stay in good health during your retirement years.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Let’s get away from Florida for a moment. If you don’t mind the cool weather, Minneapolis has a lot to offer.
The city has numerous parks and lakes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous museums and theatres for those who enjoy cultural activities.
Minneapolis has a low cost of living, 6% lower than the national average.
The city has a strong sense of community, which can be beneficial in retirement.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa combines the allure of a coastal city with the conveniences of urban living. With its beautiful waterfronts and vibrant downtown, it’s an ideal place to keep your retired self active.
The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year.
The cost of living in Tampa is reasonable, about 5% lower than the national average. And, like other Florida cities, there is no state income tax.
Healthcare facilities are plentiful, ensuring that medical care is available when necessary.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is known for its boating canals and beautiful beaches.
The city provides a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy during retirement while the working-age population is at work, such as fishing, boating, and golf.
The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is relatively low when compared to other Florida cities, but healthcare is where it really shines; Fort Lauderdale residents have 6% more affordable healthcare than the national average.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a desert city famous for its spa resorts and golf courses.
The warm, dry climate suits those who prefer milder winters. The city also has a thriving arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities.
While the cost of living in Scottsdale is 13% higher than the national average, Arizona’s tax policies are very beneficial to retirees.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati combines urban and suburban living with a rich history. The city has many parks, museums, and a vibrant restaurant scene. It’s also known for its welcoming communities.
Cincinnati’s cost of living is 4% lower than in many other cities, making it an affordable retirement destination.
The city also has reputable healthcare facilities to cater to your medical needs.
St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg has stunning beaches and a thriving arts community. The city has sunny weather for most of the year, earning it the nickname “The Sunshine City.”
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy.
St. Petersburg has a 5% lower cost of living than the national average, and Florida does not have a state income tax, which is beneficial.
Healthcare services are widely available, ensuring that retirees have access to medical treatment.
Casper, Wyoming
Casper, Wyoming, provides natural beauty and a small-town atmosphere for those seeking a quieter retirement.
The city is surrounded by mountains and rivers, making it an excellent location for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Wyoming, like Florida, has no state income tax, which benefits retirees. While there are fewer healthcare options than in other cities on this list, you can still find some excellent ones.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a vibrant city with a long history and diverse culture. The city has many museums, theatres, and restaurants.
There are plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy.
Atlanta’s cost of living is reasonable, about 3% lower than the national average.
To top it off, Georgia provides tax breaks for retirees.
Runners Up
WalletHub ranked 182 cities for retirees in their research. We won’t go into detail here, but these are the cities that ranked 11th to 20th best for retirement.
11th place: Las Vegas, Nevada
12th place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
13th place: Wilmington, Delaware
14th place: Denver, Colorado
15th place: Madison, Wisconsin
16th place: Charleston, South Carolina
17th place: Richmond, Virginia
17th place (tie): Pembroke Pines, Florida
19th place: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
20th place: Cape Coral, Florida
Worst Cities to Retire
If you’re looking for a new city to live in during your retirement, you should know which cities are the best and worst for retirees.
WalletHub recommends that retirees avoid living in the following cities:
- San Bernardino, California
- Stockton, California
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Bakersfield, California
- Newark, New Jersey
- Detroit, Michigan
- Fresno, California
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Wichita, Kansas
- Fontana, California
In many cases, these cities rank poorly for affordability and retirement-friendly activities in the area.
