Is there anything better than the thought of leaving work for good and never looking back? Well, before you get too carried away day-dreaming about lying on the beach all day, there are a few things to be considered when choosing a retirement location.
A quiet life in nature may seem like the right move at first but you may find yourself feeling too isolated. A town with universities and students may sound like a headache but it means cheaper costs. A growing population proves the town to be well maintained and accessible to human services. So you see, it’s a little more complicated than you may have thought.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of places to retire, with everything you need to know.
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Hawaii Winner: Kaneohe
Population: 35,000
Median Home Price: $828,000
A beautiful town on the island of Oahu. This is pretty pricey, but what could possibly make for a better retirement location than gorgeous island views every morning?
Hawaii Runner Up: Honolulu
Population: 355,000
Median Home Price: $630,000
Hawaii was voted the second best place to retire in the year 2018. A calm island atmosphere is a perfect environment in which to grow old.
See the best places to retire in your state:
Colorado Winner: Colorado Springs
Population: 465,000
Median Home Price: $276,000
This city is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a popular destination for tourists seeking scenery, rock formations, and other unique geological features so if this is your retirement location, you’ll never be bored. Oh and, did we mention pot is legal now in Colorado? ;)
Colorado Runner Up: Fort Collins
Population: 165,000
Median Home Price: $379,000
Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University. It's best known for the high-tech companies which are developing at a rapid speed. This is a good fit for those who thrive in modern technology. So, this retirement location is best suited for those who want to keep their youth intact.
Maine Winner: Portland
Population: 67,000
Median Home Price: $301,000
Portland’s historic Old Port district along Portland Harbor, at the mouth of the Fore River and part of Casco Bay, is just one of the notable sites of interest within the city. So if you’re a sucker for that boat life, this is the place for you.
The area you choose for retirement should be growing and developing to ensure higher levels of human services and Portland is on its way up. You’ll have everything you need.
Maine Runner Up: Lewiston
Population: 36,000
Median Home Price: $141,000
Lewiston is a family-based town where your neighbors are your favorite Friday night dinner pals. There is great weather and also quiet times for those Sunday afternoons. This makes for a very relaxing retirement location.
Alabama Winner: Auburn
Population: 63,000
Median Home Price: $245,000
Now, this is perfect for those who are looking for life in a small town where you know your neighbors. Tons of greenery and quiet. This is best suited for those with a passion for golf! Let’s be honest, if you didn’t get into golf did you even retire?
Alabama Runner Up: Gulf Shores
Population: 11,000
Median Home Price: $251,000
The Gulf Shores are known for their scenery and slow pace living. The perfect place to settle down for retirement.
Alaska Winner: Homer
Population: 6,000
Median Home Price: $280,000
Beachfront city on the Kenai Peninsula along Alaska’s southern coast. Sunny skies and good views are exactly what the doctor ordered. They also have great medical facilities which are in driving distance to all areas.
Alaska Runner Up: Anchorage
Population: 300,000
Median Home Price: $337,000
The city, located on a strip of coastal lowland and amidst the lower alpine slopes of the Chugach Mountains. If you don't mind the cold or you have a love for ski or go fishing, then this is the place you're looking for.
However, it’s a risky idea moving to a place with such extreme weather circumstances so best to do choose one of the many retirement homes they have which can cater to all your needs.
Arizona Winner: Green Valley
Population: 32,000
Median Home Price: $175,000
This is a collection of desert retirement communities located between Tucson and the Mexican border. This is a good idea for retirement if you're on a budget, as the cost of living here is 4% below average living expenses.
Arizona Runner Up: Sun City
Population: 40,000
Median Home Price: $167,000
Can you guess what Sun City is most famous for? You're a genius, their sunny weather. There are also tons of places for golf, so you're looking at a pretty laid-back lifestyle. There are also great medical facilities spread across the area.
Arkansas Winner: Bella Vista
Population: 28,000
Median Home Price: $163,000
This is the beautiful Scenic Ozarks foothill town in Arkansas’s northwest corner. It's best known for those lovely afternoons on the lake. Low crime rates and a peaceful slice of paradise for an easy retirement plan.
Arkansas Runner Up: Fayetteville
Population: 85,000
Median Home Price: $207,000
Some of Fayetteville’s highlights include the town square, where a farmer’s market is held seasonally, and Dickson Street, which is a narrow little street filled with shops leading to the city center.
This is the perfect combination of city life and quiet neighborhoods. It is always a good idea to choose a location which is developing for retirement, to ensure you always have the facilities you need.
California Winner: Sacramento
Population: 500,000
Median Home Price: $317,000
One of Sacramento's biggest attractions is Sutter’s Fort which is Old Sacramento, it consists of cobbled streets and many historic buildings, several from the 1850s and 1860s. So if history’s your thing, this is the place for you.
California Runner Up: Eureka
Population: 27,000
Median Home Price: $256,000
California coastal city is 270 miles north of San Francisco. It costs around 11% above average living expenses but if you can afford it, this offers a great lifestyle for those looking for an easy retirement.
Connecticut Winner: Mansfield
Population: 26,000
Median Home Price: $236,000
Mansfield is home to some of the best medical centers, putting them on an above-average rank on Milken Institute list of best places for successful aging this is perfect for those in need of constant medical care.
Connecticut Runner Up: Middletown
Population: 47,000
Median Home Price: $179,000
Middletown has a low crime rate and is best known for its peaceful lifestyle. Many of its beautiful attractions involve lake-side views. This makes for a relaxing location for retirement.
Delaware Winner: Newark
Population: 33,000
Median Home Price: $228,000
If you fancy a life filled with bike rides and long walks, then this is the perfect retirement location for you. There are also many highly rated retirement homes, ready to cater to your every need.
Delaware Runner Up: Smyrna
Population: 11,000
Median Home Price: $223,000
This is more of a fast-paced kind of city. They also have a serious crime rate, which is a factor to consider. This wouldn’t be the best place for retirement unless you choose one of their homes which have all the facilities one would require.
Florida Winner: Jacksonville
Population: 880,000
Median Home Price: $165,000
Jacksonville’s coastal location is home to the Port of Jacksonville, Florida’s third-largest seaport. As with much of Florida, tourism is also important to the Jacksonville area, particularly related to golf.
There is also a ton of museums so it's highly unlikely you'll ever get too bored here. Jacksonville also sits as one of the more average priced locations for those on a medium budget.
Florida Runner Up: The Villages
Population: 115,000
Median Home Price: $260,000
The Villages is a newly-defined Metropolitan Statistical Area that is made up of Sumter County, which is known as “Hog County”. The Villages is a master-planned, age-restricted community that is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. The Villages.
Georgia Winner: Athens
Population: 125,000
Median Home Price: $171,000
This is perfect for all those arts and culture fans. If you enjoy regular visits to the theater then this is a great option to consider for retirement.
Georgia Runner Up: Savannah
Population: 147,000
Median Home Price: $128,000
Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors who enjoy the city’s architecture, historic buildings, and culture. So it will always be clean and have that tourist vibe, which could be perfect for retirement.
Idaho Winner: Lewiston
Population: 33,000
Median Home Price: $211,000
Lewiston is home to a number of natural formations including the Snake River, Joseph Canyon and part of Umatilla National Forest. This city is mainly nature which is great but could make you feel a little bit isolated.
Idaho Runner Up: Boise
Population: 223,000
Median Home Price: $263,000
Boise is a regional hub for jazz and theater, with the Gene Harris Jazz Festival hosted by the city annually. The city is also home to a number of museums. They have multiple medical facilities which are always in driving distance.
Illinois Winner: Alton
Population: 27,000
Median Home Price: $60,000
This is a charming Mississippi river city near St. Louis. The cost of living here is 22% below the national average. So this is a great location if you’re on a budget.
Illinois Runner Up: Naperville
Population: 147,000
Median Home Price: $392,000
Naperville has been known to be a great place for a smooth retirement. They have many retirement homes, medical facilities and a growing population for a developing city. However, their crime rate is pretty high, so that's something to consider.
Indiana Winner: Bloomington
Population: 85,000
Median Home Price: $176,000
Bloomington has a rich and diverse performing arts culture that is home to several professional and amateur theater companies. You could groove your way into an easy retirement. They also have a low crime rate.
Indiana Runner Up: Columbus
Population: 47,000
Median Home Price: $147,000
Columbus is a city known for its unique architecture, featuring many structures, both historical and contemporary. Some of the well-known landmarks include the Miller House, North Christian Church, Irwin Union Bank, and the First Baptist and First Christian Churches. This makes for a well-maintained city and developing towns which is necessary for a safe retirement.
Iowa Winner: Iowa City
Population: 75,000
Median Home Price: $220,000
Iowa City is home to the Old Capitol building, a National Historic Landmark and tourist attraction in the center of the campus of the University of Iowa, as well as being an integral part of the university.
This city goes all out for cultural events and promises an interesting lifestyle for retirement. The cities with more universities are becoming increasingly popular retirement destinations. Universities attract newcomers by design, and the towns that surround them often have better public transit systems and lower cost of living than other cities.
Iowa Runner Up: Ames
Population: 66,000
Median Home Price: $183,000
Ames is the home of Iowa State University of Science and Technology, which is a public research institution with well-known agriculture, design, engineering, and Veterinary Medicine colleges. A quick developing city which caters well to its retiree's needs.
Kansas Winner: Lawrence
Population: 95,000
Median Home Price: $193,000
Downtown Lawrence, in particular, Massachusetts Street, has a lively atmosphere and is filled with restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and music venues. A perfect place for retirement, if you enjoy doing fun activities throughout the day.
To retire in an area which attracts newcomers is an important factor to consider- you may think you want to move away from civilization, but you can easily begin to feel isolated.
Kansas Runner Up: Overland Park
Population: 190,000
Median Home Price: $302,000
Overland Park has a high rank on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging. They are also known for their pleasant weather and low crime rates.
Kentucky Winner: Lexington
Population: 318,000
Median Home Price: $177,000
The city is characterized for its surrounding horse farms, but also for its rapidly developing urban center. Lexington is also home to many thriving arts organizations including a professional orchestra, two ballet companies, professional theater, and several museums. It's a city with many attractions.
Kentucky Runner Up: Bowling Green
Population: 65,000
Median Home Price: $177,000
Bowling Green is slowly but surely becoming more technology orientated. The town is quickly urbanizing which is a perk when considering retirement.
Louisiana Winner: Kenner
Population: 67,000
Median Home Price: $160,000
Kenner is definitely easier on the pocket. The cost of living expenses averages at 6% below the norm. However, there are limited medical facilities available.
Louisiana Runner Up: Lafayette
Population: 128,000
Median Home Price: $163,000
Lafayette is recognized as the center of the Cajun culture in Louisiana and the U.S. Lafayette continues to have a strong tourism industry in large part due to the attraction of the Cajun and Creole cultures of the surrounding region. So it’s a pretty busy city with buzzing energy.
Maryland Winner: Ocean Pines
Population: 12,000
Median Home Price: $246,000
A wooded waterfront community on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is situated eight miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. This city is great if you enjoy those daily bike rides. With quiet rolling hills, you can live in the quiet of nature and still be within driving distance to the city.
Maryland Runner Up: Annapolis
Population: 40,000
Median Home Price: $419,000
Annapolis is the state capital on the Chesapeake Bay and can be found 30 miles south of Baltimore. This isn’t too heavy for your budget and is known to be a safe town.
Massachusetts Winner: Northampton
Population: 28,000
Median Home Price: $285,000
River city is located 100 miles west of Boston. It received a high rank on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging. They have good weather and keep their streets clean.
Massachusetts Runner Up: Pittsfield
Population: 43,000
Median Home Price: $160,000
Pittsfield is situated at the fork of the west and east branches of the Housatonic River and is the geographic and commercial hub of the Berkshires. Many of the city’s buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also perfect for all you campers out there. There are also multiple medical facilities spaced through the town.
The Pittsfield State Forest offers cross-country skiing and hiking trails, a swimming area and is available for camping.
Michigan Winner: Grand Rapids
Population: 196,000
Median Home Price: $152,000
Grand Rapids is home to myriad theatres and stages, including the Civic Theatre, DeVos Hall, and the historic Wealthy Theatre. However, it is a little pricey. Their medical centers are highly ranked and they have low crime rates.
Michigan Runner Up: Traverse City
Population: 15,000
Median Home Price: $248,000
Arts center on the bay off Lake Michigan can be found just 250 miles northwest of Detroit. This town isn’t too bad if you don’t mind those freezing winters. Although the weather conditions are tricky, this town is developing quickly.
Minnesota Winner: Minneapolis-St. Paul
Population: 716,000
Median Home Price: $236,000
Minneapolis is a somewhat younger city with modern skyscrapers. So, if you enjoy that modern-city life, this is a serious contestant. A developing city is a great perk in a retirement location, you want a location that will be made more comfortable for you.
Minnesota Runner Up: Rochester
Population: 114,000
Median Home Price: $216,000
Rochester is most famous for its park system which is huge! Having over 100 sites and several trails like the Root River and Douglas State Trails, which were developed on historic rail passages. This is a great location for those hike lovers. There are also several medical facilities within driving distance.
Mississippi Winner: Oxford
Population: 23,000
Median Home Price: $187,000
Oxford has an energy that never sleeps. If you don’t mind that constant city buzz, then Oxford will definitely keep you young. The city is well developed so you’re never far from medical care or nearby stores.
Mississippi Runner Up: Brandon
Population: 24,000
Median Home Price: $184,000
Brandon received a high rank on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging. They also have a low crime rate and good weather.
Missouri Winner: Columbia
Population: 120,000
Median Home Price: $179,000
Columbia is home to the main campus of the University of Missouri, so the population is mostly made up of students. This means the general prices of things will be cheaper, which is a great perk for retirement.
Missouri runner Up: Jefferson City
Population: 43,000
Median Home Price: $153,000
Calling all our wine lovers! Jefferson City, named for President Thomas Jefferson, is located at the western edge of the Missouri Rhineland, one of the major wine-producing regions of the Midwest. This is a well-developed city with low crime rates.
Montana Winner: Billings
Population: 110,000
Median Home Price: $223,000
Billings is famous for its good shopping! It also has tons of popular attractions such as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Pictograph Cave, Chief Plenty Coups State Park, and Zoo Montana. You would always be in driving distance to any service or facility you may need.
Montana Runner Up: Great Falls
Population: 59,000
Median Home Price: $189,000
Great Falls is home to the C. M. Russell Museum Complex, University of Great Falls, Giant Springs and Roe River (claimed to be the world’s shortest river). You can expect clean streets and good weather.
Nebraska Winner: Lincoln
Population: 280,000
Median Home Price: $176,000
Lincoln is the second most populated town in Nebraska and home to the University of Nebraska. This city is filled with big parks and clean streets, making it a suitable location for retirement price wise and it’s an overall pleasant city.
Nebraska Runner Up: Omaha
Population: 445,000
Median Home Price: $167,000
Omaha has a diverse population with tons of culture and tradition. Tourists love the city’s good energy and night-life. A developing and upbeat town makes for a quality retirement location.
New Hampshire Winner: Portsmouth
Population: 21,000
Median Home Price: $438,000
A scenic coastal town, 60 miles north of Boston. Somewhat walkable. This location is pretty pricey and the population is rather small for it to be such an attractive place for the location.
New Hampshire Runner Up: Durham
Population: 30,000
Median Home Price: $288,000
College town (University of New Hampshire), 70 miles north of Boston. Although the cost of living here may be a little bit higher than usual, there's great weather and a super low crime rate.
New Mexico Winner: Las Cruces
Population: 102,000
Median Home Price: $164,000
Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the fertile Mesilla Valley. This city prides itself with clean streets and low crime rates. A lovely location for retirement.
New Mexico Runner Up: Santa Fe
Population: 84,000
Median Home Price: $349,000
Santa Fe is also well-known as a hub for arts that reflect the multicultural character of the city. There’s lots of energy and culture in this town, which could make for an interesting retirement. With tourists and clean streets, this town is well maintained.
New York Winner: Ithaca
Population: 31,000
Median Home Price: $242,000
Ithaca is a city which holds unique cultural features including the Ithaca Farmers Market, its several professional theaters, Sciencenter, a hands-on science museum for people of all ages, an independent movie theater named Cinemapolis, and the Museum of the Earth, so there are tons of activities for you to indulge.
New York Runner Up: Rochester
Population: 210,000
Median Home Price: $73,000
Known as “the World’s Image Centre” Rochester is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The city is also home to numerous cultural institutions. So this definitely makes for an interesting place to retire. It's also a cheaper option for retirement.
North Carolina Winner: Asheville
Population: 90,000
Median Home Price: $275,000
Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, is home to a number of satellite campuses of regional universities like the University of North Carolina at Asheville as well as Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Live music is a significant element in the tourism-based economy of Asheville and the surrounding area. Asheville is a major hub of whitewater recreation, particularly whitewater kayaking, in the eastern US. A great location for retirement, it ticks every box on our retirement checklist!
North Carolina Runner Up: Boone
Population: 19,000
Median Home Price: $223,000
Boone is a small town with clean streets and low crime rates. This location will cost you 6% below the average living expenses rate, so not a bad place for retirement.
North Dakota Winner: Fargo
Population: 212,000
Median Home Price: $225,000
Fargo is mostly recognized as a home to major universities, and Cohen Brothers stories. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make for a good place to retire. There’s great weather and although it’s filled with students, it is generally a quiet and peaceful town. The student population will at least bring down the prices in the area.
North Dakota Runner Up: Bismarck
Population: 72,000
Median Home Price: $271,000
As a hub of retail and health care, Bismarck is the economic center of a large portion of south-central North Dakota and north-central South Dakota. This town is filled with tall buildings and city life, so it’s almost like a cheaper version of New York!
Ohio Winner: Sandusky
Population: 25,000
Median Home Price: $69,000
Sandusky is way cheaper than most places to retire. It also has multiple medical facilities which are highly ranked. This is a promising option for those looking to retire on a budget.
Ohio Runner Up: Parma
Population: 80,000
Median Home Price: $118,000
Parma will cost you 12% below the standard rate of living expenses. It also has good weather and a low crime rate.
Oklahoma Winner: Edmond
Population: 91,000
Median Home Price: $222,000
The cost of living in Edmond sits at the national average. It’s a little town with good weather and clean streets. This makes for a great retirement location.
Oklahoma Runner Up: Owasso
Population: 36,000
Median Home Price: $180,000
the Tulsa suburb holds a general of 6% below the average living cost. However, their streets are not considered very walkable, which is something for elderly people to consider.
Oregon Winner: McMinnville
Population: 35,000
Median Home Price: $308,000
This little city is more on the expensive side. However, you’ll never be short of any facilities, such as medical, educational and economical.
Oregon Runner Up: Redmond
Population: 30,000
Median Home Price: $286,000
Redmond is a quiet little city with a small population. They have temperamental weather which is a factor to consider. Also, a low population is not a good sign when looking to retire.
Pennsylvania Winner: Pittsburgh
Population: 304,000
Median Home Price: $145,000
Pittsburgh is known colloquially as The City of Bridges and The Steel City for its many bridges and former steel manufacturing base. While the city is historically known for its steel industry, today its economy is largely based on healthcare, education, technology, and financial services. You’ll have everything you need.
Pennsylvania Runner Up: Bethlehem
Population: 75,000
Median Home Price: $164,000
This little town can be found just 70 miles north of Philadelphia. It will cost you around 6% less than the average retirement location. This is not suitable for those who don’t enjoy those super winters.
Rhode Island Winner: Westerly
Population: 23,000
Median Home Price: $329,000
Westerly may be a little bit heavy on your pocket. However, they have a seriously low crime rate and great weather. It could make for a very peaceful location to retire.
Rhode Island Runner Up: Providence
Population: 180,000
Median Home Price: $204,000
Providence is home to eight hospitals and seven institutions of higher learning, which has shifted the city’s economy into service industries, though it still retains significant manufacturing activity. Much of Providence culture is the same as Rhode Island culture.
South Carolina Winner: Charleston
Population: 138,000
Median Home Price: $311,000
Charleston is known as The Holy City due to the prominence of churches on the low-rise cityscape. Charleston is also a major tourist destination, with a considerable number of historical buildings, luxury hotels and bed, and breakfasts, making it a well-maintained city that is good for retirement.
South Carolina Runner Up: Bluffton
Population: 19,000
Median Home Price: $264,000
Little Bluffton is located just 25 miles northeast of Savannah. The streets are considered to be very walkable and clean. They have great weather and a low crime rate.
South Dakota Winner: Sioux Falls
Population: 174,000
Median Home Price: $184,000.
Sioux Falls is considered an important location for financial services, health care, and retail trade. So if you plan on keeping busy and involved, this is a great location for you.
South Dakota Runner Up: Pierre
Population: 13,000
Median Home Price: $210,000
Pierre is the State capital and is located 525 miles northeast of Denver. This is 2 % below the average cost of living for a retiree.
Tennessee Winner: Smyrna
Population: 49,000
Median Home Price: $219,000
Smyrna is a beautiful city and makes for a great location to grow old. However, they do have a pretty high crime rate which is something to consider.
Tennessee Runner Up: Maryville
Population: 29,000
Median Home Price: $177,000
Knoxville suburb will cost you 13% less than the average living rate. There is also great weather and a small population. This makes for a peaceful retirement location.
Texas Winner: San Marcos
Population: 61,000
Median Home Price: $208,000
This little city may be a bit heavy on the pocket, but they have great weather and low crime rates. Their medical facilities are also well recommended.
Texas Runner Up: San Antonio
Population: 1,490,000
Median Home Price: $168,000
San Antonio has a vibrant art community that reflects the rich history and culture of the area. There is also no shortage of things to do, some of their best locations for entertainment are SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks. With a growing population and developing streets, this makes for a suitable retirement spot.
Utah Winner: Salt Lake City
Population: 194,000
Median Home Price: $366,000
Salt Lake City has developed a strong outdoor recreation tourist industry based primarily on skiing but also is one of the notable industrial banking and transportation centers of the U.S. Although it’s a little pricey, it makes for a great retirement location.
Utah Runner Up: Ogden
Population: 87,000
Median Home Price: $194,000
The mountains and rivers near Ogden offer diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. So if you’re a sucker for those little outdoor excursions then this is the place for you. It is recommended to choose a town with a population greater than 10,000, as less densely populated areas may have lower levels of human services.
Vermont Winner: Burlington
Population: 42,000
Median Home Price: $300,000
Burlington is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, north of Shelburne Bay. The waterfront hosts many of the city’s residents and visitors where they can find bench swings and paths for walking and biking and that’s not even the best part… The city is known for ice cream maker Ben& Jerry’s which was founded there in 1978. I'm not sure about you, but that sounds like my future home.
Vermont Runner Up: Brattleboro
Population: 12,000
Median Home Price: $202,000
This little River town is situated around 100 miles northwest of Boston. You can expect great weather and a low crime rate as well.
Virginia Winne: Roanoke
Population: 100,000
Median Home Price: $148,000
Roanoke is the largest city to be situated in a mountainous area, which ultimately gave her the nickname as the Capital of the Blue Ridge, while the Roanoke River also flows through the city. Roanoke’s festivals and cultural events include the Chili Cook-Off, Festival in the Park, Local Colors Festival, and the Henry Street Festival.
Virginia Runner Up: Harrisonburg
Population: 53,000
Median Home Price: $199,000
Harrisonburg is home to many tourist attractions, such as Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Virginia Quilt Museum, the downtown area, and the Harrisonburg Children’s Museum. The city holds an annual Super Gr8 Film Festival, which allows local filmmakers a place to screen their Super 8 mm films. So you can take Netflix & Chill to another level!
Washington Winner: Wenatchee
Population: 33,000
Median Home Price: $278,000
Little Wenatchee is situated in the meeting point of Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, near the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range. Her best claim to fame is the Apple Capital of the World owing to its massive valley’s filled with orchards. Well an apple a day, keeps the doctor away (apparently).
Washington Runner Up: Vancouver
Population: 175,000
Median Home Price: $309,000
This city falls in the Portland suburb. Although they have a strong economy, they do have a slightly increased crime rate level.
West Virginia Winner: Huntington
Population: 48,000
Median Home Price: $80,000
Huntington city is filled with lovely parks and nature. There are also a few museums that highlight the city’s natural surroundings and unique culture. This makes for a peaceful, green and relaxed retirement location.
West Virginia Runner Up: Morgantown
Population: 31,000
Median Home Price: $184,000
If you’re not familiar with Morgantown, here’s all you need to know. It is located on the banks of the Monongahela River and holds some of the most popular sites in the world, such as, Core Arboretum, Dorsey Knob, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park, the Metropolitan Theatre, the Warner Theatre, the Monongalia Arts Center, Cheat Lake and Rail Trail, just to name a few. With a good population level and a reasonable price of living, this is a serious contestant for retirement options.
Wisconsin Winner: Madison
Population: 253,000
Median Home Price: $252,000
Unlike most cities, Madison’s prime time is when the cold weather arrives. In winter months, sports enthusiasts enjoy ice boating, ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and snow-kiting. What better way to retire than to age backward? A little bit more pricey than other options but if you can afford it then it’s a great location.
Wisconsin Runner Up: Eau Claire
Population: 68,000
Median Home Price: $162,000
Eau Claire can be recognized as an arts and culture kind of city. It fosters the State Theatre, Grand Little Theater, House of Rock and Sarge Boyd Bandshell in Owen Park. The city also hosts a number of events that celebrate the community’s enthusiastic music scene such as the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and Country Jam USA. So if you’re a slave to jazz, then you may have just found your new home.
Wyoming Winner: Casper
Population: 60,000
Median Home Price: $201,000
Casper is nicknamed The Oil City because of its long history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture. High population and levels on average for the cost of living, this is a pretty decent retirement option.
Wyoming Runner Up: Laramie
Population: 32,000
Median Home Price: $228,000
High plains college town (University of Wyoming), 130 miles north of Denver. Cost of living 4% above the national average. No state income tax, no state estate/inheritance tax!
Nevada Winner: Reno
Population: 240,000
Median Home Price: $355,000
Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, is famous for its casinos and as the birthplace of the gaming firm Harrah’s Entertainment. If you can afford it, this makes for a great retirement spot.
Nevada Runner Up: Henderson
Population: 293,000
Median Home Price: $314,000
The cost of living is 13% above the national average. pros of living here include the low serious crime rate and no state income tax. while the cons include its low rank on the Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging, low ratio of doctors per capita and poor air quality.
New Jersey Winner: Manchester Township
Population: 44,000
Median Home Price: $180,000
Spread-out town of 44,000 equidistant from New York and Philadelphia. Good rank on Milken Institute list of best cities for successful aging.
New Jersey Runner Up: Voorhees
Population: 30,000
Median Home Price: $288,000
Philadelphia suburb has a well-kept secret, Voorhees. This is a pretty little town with a small population so unless you can handle the prices, this may not be the right location for you.