What Are the 10 Best Places to Retire?
When people retire, they often decide to pull up stakes and move to a new city. No longer bound by the restraints of employment offices or client locales, retirees may instead find themselves drawn to places with great weather, affordable housing or better amenities than where they currently live.
U.S. News used data from Onboard Informatics to ascertain 10 things people look for when they retire, and matched up those attributes with cities excelling in each.
For example, if it’s a mix of affordability and superior amenities you want, Pittsburgh, PA is a prime choice. It has a low median home price, lots of things to do and offers free public transportation to residents 65 and over.
Those who crave recreation and culture may find themselves drawn to Santa Fe, NM. The creative mecca is known for its art galleries, multicultural mix of residents, and a variety of annual festivals and markets.
If you have your eye on launching a second career, head for Lincoln, NE. While the rest of the country struggles with high unemployment, Lincoln has added 15,000 jobs since 2000, and many are in fields known to hire older workers.
And nature-lovers may like Walnut Creek, CA. The San Francisco Bay Area city has 22 city parks and 2,704 acres of open space, perfect for hikers and anyone else who loves the great outdoors.
Here’s the complete list:
1. Pleasant year-round weather: Flagstaff, AZ
2. Affordable mountain town: Boone, NC
3. Water views on a budget: Traverse City, MI
4. Greenest place to retire: Walnut Creek, CA
5. College town for retirees: Ithaca, NY
6. Place to launch second career: Lincoln, NE
7. Best mix of affordability and amenities: Pittsburgh, PA
8. Best place for affordable housing: Port Charlotte, FL
9. Best place for single retirees: Pittsfield, MA
10. Best place for recreation and culture: Santa Fe, NM