Retirement is a huge life shift, so choosing the right city to enjoy your later years when you finally have control of your timetable is a very important decision. After all, who wants to spend their golden years in the worst possible neighborhood when there are so many great places to live?
When I daydream about retirement, I think of living peacefully on a remote beach somewhere, sipping margaritas. But the reality is, when we reach retirement age, we have to consider proximity to healthcare and a supportive community. So, my isolated island fantasy may not be the best choice for when I get older.
In the U.S., some benchmarks make some areas better or worse for retirees than others. A recent study took a deep dive, ranking over 180 cities based on affordability, quality of life, healthcare, and fun activities. These are some of the best and worst cities to consider for your sunset years.
Best: Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, was ranked the best place to retire this year! Now, before you worry about the cost of living, hear me out. Orlando is a very low-tax city, and the state of Florida has no inheritance, estate, or income taxes. Plus, with its top-notch hospitals and healthcare facilities, you’re covered when it comes to medical care.
But here’s the real charm: year-round warm weather, world-famous attractions like Disney and Universal, and tons of parks, golf courses, theaters, and museums. The diverse, vibrant community will make you feel right at home.
Best: Miami, Florida
Although you might think of Miami as a wild city for young partiers, it actually has great accommodations for mature generations. Miami’s traffic can get crazy, but it’s not a big deal for retirees since the city is very walkable and has excellent public transportation. You’re free to enjoy the good stuff—like the city’s rich cultural scene, amazing food, fishing galore, and an abundance of senior centers. Think about spending your days exploring global flavors and traditions right in your backyard.
Even better, Miami ranks as one of the cheapest cities for taxes, and you can’t beat that sunny weather. Just think about going to the beach or golfing while the rest of the country shovels snow.
Best: Minneapolis, Minnesota
If you’re thinking about continuing some part-time work in your later years, Minnesota could be a great option. Minneapolis has one of the best “elderly-friendly” job markets, along with fantastic recreational options. It also has excellent healthcare (though it’s not the cheapest).
But what will your quality of life as a retiree be like? You’ll enjoy endless beautiful parks, countless lakes, and a food scene. People love Loring Park—just outside downtown, offering easy access to the city’s festivals, a laid-back family vibe, and some seriously Instagram-worthy natural scenery.
Best: Tampa, Florida
With at least 19 museums, stunning Gulf Coast beaches, and the excitement of the Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning spots teams, retirees won’t get bored in Tampa. And for food lovers, the diverse restaurant scene won’t disappoint. Even the weather is perfect for growing that dream garden!
If you’re worried that it’s too good to be affordable–Don’t be. Tampa’s cost of living is actually a bit below the national average.
Best: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you’re planning for retirement, you probably want to live in a city with a supportive community. Fort Lauderdale has a welcoming population of retirees, affordable housing, low taxes, and a healthcare system that won’t break the bank.
If you want to spend your later years golfing, boating, or at the botanical gardens, Fort Lauderdale has you covered. Plus, it’s a walkable city with great public transportation if you’d rather hop on a bus.
Best: Scottsdale, Arizona
If luxury is on your retirement checklist, Scottsdale’s real estate market will more than meet your expectations. Getting involved in social clubs and community groups is easy, and you can make new friends while enjoying world-class golf courses, stunning hiking trails, and beautiful parks.
The dining scene is a mix of fine dining and cozy bistros to suit any mood. Plus, the area is home to top-rated medical centers, so your healthcare is in great hands. Scottsdale may have the best amenities for retirees but be prepared to pay for them since the city’s cost of living is 13% higher than the national average.
Worst: San Bernardino, California
No one wants to spend their retirement in a city ranked among the most dangerous in America. Having a crime rate of 44 per 1,000 residents, it’s more dangerous than 96% of U.S. cities, which is a huge red flag.
It’s no surprise it’s considered the worst place to retire. The high cost of living, poor healthcare options, and limited access to services make life tough. The city suffers from economic depression, widespread poverty, terrible air quality, and extreme weather—hardly the peaceful retirement spot you’d hope for.
Worst: Stockton, California
Stockton, California, doesn’t have a good reputation when it comes to safety, and if you’ve seen the crime stats, you know why. It was hit hard, especially after the mortgage crisis, which left it with a high foreclosure rate and inflated real estate prices.
The high taxes and above-average cost of living don’t help either. You can’t really expect top-notch healthcare facilities here compared to other cities. With Sacramento and the Bay Area nearby, Stockton lacks cultural amenities, making it hard for the city to stand out on its own.
Worst: Rancho Cucamonga, California
Some say Rancho Cucamonga is a typical boring suburb, but it is surprisingly one of the most expensive cities. The area shows low marks for activities and affordability, which makes you wonder where that money is going.
The public transportation isn’t great either, so be ready to rely on your car. As a wealthier, predominantly white suburb, it’s faced criticism for its lack of diversity. And be forewarned, this isn’t coastal breezy Southern California weather! Rancho Cucamonga is inland, where those hot summers can be a shock to the system.
Worst: Bakersfield, California
Here we are at the fourth worst place to retire, and surprise, it’s still in California where high taxes and cost of living dominate. Bakersfield is notorious for its natural disasters, like earthquakes from the nearby San Andreas Fault and wildfires during droughts. Plus, it’s more dangerous than 97% of other U.S. neighborhoods, especially in areas like Lakeview and East Bakersfield.
On top of that, the air quality suffers from dust, farming chemicals, and pollution from the oil and gas industries. And if you enjoy walking, you might want to rethink that—this city isn’t very pedestrian-friendly, so a car is a must.
Worst: Newark, New Jersey
Low incomes, sky-high rents, and terrible crime rates are basically a recipe for becoming the worst place to retire. According to a Forbes survey, about 55% of residents spend over 30% of their income on rent. The cost of living here is 16% more expensive than the national average overall.
Shopping options are limited, and the aging infrastructure raises concerns about public services, transportation, and utilities. It’s hard to enjoy your golden years when the city struggles with significant challenges.
Worst: Detroit, Michigan
Is the decline of the auto industry pushing Motor City toward urban decay? Detroit faces tough challenges with its infrastructure, from crumbling roads to aging public utilities, all stemming from years of economic struggles and population loss. With vacant properties and underdeveloped neighborhoods, the city’s charm can feel a bit diminished, and high property and income taxes can be a heavy financial burden for retirees.
And let’s not forget the weather. Detroit experiences all four seasons: hot, humid summers and frigid, snowy winters. Managing snowstorms and summer heat waves can be quite a task, especially for elderly folks.
Source: WalletHub
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