Deciding on retirement is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. You’re about to enter a new stage of life with new freedoms and needs. It’s important to choose the right city in which to spend your retirement.
Remember that it’s not always about the cost. Whether you have ample retirement savings or are living on social security, you can’t focus on price alone.
“Qualitative factors such as safety and the composition of the population (i.e., amount of residents who are retired) are very important, too,” Andrew DePietro, a head researcher at GOBankingRates.com told CNBC after performing a survey of what retired residents look for in desirable cities.
The survey also indicated that residents want the following:
- Safe neighborhoods
- A high percentage of seniors living in the area
- High livability scores
- Cost of living for seniors
These were the top four priorities, and other surveys largely agree with these categories. With this in mind, here are some of the top cities for American retirees to call home.
Scottsdale, AZ
According to Niche.com, Scottsdale, AZ if the top place to retire in the United States. This northeastern suburb of Phoenix offers dozens of amenities and perks for retirees, including bars, restaurants, golf courses, parks, coffee shops, and lovely accommodations. It’s a great family-friendly place for those hoping to entertain grandchildren throughout the year.
Scottsdale real estate tends to be pricey, but it’s one of the best cities in the state for comfortable living. Homes tend to be equipped with all the best features, and there are thousands of condos for sale as well. A Scottsdale condo is the perfect place for a retiree seeking a smaller space without sacrificing amenities.
Fort Myers, FL
Florida is easily one of the most popular destinations for retirees, but not all cities are conducive to senior living. Some are exorbitantly priced, overcrowded with young partiers, and overhyped.
Fort Myers, on the other hand, makes a great place to retire. Not only are home prices fabulous, but the weather is moderate all year. You’ll have your fill of beaches to visit and affordable shopping centers to frequent with more just an hour’s drive from the city.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Here’s another excellent destination for seniors seeking a paradisaical home. Home prices are a little higher than the national average, but considered manageable for those with a decent retirement savings. Plus, there’s a high population of retirees.
Virginia Beach is part of 38 miles of luscious beaches. The shores are beautiful with quiet beaches to explore, quaint shopping districts, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quiet night life. Its perfect for those aiming to spend their final years relaxing in nature, away from the hustle of the city.
Lancaster, PA
It may come as a surprise to learn that U.S. News recently rated Lancaster, PA as the best place to retire in the United States. Lancaster is a beautiful area, but certain parts of the city can be sketchy, and schools have not always been highly rated.
However, drastic improvements have been made to this scene, including a decrease in housing prices. The median home price for retirees is just under $200,000, making it a highly affordable destination.
Besides that, the overall happiness index of the city’s residents has risen significantly in the last decade, largely thanks to the easily accessible amenities, excellent healthcare, and recreational opportunities. The city is surrounded by Amish farmland and includes dozens of historic sites worth visiting.
Metairie, LA
Retirees seeking an urban location without the rush hour traffic and dog-eat-dog pace will enjoy Metairie, LA, a quaint suburb of New Orleans. You’ll have your choice of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, golf courses, and more without having to enter the big city.
Metairie is a very diverse area of the country, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy nightlife. Although many families make their home here, it’s more attractive to young professionals and retirees looking to enjoy the city without kids in tow.
The list of great places to retire in the U.S. could go on and on, but these are some of the top choices that you may not have considered. Remember, it’s not all about the cost—you’ve worked hard your whole life, and now it’s time to enjoy life to its fullest.