Cities
15 Worst Places to Retire in the U.S.
When planning for retirement, choosing the right location can significantly impact your quality of life. High costs of living, elevated taxes, limited healthcare access, extreme weather, or high crime rates can make some cities a difficultchoice for those on a fixed income. Here’s a look at 15 of the worst places to retire in the U.S.
New York, New York
New York City is often cited as one of the worst places to retire because of its high cost of living, expensive housing, and high tax rates. Retirees face financial challenges with costly healthcare and high state and local taxes, making it difficult to manage expenses on a fixed income. Despite its cultural attractions, New York’s expense levels often overshadow its appeal for retirees.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles offers has a warm climate, but the city’s high cost of living, traffic congestion, and tax burden create barriers for retirees. California also imposes relatively high-income taxes, and Los Angeles ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., making everyday costs and housing difficult to manage for retirees on a limited budget.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known for its scenic views and tech industry presence, but it’s also infamous for high housing costs and taxes. Property values are among the highest in the country, and combined with significant local taxes, they drive up the cost of living, making San Francisco less affordable for many retirees.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s high property taxes, sales taxes, and state income taxes make it less appealing for retirees. Although it offers cultural and recreational amenities, harsh winters and elevated crime rates add to the city’s drawbacks. Additionally, the high cost of healthcare in Chicago can be challenging for retirees who rely heavily on medical services.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s high cost of living, intense summer heat, and elevated risk of hurricanes make it a challenging place to retire. While Florida is a tax-friendly state for retirees, the cost of housing in Miami can be prohibitively high, and property insurance rates can soar due to frequent storms in the area.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has beautiful scenery, but the city’s high cost of living and housing market challenges create financial burdens for retirees. Washington has no income tax, but Seattle’s property and sales taxes are high. The cost of healthcare is also above average, and the city’s cloudy, rainy climate can be unappealing for retirees seeking sunnier, warmer locations.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is known for its historical significance, but high taxes, expensive housing, and overall cost of living make it less suitable for retirees. Additionally, the cost of healthcare is among the highest in the nation, and the area’s congested traffic and extreme weather swings can be challenging for older adults.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is rich in history and cultural institutions, but it has some of the highest housing costs and taxes in the country.The overall cost of living is well above the national average, and Massachusetts also has high healthcare costs. Winters in Boston can be long and harsh, making it less ideal for retirees seeking a more temperate climate.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu offers a tropical paradise, but the high cost of living, expensive real estate, and geographic isolation can be challenging for retirees. Hawaii’s remote location means that many goods and services, including healthcare, come at a premium. The island’s high cost of essentials and imported goods make it difficult for retirees to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a fixed income.
Anchorage, Alaska
While Anchorage has stunning natural beauty, Alaska’s extreme weather, high cost of living, and limited access to healthcare can be daunting for retirees. Winters are particularly harsh, with long, dark days and sub-zero temperatures. Plus, goods are also more expensive there due to transportation costs, and healthcare services are often limited and difficult to access in remote areas.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s sunny climate is attractive, but high housing costs and property taxes make it difficult for retirees to afford. Healthcare in San Diego is also costly, and while the weather is appealing, the overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, which can strain a fixed retirement income.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s high taxes, elevated crime rate, and aging infrastructure make it less appealing to retirees. Pennsylvania’s property taxes and the cost of healthcare can be burdensome, and some areas experience higher crime rates than average. Additionally, winters in Philadelphia can be harsh, which may be uncomfortable for retirees looking for warmer conditions.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is popular for entertainment, but it has a high cost of healthcare, extreme summer heat, and some challenges with crime. Nevada has no state income tax, which is beneficial, but healthcare is above average in cost, and retirees may find the desert climate overly harsh. Crime in certain neighborhoods is also a concern for retirees.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore struggles with high crime rates, property taxes, and healthcare costs, making it less ideal for retirees. Maryland taxes retirement income and the property tax rate is higher than average. Baltimore’s infrastructure and elevated crime levels in specific areas can create safety concerns, and the city’s cold winters may not appeal to retirees.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its green spaces and art scene, but high living costs, unpredictable weather, and state taxes on retirement income make it challenging for retirees. Oregon’s state income tax is higher than average, and healthcare costs in Portland are significant. The rainy, gray weather may also be unappealing to those looking for a sunnier retirement destination.
Buying your first home is a big milestone, but finding the right city can make all the difference. Some places shine with affordable prices, booming job markets, and vibrant communities. These emerging cities offer a perfect mix of opportunity and charm, making homeownership more accessible than ever. Here are ten top picks.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
For first-time buyers, Harrisburg stands out with median home prices under $159,000 as of December 2024. Beyond affordability, the city’s stable government job market ensures economic security, while its lively arts scene brings a unique cultural appeal. Plus, with Philadelphia just a short drive away, residents enjoy big-city convenience without the high price tag.
Villas, Florida
Home prices in this city are approximately $229,000, significantly lower than the national median of $416,880. It is also close to the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches without the high price tags of larger Florida cities. Besides, the area’s relaxed lifestyle and expanding amenities make it a good choice for investment and living.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Realtor.com reported that homes are well under $160,000 in North Little Rock. This is a budget-friendly option for first-time buyers. Plus, the downtown revitalization has brought new jobs and modern amenities, while the city’s abundance of green spaces and a reputation for safety make it especially appealing to young families.
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing combines affordable housing with big-city opportunities. Here, median home prices hover under $150,000, per Newbam—far lower than in nearby Ann Arbor. As home to Michigan State University, the city offers educational resources, cultural events, and a growing tech job market, adding to its appeal.
Rochester, New York
Owing to its median home prices around $129,900, Rochester remains an affordable option, according to Realtor.com. The city has also seen a 50% decline in firearm-related violence since the pandemic, improving overall safety. Coupled with a thriving tech and healthcare sector, Rochester offers a better quality of life.
Wilmington, Delaware
Affordable housing paired with easy access to Philadelphia and Baltimore makes Wilmington ideal for new homeowners. In this city, homes average around $250,000, and the city’s tax-friendly policies reduce overall costs. The revitalized riverfront area, meanwhile, adds to the city’s appeal with its entertainment options and scenic views, creating a balanced urban lifestyle.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls offers first-time buyers homes priced around $321,169 and a booming job market in finance and healthcare. The city’s low unemployment rate keeps the economy strong. It’s also home to top-rated schools like Lincoln High School, ranked the best public high school in South Dakota.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo’s strong job market and affordability have made it the hottest U.S. housing market for 2025, as reported by NBC New York. Homes here average $223,812, a price well under the national median. The city’s manufacturing sector continues to provide long-term economic security.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville’s vibrant downtown scene, filled with festivals and cultural events, creates a dynamic lifestyle for first-time buyers. With a strong economy driven by manufacturing and tech, the city also features affordable housing, with median prices around $420,000. Plus, its proximity to the Smoky Mountains makes outdoor adventures easily accessible.
Des Moines, Iowa
According to OCNJ Daily, this city has a low cost of living, approximately 12% below the national average. Des Moines features a strong job market in finance and insurance, paired with median home prices around $249,000. Overall, its low cost of living and high quality of life make it a standout for new buyers.
Los Angeles is home to some of the world’s most luxurious properties, each with its own fascinating history. Behind the gates of these stunning estates lies a world of untold stories, some glamorous, others chilling. So, here are ten mysteries and hidden truths lurking behind the gates of L.A.’s most prestigious addresses.
Los Feliz Murder Mansion
In 1959, Dr. Harold Perelson shocked the quiet Los Feliz neighborhood with a tragic family murder incident. The house, located at 2475 Glendower Place, remained largely untouched for decades, preserving its eerie atmosphere. Now owned by Ephi Zlotnitsky, efforts have been made to renovate the property.
The Manor’s Excessive Legacy
The Manor has seen its share of eerie whispers. The 56,500-square-foot mansion, built by Aaron and Candy Spelling, has been rumored to house secret rooms and hidden passages. Also, some former staff and visitors have shared unsettling stories of shadowy figures in its empty corridors.
Holmby Hills’ Secretive Deals
The luxurious properties in Holmby Hills often change hands quietly, with deals made behind closed doors. Buyers and sellers prefer privacy, keeping details under wraps. These multimillion-dollar estates guard more than their inhabitants’ identities—the secrets of the elite are just as well-protected.
Hotel Bel-Air’s Hollywood Scandals
The drama unfolds where the stars stay. The Hotel Bel-Air has been a private retreat for Hollywood’s elite since the 1940s. Marilyn Monroe’s final photoshoot happened here, alongside countless celebrity escapades. Beneath the serene beauty of its grounds, tales of private rendezvous and dramas have played out.
Brentwood’s Infamous Crime Scene
Brentwood made headlines worldwide in 1994 when Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were murdered. O.J. Simpson’s trial gripped the nation, turning this affluent neighborhood into a crime scene. To this day, tourists still stop by the once-unassuming property, drawn by its dark history.
Greystone Mansion’s Double Mystery
Secrets lie within the lavish halls of Greystone Mansion, where Ned Doheny and Hugh Plunkett were found dead in 1929. The official story said murder-suicide, but conspiracy theories suggest something darker. Hollywood used the estate for movies, but its eerie past always lingers.
The Sunken City’s Hidden Ruins
In 1929, a section of San Pedro slid into the ocean after a landslide, leaving behind eerie remnants of a once-thriving neighborhood. Today, graffiti-covered ruins, cracked streets, and empty foundations scatter the cliffside, attracting adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
Spadena House’s Strange Charm
Built in 1921, the “Witch’s House” in Beverly Hills looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Originally a movie set, this oddball property still draws visitors who marvel at its quirky design. Beneath its whimsical exterior, it’s a rare piece of Hollywood’s early creative magic.
Greystone Mansion’s Forgotten Tunnel
Few know Greystone Mansion hides a secret underground tunnel used for Prohibition-era smuggling. Stretching between buildings, this passageway once connected L.A.’s elite to illegal parties. Now sealed, the tunnel’s existence hints at the lengths the wealthy went to evade law enforcement.
The Cecil Hotel’s Shadowed History
The Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A. was intended as a luxury destination but soon gained a reputation for unsettling events and mysterious occurrences. Its corridors have been linked to inexplicable incidents. Despite renovations and rebranding efforts, its shadowed history continues to intrigue and mystify.
Los Angeles didn’t become a sprawling metropolis overnight—it came with challenges and compromises. Water lies at the heart of this story, fueling the city’s rise and sparking debates that echo even today. Behind the glittering skyline lies a history of bold decisions, heated battles, and lasting consequences. Let’s uncover the insights behind this water-driven transformation.
Los Angeles Aqueduct Sparked A Revolution
Imagine a dry, barren desert suddenly coming to life. In 1913, the Los Angeles Aqueduct started delivering water from Owens Valley, traveling an impressive 233 miles. Spearheaded by William Mulholland, this engineering marvel laid the foundation for the ambitious growth of a metropolis.
The Lies That Bought Owens Valley
“Trust me,” whispered city agents posing as ranchers in Owens Valley. Under this guise, they bought up land and water rights and fooled locals into thinking it was business as usual. What unfolded next was a betrayal that drained their valley and changed it into a desert ghost town.
Owens Lake Paid The Price
Once a bustling hub of life, Owens Lake sparkled under the California sun, teeming with birds and activity. By 1926, it was gone—drained dry to satisfy Los Angeles’s insatiable demand for water. The result? Toxic dust storms and an unsettling silence, a stark reminder of the cost of unchecked ambition.
Farmers Fought With Dynamite
When protests and legal battles proved futile, Owens Valley farmers took matters into their own hands. In the 1920s, they launched a campaign of sabotage against the Los Angeles Aqueduct, using dynamite to blow up pipelines and gates. For them, it was a fight for survival and the right to protect their way of life.
Mulholland’s Vision And His Famous Words
“There it is. Take it.” With those words, William Mulholland introduced Los Angeles to its first flow of water from the Owens Valley. A self-taught engineer and visionary, Mulholland’s ambition reshaped a fledgling city into a sprawling metropolis. Yet, his legacy is a double-edged sword.
Fred Eaton Played The Long Game
Fred Eaton, a former mayor of Los Angeles, was the mastermind behind the plan to tap into Owens Valley’s water to solve the city’s growing crisis. His brilliance lay in his strategic vision—identifying the valley’s abundant water supply as the key to Los Angeles’s expansion.
Owens Valley’s Economy Crumbled
Owens Valley was once a haven for farmers, with its fertile soil and steady water supply supporting thriving cattle ranches and family farms. But when Los Angeles diverted the water, the lifeblood of the valley vanished. What was once a flourishing community became a shadow of its former self.
The Courts Couldn’t Stop The Flow
The theft of Owens Valley’s water didn’t go uncontested. Legal battles erupted as residents fought to reclaim their water. However, despite their relentless efforts, Los Angeles’s grip only tightened. With deep pockets and political influence, the city outmaneuvered the rural community at every turn.
Chinatown Immortalized The Scandal
The 1974 classic movie “Chinatown” drew directly from Los Angeles’s infamous water theft. The story’s villain, a symbol of unchecked greed, mirrors the ruthless tactics used to drain Owens Valley dry. Through its shadowy characters and web of deception, “Chinatown” captures the sinister forces behind LA’s rise.
Nature Is Still Paying The Price
Owens Valley’s troubles didn’t end with its dry fields. Los Angeles’s water diversion caused widespread ecological damage that lingers to this day. The once-thriving habitats collapsed, leaving wildlife displaced and ecosystems irreparably altered. Plus, dust storms from the exposed lakebed now sweep across the region, creating health hazards.
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