Ian Bronson
Choosing the right place to live becomes very important as you near retirement. Some people want a friendly community, while others look for sunny weather and low living costs. With so many things to consider, like home prices, healthcare costs, taxes, living expenses, and weather, finding the best place takes more than just a quick check.
Auburn, Alabama: Home Price $ 245,000
Here, retirees can take classes through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which lets you join in on learning and use the university’s library and discounts. The cost of living is lower than the national average; it also has nice weather in the winter, beautiful parks, and fun events like the Auburn CityFest.
Homer, Alaska: Home Price $280,000
A small town with 6,000 people, sitting by the beach on Alaska’s southern coast. The weather is mild, and the air is clean. There are no state income or estate taxes, which helps you save money. Homes here cost about $280,000—a good choice for retirees.
Green Valley, Arizona: Home Price $175,000
Living here is cheaper, with costs 9% below average. There are many doctors, a good environment, and clean air. While it’s not the best for walking or biking, the winters are mild, and the nights are cool. Arizona also doesn’t tax Social Security, making it a good choice for retirees looking for comfort and savings.
Bella Vista, Arkansas: Home Price $ 163,000
Known as a top mountain biking destination, with almost 100 miles of paths to explore. This city is perfect for retirees who like to stay active and enjoy nature. It has lakes, golf courses, and places to exercise, and this makes it a lively and fun place to retire.
Sacramento, California: Home Price $ 479,000
You can walk around Old Sacramento with its old buildings and cobblestone streets from the 1800s. Check out museums like the Crocker Art Museum and the California State Railroad Museum. The city also has California State University, Sacramento, and the UC Davis Medical Centre—known for good medical care.
Colorado Spring, Colorado: Home Price $ 452,000
It’s lively, with lots of fun outdoor activities and beautiful mountain views. You can visit amazing spots like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. There are also many things to do, including activities and learning options. Even though there are army bases here, the city is calm and relaxing.
Mansfield, Connecticut: Home Price $236,000
This place has a cost of living that’s 17% higher than the national average. It scores well on the Milken Institute list for successful aging and has many doctors available. The air quality is good. However, it does have a state estate/inheritance tax and taxes on Social Security income.
Newark, Delaware: Home Price $350,000
There’s no state sales tax or estate tax, and Social Security income isn’t taxed. You also get tax breaks on pension income. The city is great for those who love biking, and it is fairly easy to walk around. However, it has a higher crime rate than other places.
Jacksonville, Florida: Home Price $297,000
Jacksonville has nice parks where you can fish, surf, and hike. Sports fans can watch the Jacksonville Jaguars and other teams. There are also fun places to visit, like Jacksonville’s Zoo and Gardens, as well as the Museum of Science and History, which makes it a wonderful place to retire.
Athens, Georgia: Home Price $ 171,000
With pleasant weather, affordable homes, and top-notch hospitals, this Georgia city is a great choice for retirement. Close to Atlanta, it offers convenience along with a lively college-town atmosphere. Thanks to its friendly community and plenty of activities, it’s frequently listed as one of the best places to retire.
Kaneohe, Hawaii: Home Price $828,000
This town on the island of Oahu, Kaneohe, offers a wonderful quality environment. Even though the cost of living here is higher than the national average, there are some nice financial benefits. For example, there is no state income tax on Social Security income, and there are breaks on pension income.
Lewiston, Idaho: Home Price $ 211,000
For retirees looking for a mix of fun outdoor activities, history, and good refined drinks, Lewiston, Idaho, is a great choice. This lovely town is known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, where you can enjoy thrilling jet boat rides and explore beautiful rivers.
Alton, Illinois: Home Price $92,000
This city by the Mississippi River is cheap to live in. Retirees get many benefits, like no state tax on Social Security and tax breaks on pensions. Alton has a busy Main Street with shops, bike trails, and cheap services for seniors. It is also very friendly to older people.
Bloomington, Indiana: Home Price $176,000
Music lovers will enjoy many performances from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Local theater groups, like the Bloomington Playwrights Project, are also available. Retirees can attend festivals like Plant-It-X Fest, Fourth Street Arts and Crafts Festival, and the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival.
Iowa City, Iowa Home: Price $220,000
Homes here cost about $220,000, which is a good deal. There is no state tax on retirement money, and the income tax will be low soon. You can enjoy some good bike trails, local shops, and fun events like the Downtown Block Party and Northside Oktoberfest.
Lawrence, Kansas: Home Price $193,000
With a cost of living 20% lower than the national average, it has a lively cultural scene thanks to the University of Kansas and events like the KU Jazz Festival and Lawrence ArtWalk. While winters can be cold, and there’s a higher chance of tornadoes, Lawrence’s affordable living and rich culture make it a top choice
Lexington, Kentucky: Home Price $177,000
This place has excellent healthcare at Baptist Health Lexington and nice outdoor places like Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Kentucky is friendly to retirees with no state tax on Social Security and up to $31,110 of retirement income. You can enjoy local shops, parks, and events, and traveling to a nearby airport is easy.
Kenner, Louisiana: Home Price $160,000
With low crime, clean air, and some walkable areas, this place is peaceful for retirees. There aren’t many doctors, but being near New Orleans International Airport is helpful. It’s quiet, affordable, and close to the city with many shops and dining options close by.
Maine Home, Portland: Price $301,000
Healthcare in Portland is excellent, with great hospitals like Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Mercy Hospital. The city is friendly and safe. Although living costs are higher than average, Portland’s lively culture, beautiful views, and welcoming people make it a top choice for retirees.
Ocean Pines, Maryland: Home Price $246,000
This community between Berlin and Ocean City has beautiful waterfront homes and a famous golf course. It has over nine miles of waterfront with lovely views. You’ll find lots of amenities here, like a big clubhouse, five swimming pools, two marinas, and a yacht club.
Northampton, Massachusetts: Home Price $285,000
About 100 miles from Boston, this quiet city of 28,000 is an excellent spot for retirees. Popularly, it is known for being a good place to grow older, with clean air, plenty of doctors, and easy biking trails. While living costs are a bit higher than average, there’s no state tax on Social Security income.
Grand Rapid, Michigan: Home Price $152,000
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a great place to retire. It has excellent healthcare, with top hospitals and special programs for seniors. The city has four seasons, so you can enjoy outdoor activities all year, like hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. There’s also a lively cultural scene and friendly retirement communities.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota: Home Price $236,000
The Twin Cities are a great spot for retirees. You’ll find lots of lakes, the Mississippi River, and beautiful parks for outdoor fun. St. Paul has a charming, old-fashioned feel with its lovely Victorian buildings. This area is also known for its lively arts scene, which makes it a fun and inspiring place.
Oxford, Mississippi: Home Price $187,000
Just 90 minutes from Memphis, Oxford is a great place to retire. It has a low cost of living, where retirement and Social Security income are not taxed. Property taxes are low, and you don’t pay sales tax on prescriptions, which comes quite in handy.
Columbia, Missouri: Home Price $179,000
The cost of living in Columbia is lower than in many other places. If you love nature, you’ll enjoy the parks and trails, such as the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the MKT Trail. Columbia is in a good spot between St. Louis and Kansas City, so it is easy to travel to big cities.
Billings, Montana: Home Price $223,000
Offering a mix of city life and outdoor fun, Billings, Montana, is a great choice for retirees. You can hike on trails like Swords Park Trail, watch local baseball games, and enjoy mild winters. It’s a top choice with cheap homes, no sales tax, and good healthcare.
Lincoln, Nebraska: Home Price $176,000
This growing city features low unemployment, affordable homes, and vibrant neighborhoods like Haymarket and Eastridge. While retirement income is taxed, the city’s economic boom, top hospitals, universities, and charming neighborhoods make it a compelling choice for retirees.
Reno, Nevada: Home Price $355,000
Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” it has clean air, mild weather, and lots of outdoor fun. It has no state income tax, low property taxes, and no sales tax on food and medicine, which makes it affordable. You can enjoy golfing, skiing, hiking, and local events like concerts and festivals.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Home Price $438,000
Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum and enjoy shows at The Music Hall. Portsmouth is next to the Atlantic Ocean, offering lovely water views, boat rides, and relaxing walks by the coast. The downtown area has interesting shops, good food, and a busy farmers’ market.
Manchester Township, New Jersey: Home Price $180,000
It stands out for its low unlawfulness, good doctor-to-resident ratio, and clean air. The town also offers a favorable cost of living and low state taxes. With strong healthcare options and safety, Manchester is a top choice for retirees looking for a secure and affordable place to live.
Las Cruces, New Mexico: Home Price $164,000
With warm weather almost all year, low humidity, and the cost of living about 8.6% lower than the national average, Las Cruces, NM, is both comfortable and affordable. It has a friendly community, great healthcare, and lots of outdoor activities like hiking and golfing.
Ithaca, New York: Home Price $242,000
This community shines because the people who live there help plan their own activities and events. Residents lead and enjoy many things, from learning and talking in social gatherings. Since 1995, Kendal has been based on Quaker values, offering good care and chances for personal growth and making friends.
Asheville, North Carolina: Home Price $275,000
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Asheville for its hiking, biking, and other activities. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute also offers great opportunities to keep learning. With its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and friendly community, Asheville is a top choice for a fulfilling retirement.
Fargo, North Dakota: Home Price $225,000
Retirees in Fargo, North Dakota, will enjoy a lively city with many things to do. Even though it has only 118,000 people, Fargo has so many activities and places to visit. You can check out the Viking ship at the Hjemkomst Center, join Scandinavian festivals, and visit cool museums like the Fargo Air Museum.
Sandusky, Ohio Home: Price $69,000
Located by one of the Great Lakes, the city has beautiful lake views and plenty of outdoor activities. It has a laid-back vibe but still features big city benefits like a local symphony and baseball team. The summer weather is pleasant, with cool lake breezes, and there are many dining options to choose from.
Edmond, Oklahoma Home: Price $222,000
With very low injustices, a much lower cost of living than the average, and a lively culture, Edmond has been named time and again as a great place to retire. Just 13 miles north of Oklahoma City, it’s safe and has many parks, golf courses, and places to eat and have fun.
McMinnville, Oregon Home: Price $308,000
Strolling down East 3rd Street in McMinnville, Oregon, you’ll find a mix of old-time charm and modern touches, making it a perfect spot to retire. This six-block area in Oregon’s wine country is full of old buildings that are now home to shops, restaurants, and wineries.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Home: Price $164,000
Once famous for Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem has changed a lot but still keeps its old charm. The Lehigh Valley has top-notch health care, including the well-known St. Luke’s University Hospital, and significant tax perks like no state tax on Social Security or retirement savings.
Westerly, Rhodes Island: Home Price $329,000
The town stands out for having many doctors, clean air, and very low crime. It’s not very walkable and has state taxes on estates and Social Security income. However, Westerly offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a top income tax rate of 5.99%. Named for its coastal location, it sits just 35 feet above sea level.
Charleston, South Carolina: Home Price $311,000
Ranked as one of the best places to retire in the U.S., Charleston, South Carolina, is affordable with low taxes and lots of things to do. This tourist town is excellent for retirees, with golf courses, music spots, and plenty of entertainment. It’s a safe and welcoming place to live.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Home Price $184,000
Housing costs are 16% lower than the national average and this makes Sioux Falls a great place to retire. It has many doctors, no state income or estate taxes, and clean air. Notably, Sioux Falls is a good choice for those looking for a low-cost and healthy place to live.
Smyrna, Tennessee: Home Price $219,000
With its friendly community and nearby J. Percy Priest Lake, Smyrna is great for people who love the outdoors. The lake gives people a chance to boat, fish, relax and do some hiking in the surrounding area. This town also has parks, golf courses, and nice walking paths.
San Marcos, Texas: Home Price $208,000
Imagine retiring to a place where friendly people and the beautiful San Marcos River welcome you every day. San Marcos, a special spot in Texas, has a mix of small-town charm and big-city benefits. The cost of living is average, and you can choose from many types of homes, from simple ranches to modern houses.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Home Price $366,000
Friendly locals make you feel welcome in Salt Lake City. They have the best hospital in the state, and have affordable health insurance. Getting around is also easy due to the good airport and the availability of other travel options. Plenty of job opportunities exist if you want to keep working or stay busy.
Burlington, Vermont: Home Price $300,000
Famous for being the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Burlington also has the main offices of Burton Snowboards and Lake Champlain Chocolates. The Carnegie Building, the biggest public library in Vermont, brings a bit of history to the city.
Roanoke, Virginia: Home Price $148,000
There are many active adult communities in Roanoke, VA, right in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With fresh air, beautiful views, and no tax on Social Security, it’s a great and affordable place to retire. You’ll find theaters, museums, good food, and fun events.
Wenatchee, Washington: Home Price $298,000
Surrounded by apple orchards, rivers, and mountains, this pretty town has lots of fun outdoor activities and cultural events. You can enjoy parks, hiking trails, and local events like the Wenatchee Valley Symphony and farmers’ market. Although there are some risks of earthquakes and wildfires, the town is still friendly.
Huntington, West Virginia: Home Price $80,000
Home to Marshall University, Huntington has many great places to visit. You can enjoy Harris Riverfront Park, Ritter Park, and the Central City historic area. Check out the Huntington Museum of Art, the Museum of Radio and Technology, and the Keith-Albee Theatre.
Madison, Wisconsin: Home Price $252,000
Retirees can enjoy free UW-Madison classes, lovely parks like the Arboretum and Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and a fun restaurant and event scene. Madison has 38 retirement communities and gives property tax breaks to older residents. With low sales tax and nice weather, Madison is a great place to retire.
Casper, Wyoming: Home Price $201,000
Housing costs are lower than in most places, and overall living expenses are also low, which helps retirees stay financially comfortable. Casper has beautiful spots like the North Platte River and Casper Mountain, where you can hike, fish, and ski. The city has a friendly community, fun local events, and good healthcare.
