Forbes recently released their annual list of the top 25 cities for retirees in America, comparing factors such as housing costs, taxes, healthcare, air quality, crime rates, and climate change risks. The Mendelsons, a couple from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, spent six years searching for the perfect retirement location before settling on Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they found a more affordable lifestyle with beautiful views of the Organ Mountains. They were able to buy a new home with cash after selling their Milwaukee property for over $1 million.
Economics is a major motivator for retirees looking to relocate, with housing costs being a significant consideration. The median price of single-family homes has risen to $394,000 nationwide, but many of the cities on Forbes’ list offer more affordable options. For example, Las Cruces has a median home price of just $284,000, significantly lower than the national median. Other affordable options include Spokane, Washington, with a median home price of $386,000, and Augusta, Georgia, where homes go for just $172,000.
Forbes’ list includes a diverse range of cities from 19 states and Puerto Rico, with locations in both cold and warm climates. Factors such as the local economy, air quality, crime rates, and the availability of primary care doctors were taken into account in the selection process. Many of the top picks are college towns, offering amenities such as culture, lifelong learning opportunities, and affordable living costs. From scenic mountain towns like Roanoke, Virginia, to bustling cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, the list provides a variety of options for retirees.
Each city on the list is highlighted with information on median home prices, tax rates, climate, walkability, and healthcare accessibility. Factors like natural disaster risk and climate change vulnerability were also considered in the selection process. For the fifth year, Forbes evaluated each area’s susceptibility to climate change and natural disasters, excluding locations with a “very high” risk rating. Data sources include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, among others.
Overall, the list offers retirees a range of attractive options for retirement living, from coastal cities like Pensacola, Florida, to mountain towns like Fargo, North Dakota. Whether retirees are looking for a warm climate, affordable housing, or access to outdoor activities, the top 25 cities provide a variety of choices to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Forbes’ detailed methodology and comprehensive data sources ensure that each city on the list meets the criteria for a high quality retirement destination.
