26. Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Quality of life: 56 | Healthcare: 36 | Housing: 52 | Cost of living: 74 | Crime: 76 | Tax: 28 | Climate: 68 | Total retirement score: 54
Chicago is walkable, offers an extraordinary array of cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, and provides access to Lake Michigan for waterfront activities.
- Pros: Chicago Art Institute, Field Museum, and other world-famous cultural institutions; Northwestern Medicine and UChicago offer access to top-ranked healthcare, although overall outcomes in the city are subpar; many neighborhoods are walkable; excellent public transportation; and quick access to both O'Hare and Midway International Airports makes travel easy.
- Cons: High taxes, including property tax and local tax; some areas of the city have high crime rates; dense areas see lots of traffic congestion with few parking spaces; and cold and snowy winters can be unpleasant and make getting around difficult.
27. Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan
Quality of life: 40 | Healthcare: 34 | Housing: 57 | Cost of living: 79 | Crime: 76 | Tax: 64 | Climate: 67 | Total retirement score: 54
Port Huron's location at the southern end of Lake Huron along the St. Clair River ensures the water views are scenic, while historic local landmarks like the Carnegie Museum provide plenty of enrichment opportunities for retirees.
- Pros: Boating and waterfront living options along both the St. Clair River and Lake Huron; Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and other historic attractions; below-average housing costs and a low cost of living; easy access to Ontario, Canada, via the Blue Water Bridge; and a small-town community feel with lots of local events to enjoy.
- Cons: Limited local access to top-notch healthcare; limited public transportation options; not a lot of cultural attractions; high tourist activity can cause crowds in waterfront districts during peak season; and cold and snowy winters with lake-effect snow.
28. Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
Quality of life: 38 | Healthcare: 34 | Housing: 58 | Cost of living: 82 | Crime: 79 | Tax: 62 | Climate: 68 | Total retirement score: 54
Fort Wayne's downtown riverfront is going through an expansion phase, offering more opportunities for cultural and outdoor amenities, while the city still boasts a very affordable cost of living.
- Pros: Below-average cost of living; affordable housing; suburban neighborhoods; access to events and dining in a revitalized downtown with new riverfront development; and options for high-quality healthcare at regional facilities, including Lutheran Hospital as well as Parkview.
- Cons: Limited to no public transportation; not as many cultural epicenters as in some larger metros; industrial areas in parts of the city can be unattractive; cold and icy winters.
29. Portsmouth, Portsmouth City, Virginia
Quality of life: 37 | Healthcare: 53 | Housing: 57 | Cost of living: 82 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 38 | Climate: 75 | Total retirement score: 53
Portsmouth is rich in naval history, while its historic downtown features preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture that retirees can enjoy as they stroll the area's walkable streets.
- Pros: Close to Virginia Beach and Norfolk; local museums including the Naval Shipyard Museum; walkable downtown with riverfront views, waterfront Historic Olde Towne with preserved architecture; reasonably good healthcare options in the region, including Sentara Hospital; and winters can be relatively mild.
- Cons: Summers are hot and humid; flooding and storm risks; high property taxes and insurance; limited public transportation options; not as many shopping and dining opportunities as you find in larger metros.
30. Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
Quality of life: 39 | Healthcare: 34 | Housing: 59 | Cost of living: 83 | Crime: 85 | Tax: 49 | Climate: 64 | Total retirement score: 53
Williamsport is known as the home of Little League Baseball, but it also offers delightful views of the Susquehanna River as well as historic mansions and buildings preserved from the time of the lumber-boom era.
- Pros: Below-average housing costs and a cheap cost of living; riverfront parks and trails; strong sports community; beautiful architecture, including Millionaire's Row and other historic neighborhoods; outdoor activities in the nearby PA Wilds region; and accessible healthcare options, including UPMC Williamsport, although overall outcomes are mixed.
- Cons: Limited cultural activities; many older homes mean a greater chance of repairs and renovations; a small economic base may mean more limited access to public services; no public transportation and not walkable; and winters are likely to be cold and snowy.
31. Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine
Quality of life: 53 | Healthcare: 41 | Housing: 60 | Cost of living: 70 | Crime: 64 | Tax: 38 | Climate: 57 | Total retirement score: 53
Skowhegan represents the best of rural New England, with a scenic location on the Kennebec River, as well as historic mill-town architecture and beloved community events like the Skowhegan State Fair.
- Pros: Classic New England charm; below-average cost of living; affordable housing cost; home of the Skowhegan State Fair; up-and-coming downtown with cultural events and good dining options; and plenty of access to outdoor recreation, including activities along the Kennebec River.
- Cons: Limited access to top-notch healthcare; no public transportation; not convenient to airports; small economic base limits public services; and snow can be heavy during the long, cold winters.
32. Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
Quality of life: 57 | Healthcare: 19 | Housing: 48 | Cost of living: 74 | Crime: 74 | Tax: 40 | Climate: 64 | Total retirement score: 52
Minneapolis has an enviable location on the Chain of Lakes and the Mississippi River, and it also offers a vibrant cultural scene that features the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Guthrie Theater.
- Pros: The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers lifelong cultural opportunities; an extensive network of parks and trails provides outdoor fun; Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center offer cultural enrichment; and good public transportation, including buses and light rail, makes it easy to get around, as does the pedestrian-friendly urban layout.
- Cons: High state and local taxes, including tax on Social Security for high earners; dense urban areas make it difficult to find parking and result in high traffic; higher-than-average housing costs in desirable areas; and very cold winters with snow and lots of wind.
33. Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
Quality of life: 36 | Healthcare: 38 | Housing: 45 | Cost of living: 67 | Crime: 68 | Tax: 75 | Climate: 73 | Total retirement score: 52
Nashville is the global hub for country music, earning its name as Music City because it is home to the Grand Ole Opry, Honky Tonks on Lower Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Pros: No state income tax; Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, and many other local places create a vibrant music and entertainment scene; the cost of living is low; and winters are fairly mild compared to states in the North.
- Cons: Housing costs are being driven up by the growing population; car-dependent areas with limited public transportation; tourism can make certain areas very crowded; and hot and humid summers make being outdoors during the warm months difficult.
34. Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota
Quality of life: 39 | Healthcare: 19 | Housing: 55 | Cost of living: 91 | Crime: 78 | Tax: 63 | Climate: 61 | Total retirement score: 51
Grand Forks is a prairie community but one with a strong university presence anchored by the University of North Dakota. Low housing costs and an extremely low cost of living make it an affordable place to retire, while outdoor amenities, including the Greenway along the Red River, provide plenty of recreational opportunities.
- Pros: Below-average housing costs; lower-than-average cost of living; The Greenway provides trails, parks, and opportunities for outdoor recreation; traffic congestion is generally low; low crime; and the University of North Dakota creates strong community ties, offers cultural and sports events, and provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
- Cons: Flood-prone areas along the Red River; dining and retail stores are more limited than in other major metro areas; a smaller economic base can mean less money for social services; winters can be extremely cold with lots of snow.
35. Yulee, Nassau County, Florida
Quality of life: 38 | Healthcare: 31 | Housing: 42 | Cost of living: 60 | Crime: 74 | Tax: 64 | Climate: 82 | Total retirement score: 51
Yulee offers a quiet suburban lifestyle that comes with easy access to Amelia Island, where you'll find golf courses, coastal marshes, and gorgeous beaches.
- Pros: Access to Amelia Island beaches, including Fernandina Beach; slow-paced suburban living; housing costs below nearby resort areas; quick access to Jacksonville; good options for healthcare, including Baptist Medical Center Nassau; and mild winters with a year-round warm climate.
- Cons: Hot summers; hurricane and flood risks; few public transportation options; limited cultural and entertainment venues without venturing into nearby cities; above-average home insurance costs; and crowds during tourist season that can cause heavy traffic.
36. Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Quality of life: 39 | Healthcare: 42 | Housing: 50 | Cost of living: 90 | Crime: 47 | Tax: 55 | Climate: 76 | Total retirement score: 51
Albuquerque is known for its Southwestern culture and desert landscapes, but despite plenty of amenities, the cost of living remains affordable relative to that of other metro areas of a similar size.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational activities abound, including activities at the Sandia Mountains and the Bosque trail system; Old Town Albuquerque and many local museums provide opportunities to soak up culture; housing costs are below those of many western metro areas; the overall cost of living is extremely low; there is an active arts community; and home of an international balloon festival that is the world's largest ballooning event.
- Cons: Limited public transportation outside core areas; slower economic growth than in some Sun Belt cities, which could lead to reduced services; drought-risk concerns due to water scarcity; above-average crime rates in certain locations; and hot weather, especially in summer afternoons with lots of sun exposure.
37. Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, Virginia
Quality of life: 51 | Healthcare: 22 | Housing: 46 | Cost of living: 68 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 40 | Climate: 75 | Total retirement score: 51
Beach lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Virginia Beach, including not just miles of sandy beaches at Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay, and First Landing State Park but also boardwalks and trails to hike as well.
- Pros: Atlantic beachfronts and boardwalks provide a classic coastal experience; First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer outdoor recreation; an active dining district with many restaurant choices; and the cost of living is below average, though housing costs are not.
- Cons: Summer is hot and humid; housing costs exceed those of many Virginia cities that are located inland; high property insurance costs, especially in flood zones; seasonal crowds as a result of tourist traffic; and limited public transportation options that leave most retirees car dependent.
38. Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina
Quality of life: 45 | Healthcare: 26 | Housing: 43 | Cost of living: 55 | Crime: 78 | Tax: 59 | Climate: 68 | Total retirement score: 51
Asheville's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains ensures retirees will enjoy stunning views and access to national forests, while those who prefer more cultural activities will find plenty to love in the River Arts District, including live music venues, galleries, and more.
- Pros: Amazing hiking along the Blue Ridge Mountains, including waterfall hikes; River Arts District helps promote a vibrant art scene along with galleries downtown; Biltmore Estates and other preserved historic architecture; low crime; moderate four-seasons climate compared with other Northern locations.
- Cons: People moving to the area have driven up housing costs dramatically; traffic can get congested in peak season, while tourists can cause crowding downtown; property taxes can be higher than in other parts of North Carolina, especially after the recent increase; and seasonal allergies can be bad for residents because of diverse pollen sources, mountain topography, and abundant plant life.
39. Oakland County, Michigan
Quality of life: 41 | Healthcare: 19 | Housing: 49 | Cost of living: 78 | Crime: 76 | Tax: 63 | Climate: 66 | Total retirement score: 51
Oakland County in Michigan offers all the classic suburban amenities, including a low cost of living and safe communities to set up house, while the area's inland lakes also offer fishing and boating for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Pros: Many housing options, including peaceful suburban neighborhoods; a regional transit system and highways provide easy access to nearby Detroit and other surrounding cities; an expansive system of parks and trails, including Paint Creek Trail and Independence Oaks; and favorable tax benefits for retirees as Michigan doesn't tax Social Security or retirement pay and makes private pensions partly tax deductible.
- Cons: Property taxes can be high; housing in the most desirable suburbs is above average in cost for Midwest areas; traffic congestion can be an issue on major roadways in the area; healthcare in the area is below average; and winters are cold and snowy.
40. Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia
Quality of life: 35 | Healthcare: 43 | Housing: 53 | Cost of living: 84 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 38 | Climate: 75 | Total retirement score: 51
Norfolk is a walkable city with vibrant waterfront areas, including Town Point Park. It has a strong maritime presence thanks to Naval Station Norfolk, robust sailing community, and a world-class historic museum in the WWII warship Nauticus.
- Pros: Very low cost of living, especially for a coastal area; mild climate; Chrysler Museum of Art and Virginia Opera offer cultural enrichment opportunities alongside the museum battleship Nauticus; active harbor and historic waterfront; public transportation, including the Norfolk Tide light rail and the HRT bus network; walkable downtown area with shops in the Waterside and Ghent districts.
- Cons: Low-lying areas face a risk of coastal flooding; property taxes can be high; and parking and traffic are an issue, especially in bridge-tunnel corridors and dense older neighborhoods.
41. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
Quality of life: 41 | Healthcare: 32 | Housing: 44 | Cost of living: 78 | Crime: 86 | Tax: 43 | Climate: 64 | Total retirement score: 51
Providence is home to prominent universities and a strong art scene. Retirees will love the walkable downtown, especially as it provides easy access to world-class restaurants.
- Pros: World-class dining options; strong art scene; close to beaches, including the famous Narragansett Bay; Amtrak and MBTA commuter rail provide excellent public transportation options; Brown University and RISD create opportunities for lifelong learning and enhance the local culture; crime is low; the cost of living is well below the national average.
- Cons: Housing costs are higher than average; state and local taxes are higher than in many other states; parking and traffic can be bad, especially in historic areas; winters can be cold.
42. Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Quality of life: 52 | Healthcare: 22 | Housing: 41 | Cost of living: 66 | Crime: 69 | Tax: 49 | Climate: 68 | Total retirement score: 51
This suburban community offers easy proximity to Philadelphia while providing gorgeous Delaware River views and a slower suburban lifestyle. As the home of Parx Casino, it also attracts many who love the thrill of the game.
- Pros: Access to Philadelphia while providing a suburban lifestyle; Neshaminy State Park provides outdoor recreational activities; crime rates are lower than in other urban centers; and the cost of living is below average.
- Cons: Housing is somewhat expensive; high property taxes; the area is not very walkable; winters are cold and snowy; and local culture is limited unless you drive to Philadelphia, but commuting can take a long time as traffic congestion is common.
43. Wood County, Ohio
Quality of life: 36 | Healthcare: 24 | Housing: 59 | Cost of living: 83 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 53 | Climate: 70 | Total retirement score: 50
Wood County straddles the line between suburban and rural living, with gorgeous farmland landscapes but also universities, shopping, and dining nearby.
- Pros: Housing costs and costs of living are below the national average; Bowling Green State University offers classic college-town benefits, including lifelong learning opportunities; Wood County Park District provides outdoor recreational activities; Toledo is close by for top-notch healthcare and access to cultural amenities, although local options in Wood County are limited.
- Cons: Local healthcare, dining, and retail options are limited unless you drive to Toledo; a small economic base centered around agriculture means limited funds for public services; few options for public transportation outside of town centers.
44. Sacramento, Sacramento County, California
Quality of life: 44 | Healthcare: 36 | Housing: 40 | Cost of living: 58 | Crime: 75 | Tax: 33 | Climate: 82 | Total retirement score: 50
As California's capital city, Sacramento offers easy access to all that Northern California has to offer. Foodies will love its farm-to-fork culture, while the American River Parkway provides endless recreational opportunities for those who enjoy the city's mild climate.
- Pros: Proximity to other major California regions means day trips are possible to Napa, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe; farm-to-fork dining in the Old Sacramento district; outdoor activities along the American River Parkway; a low cost of living, especially for California; and mild winters with very little precipitation.
- Cons: Housing costs are higher than the national average; wildfire smoke can impact air quality; traffic can be bad; some areas have higher-than-normal crime rates; taxes are high; and temperatures often hit triple digits during hot, dry summers.
45. Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Quality of life: 35 | Healthcare: 31 | Housing: 49 | Cost of living: 72 | Crime: 87 | Tax: 47 | Climate: 66 | Total retirement score: 49
Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown has gone through a revitalization and now offers a vibrant downtown as well as access to cultural attractions like the Allentown Art Museum and the PPL Center.
- Pros: ArtsWalk and PPL Center offer cultural enrichment and special events; cost of living is lower than larger nearby cities, including Philadelphia and New York; plentiful healthcare options, including Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest and St. Luke’s, although the county’s overall healthcare outcomes are mixed; very low crime; and ample opportunities for nearby recreation in the nearby Lehigh Valley area, including Lehigh Parkway.
- Cons: High property taxes; a large number of older homes may make it difficult to find one that doesn’t need maintenance; very limited public transportation and heavy traffic congestion during peak commuter hours; and cold winters with snow and ice.
46. Modesto, Stanislaus County, California
Quality of life: 35 | Healthcare: 45 | Housing: 43 | Cost of living: 71 | Crime: 74 | Tax: 33 | Climate: 82 | Total retirement score: 49
Modesto offers the chance to live the California lifestyle at an affordable price. You'll have easy access to Yosemite, enjoy a vibrant art scene, including the Gallo Center, and benefit from a far lower cost of living than the state average.
- Pros: Agricultural-based community means lots of farmers' markets; easy access to Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the Yosemite region; Gallo Center for the Arts and a growing number of other art and entertainment venues provide cultural enrichment; plenty of regional healthcare options; and mild winters.
- Cons: Air quality issues are common; some Modesto neighborhoods have above-average crime rates; there are very few options for public transportation; housing costs are above the national average; taxes are high; and summers are very hot and dry, with temperatures sometimes topping 100 degrees.
47. Washoe County, Nevada
Quality of life: 35 | Healthcare: 36 | Housing: 39 | Cost of living: 71 | Crime: 72 | Tax: 62 | Climate: 71 | Total retirement score: 49
Washoe County offers mountain views and access to Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe while also providing low-tax living, as the state of Nevada has no income tax for retirees to pay.
- Pros: No state income tax; downtown revitalization is slowly bringing the art scene alive and introducing new restaurants and retail establishments; close to Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe for quick access to outdoor recreation; regional airport provides travel options; mild winters relative to similar regions.
- Cons: Housing costs have been rising; wildfire smoke can create issues with air quality; the economy is largely based on tourism and gambling; limited public transportation options; and the desert climate results in dry air and big temperature swings.
48. Aroostook County, Maine
Quality of life: 38 | Healthcare: 37 | Housing: 68 | Cost of living: 66 | Crime: 64 | Tax: 37 | Climate: 56 | Total retirement score: 49
Rural living is what you'll find in Aroostook, a small Maine county located along the border with Canada. The area features rich forest landscapes, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, and Nordic ski trails for those who are up for outdoor adventure.
- Pros: Below-average cost of living and housing costs; ample opportunities for recreational activities outdoors, including hiking and snow sports; scenic rural landscapes and small-town feel; and easy access to New Brunswick from many towns.
- Cons: Limited local access to quality healthcare, shopping, or retail; far from major metro areas; essentially no public transportation, so retirees are very car dependent; remote; and winters are very long with harsh weather, including lots of snow.
49. Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire
Quality of life: 39 | Healthcare: 24 | Housing: 42 | Cost of living: 71 | Crime: 84 | Tax: 51 | Climate: 61 | Total retirement score: 49
Dover is located in the seacoast region of New Hampshire with a prominent location along the Cocheco River. The downtown is walkable, and there's easy access to nearby coastal downs and beaches.
- Pros: Close to beaches and coastal activities, including Rye Beach and Portsmouth; historic brick mill buildings in a vibrant downtown area; riverfront parks; walkable areas; low crime; UNH offers access to academic and leisure opportunities; and favorable tax rules, including no sales or income tax.
- Cons: Increase in regional demand has driven up housing prices; property taxes are high; limited public transportation options and traffic congestion during peak commuting hours; and cold and snowy winters characteristic of New England.
50. Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Quality of life: 39 | Healthcare: 29 | Housing: 48 | Cost of living: 68 | Crime: 71 | Tax: 40 | Climate: 73 | Total retirement score: 48
Isle of Wight County offers a quiet, rural retirement setting in southeastern Virginia with historic charm and easy access to larger Hampton Roads cities.
- Pros: Relatively affordable housing compared with much of coastal Virginia; low-density, small-town environment; historic attractions including Smithfield Historic District and Windsor Castle Park; mild winters and a longer growing season; convenient driving access to Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach for shopping, airports, and specialized healthcare.
- Cons: Limited local healthcare options, with many residents relying on hospitals in Newport News or Norfolk; fewer cultural, dining, and entertainment amenities than nearby metro areas; car-dependent lifestyle with little public transportation.
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