Your retirement years should be years filled with family gatherings, pleasant community events, and tons of freedom. Practically speaking, they also need to concern themselves with good healthcare options, reasonably-priced housing, and good access to senior services. The five cities on this list offer these amenities and more. Each has a little something different to offer the retiree, making it difficult, but fun to ponder what each city might offer you during your golden years.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
As one of the sunniest spots on this list as well as one of the most westerly ones, Phoenix, Arizona might just be a retiree’s dream, according to the US News and World Report. Long known as a place where snowbirds come to escape the winter cold, Phoenix is best known for its warm climate, excellent hospitals, and great entertainment offerings that appeal to sports fans. The Suns, Cardinals, and the Diamondbacks all call Phoenix home. With median housing prices coming in at just under $237,000 in the state’s capital, Phoenix is both affordable and comfortable for those about to retire.
2. Jacksonville, Florida
Retirees are moving to Jacksonville, Florida, or Jax as it’s affectionately known, for its mild climate, low cost of living, and a plethora of healthcare options that keep seniors healthy and moving into their golden years. According to a report on WJCT, active retirees can partake in activities, like horseback riding, golf, and of course, ocean-related sports.
3. Austin, Texas
Financial guru Dave Ramsey says that Austin, Texas counts among the best places to retire because of its live-music scene, film festivals, and cool events, like South by Southwest. It also offers retires a big financial break. The state charges its residents no income taxes, and the average home price comes in at around $278K. The temperatures are pleasant throughout the year, too. People who move here can expect the highs to be in the 80s and lows to be in the 50s throughout the year.
4. El Paso, Texas
El Paso made both Dave Ramsey’s list and the US News and World Report’s list as one of the best places to retire. When you look at the numbers, it’s easy to see why. The average home price here is just under $138,000, and of course, like Austin, residents pay no income tax, which leaves a lot more dollars for other things. Aside from this, the sun shines in El Paso about 300 days a year, making this city on the Rio Grande an excellent place to land not only for the winter but all year through.
5. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan counts as a Mecca of sorts for both arts and retirees. The city has a dedicated art scene and even offers art prizes totaling $500k each year. It’s an exciting place to volunteer at museums and other cultural attractions. As for healthcare, there’s plenty of that, too. The Spectrum Health-Butterworth and Blodgett Campuses are here as is the Mercy Health St. Mary’s Campus. Homes go for just over $171,000, making this city as affordable as it is cultural.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cities to Retire To
Cities like Phoenix, Jacksonville, Austin, El Paso, and Grand Rapids count as excellent places to retire for myriad reasons. All of these cities allow retirees to live near excellent medical facilities, low-cost entertainment options, and inexpensive services. Some places, like Austin and El Paso, also have no income tax, allowing those retirees who continue to work part-time to keep more of their money. All offer reasonably-priced housing and plenty of fun.
