Retirement Bliss
When it comes to picking the best place to retire, the Happiness Index says there are four main things you should think about: available activities, affordability, quality of life, and healthcare. With those criteria in mind, here are 20 of America's best towns for retirees.
Manchester, New Hampshire
Population: 420,504
Percentage of population 65+: 15.8%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,250
Median monthly rent: $1,305
Situated along the Merrimack River, Manchester is a beautiful city all year-round. And with no sales or earned income taxes, it's a top choice for retirees.
Manchester, New Hampshire
With lots of bike lanes and walkable infrastructure, it's easy to explore the city—be sure to stop by the Manchester Farmers Market for locally sourced produce. Meanwhile, if you're looking to add some excitement to retired life, you can get great discounts on season passes for seniors at McIntyre Ski Area.
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Tampa Florida
Population: 3,146,074
Percentage of population 65+: 19.6%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,071
Median monthly rent: $1,230
With its beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches and sunshine all year, Tampa scores high marks for desirability. And retirees love it for its blend of relaxing beach vibes and bustling city energy.
Tampa Florida
Tampa's culinary scene has lots of options for fine dining, and residents can also picnics in any of the city's many parks. There's even a zoo and an aquarium, with many attractions offering senior discounts.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Population: 372,428
Percentage of population 65+: 14.1%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,123
Median monthly rent: $1,218
One of the main draws to Ann Arbor is its impressive healthcare system, which gives retiree in the city added peace of mind. It's also a charming place to live, with lots of opportunities for retirees to have fun.
Lengau, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Art and history lovers will find lots to explore at the University of Michigan's museums, while outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of activities year-round. From kayaking on the picturesque Huron River in the warmer months to ice skating and snowshoeing in the winter, Ann Arbor has lots for retirees to enjoy.
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Population: 326,590
Percentage of population 65+: 16%
Median monthly mortgage: $865
Median monthly rent: $851
Green Bay holds a special place in the hearts of football fans as the home of the iconic Green Bay Packers. But beyond the gridiron, Green Bay has lots of outdoor activities for retirees. From peaceful walking trails to exciting skiing and snowshoeing adventures, the area's trails offer year-round fun.
Chris Rand, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Even when the weather does get a bit chilly, retirees can enjoy a sense of peace and safety thanks to the city's low crime rates and excellent air quality. Green Bay also gets top marks for affordability, factoring in both the cost of living and the price of goods and services.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Population: 415,887
Percentage of population 65+: 14.8%
Median monthly mortgage: $706
Median monthly rent: $839
Fort Wayne is a great option for retirees on a budget. The city is one of the most affordable in the country, thanks to low housing costs and the overall price of goods and services.
Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Flickr
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is most fun in the summer, when the city hosts festivals to honor its German heritage. There are also lots of cycling and running events for more athletic retirees. And for the baseball fans, Fort Wayne is home to three minor-league teams.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Population: 6,215,222
Percentage of population 65+: 16%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,227
Median monthly rent: $1,230
Welcome to the birthplace of American democracy! Iconic landmarks like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, are major draws to Philadelphia but it’s not all history—the city is also a great place for artistic and outdoor adventures.
Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Beyond its famous cheesesteaks and hoagies, Philadelphia has a great dining scene with any kind of food you could dream of. Sports are a major part of the city's identity, with locals cheering on teams like the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers all throughout the year. But in addition to all that action, retirees like the city for its top-notch healthcare and hospitals.
Montgomery County Planning Commission, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Population: 2,366,544
Percentage of population 65+: 20%
Median monthly mortgage: $870
Median monthly rent: $892
Affordability meets quality of life in Pittsburgh, as retirees benefit from easy access to a top-tier hospital system.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
With prestigious institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh offers retirees fun classes, concerts, and other events. Sports fans can rally behind the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, while outdoor lovers can explore the city's parks and green spaces.
Trenton, New Jersey
Population: 384,951
Percentage of population 65+: 15.3%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,363
Median monthly rent: $1,361
Welcome to the capital of New Jersey. Whether you're looking to settle down and enjoy a more calm retirement or would prefer to chase thrills out on the water, Trenton has something for everyone.
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Trenton, New Jersey
Retirees love Trenton for its location—it's got easy access to fun hotspots like New York City and Atlantic City. Plus, Trenton's has a great job market, with lots of opportunities for part-time or seasonal work to boost retirement savings.
FotosForTheFuture, Shutterstock
Toldeo, Ohio
Population: 646,330
Percentage of population 65+: 16.8%
Median monthly mortgage: $795
Median monthly rent: $809
Retirees love Toledo for its combination of affordability, culture, and outdoor adventures. Its low rent and mortgage costs contribute to a high ranking for housing affordability, making it an ideal place for retirees to settle down.
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Toledo, Ohio
Nicknamed "Glass City" for its history with the glass-making industry, Toledo is also home to renowned museums and art galleries, like the Toledo Museum of Art. And many retirees have found that the city lives up to its slogan: "You Will Do Better In Toledo".
Sarasota, Florida
Population: 824,160
Percentage of population 65+: 32.2%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,050
Median monthly rent: $1,359
Sarasota isn't the cheapest place on the list when it comes to housing, but it has become a special place for retirees—it's hard to resist the city's gorgeous white-sand beaches, including the renowned Siesta Key Beach.
Sarasota, Florida
Beyond its natural beauty and perfect year-round weather, Sarasota has an incredible culinary scene and lots of places to take in live music, theater performances, and other arts. The city also ranks high when it comes to retiree taxes, thanks to Florida's tax-friendly environment.
Cullen Morgan, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Population: 672,914
Percentage of population 65+: 17.3%
Median monthly mortgage: $841
Median monthly rent: $834
Winston-Salem, often called Winston among locals, is beloved by seniors for its great housing costs. The town is also home to six colleges and universities, and there are lots of live performances to enjoy, thanks to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
If you like museums and art, then you'll be happy to live near the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art. Retirees who are more outdoorsy will enjoy the scenic trails which lead to park and breathtaking overlooks, like the Quarry at Grant Park.
New York City, New York
Population: 20,968,258
Percentage of population 65+: 15.9%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,762
Median monthly rent: $1,574
This one might come as a surprise but it’s true: New York is a great place for retirees. Here, there's never a shortage of activities to keep residents entertained, from world-class theaters to acclaimed restaurants and museums.
New York City, New York
With three hospitals on the US News Best Hospitals Honor Roll, retirees can find specialists to help with all their medical requirements. Despite the city's reputation for high living costs, it has a high desirability ranking and there are lots of opportunities for part-time work if retirees want to earn some extra cash.
Youngstown, Ohio
Population: 542,459
Percentage of population 65+: 21.2%
Median monthly mortgage: $653
Median monthly rent: $706
Located near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, Youngstown warmly welcomes visitors with its friendly community atmosphere. And with an impressive ranking for affordability, Youngstown gives retirees the chance to make their retirement dollars stretch further.
Youngstown, Ohio
Retirees can take advantage of senior discounts on golf at Mill Creek MetroParks, a green oasis that spans more than 5,000 acres, complete with bike and hiking trails, golf courses, and beautiful lakes. Meanwhile, the revitalized downtown area is where you'll find lively restaurants and enchanting galleries.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Population: 662,671
Percentage of population 65+: 25.4%
Median monthly mortgage: $886
Median monthly rent: $1,181
As a beloved tourist hotspot, Daytona Beach's 23 miles of pristine beaches offer endless opportunities for relaxation. Because of this, it's one of the most desirable spots for retirees who are looking to settle down.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Retirees are drawn to Daytona Beach not only for its lively vibes but also for its favorable tax climate. And renowned for its motorsports, the city comes alive with excitement during iconic events like the Daytona 500.
Mutaz Albar, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
York, Pennsylvania
Population: 454,605
Percentage of population 65+: 17.5%
Median monthly mortgage: $965
Median monthly rent: $1,025
The easy access to quality health care is why most retirees like York. The city also has a lot of history, with landmarks like the York College of Pennsylvania, established in 1787. It's also the place where Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1778.
Joe Zlomek, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
York, Pennsylvania
Locals love York's heritage, which can be seen in the beautifully restored historic buildings throughout the city. Throughout the year, York comes alive with seasonal events, including the famous York Fair, a tradition dating back to 1765.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Population: 857,997
Percentage of population 65+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,038
Median monthly rent: $1,141
Located 90 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia, Allentown offers the convenience of easy access to these major cities without the high housing costs. And despite being the third-largest metro area in Pennsylvania, Allentown has small-town charm, with many historic homes adding to its character.
Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Allentown, Pennsylvania
While winters in Allentown can be chilly, they provide a paradise for avid skiers. For those who prefer more leisurely activities, the city has lots of hiking trails for walking or running. Allentown is also very family-friendly, with lots of family-centered attractions like the Da Vinci Science Center and the America On Wheels Museum.
CyberXRef, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Population: 566,743
Percentage of population 65+: 19.7%
Median monthly mortgage: $783
Median monthly rent: $834
Located just two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, Scranton gives retirees the best of both worlds: proximity to major cities paired with the charm of a small community, affordable housing, and low crime rates. Earning marks for a good health care system, retirees can rest assured knowing their medical needs are well-handled.
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Retirees will find themselves in good company in Scranton, as nearly 20% of the population is aged 65 or older. For outdoor enthusiasts, Scranton offers a variety of activities, from morning jogs or strolls along the Lackawanna Heritage Trail to picnics at Sturgis Park or nature walks along the Davis Trail at Nay Aug Park.
Bestbudbrian, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Population: 550,480
Percentage of population 65+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage: $1,000
Median monthly rent: $1,114
Lancaster is well-known as a prime retirement destination because of its exceptional health care for seniors, low taxes, and overall happiness of locals.
Randolph Carney, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
There's lots to explore in Lancaster, from scenic hiking trails to engaging water sports. Meanwhile, the city's food scene, with its eclectic variety of cuisines and trendy eateries, adds to its charm.
Reading, Pennsylvania
Population: 426,967
Percentage of population 65+: 17.1%
Median monthly mortgage: $972
Median monthly rent: $985
Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Reading has quickly become one of the best places to retire. Retirees are drawn to the city for its exceptional health care and convenient proximity to Philadelphia, just 90 minutes away by car.
BoringHistoryGuy, Wikimedia Commons
Reading, Pennsylvania
Reading's practicality and affordability are complemented by its diverse community. Retirees will find tons of unique activities to enjoy, including a visit to the iconic Reading Pagoda, a historic landmark dating back to 1908.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Population: 587,411
Percentage of population 65+: 17.7%
Median monthly mortgage: $945
Median monthly rent: $1,019
Harrisburg, the vibrant state capital of Pennsylvania, has claimed the top spot on our list for retirees. That's all thanks to the city's high rankings for senior health care and resident happiness. Retirees are also love Harrisburg for its low taxes.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Located along the scenic Susquehanna River, Harrisburg's Riverfront Park has endless opportunities for running, biking, and leisurely strolls. And Harrisburg is within easy driving distance of major hotspots like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, adding to its allure for retirees.
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