October 18, 2024 | Alex Summers

America’s Best Towns For Retirees


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. 

Retirees-Msn

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 HampshireNayaDadara, Shutterstock

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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. 

new hampshire ski resortFashionStock.com, Shutterstock

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, FloridaMatthew Paulson, Flickr

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. 

Busch Gardens in Tampa, FloridaJoni Hanebutt, Shutterstock

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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.

Ann Arbor, MichiganLengau, 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.

Huron River In Ann ArborNOAA 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.

Green Bay, WisconsinChris Rand, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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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. 

Green Bay, WisconsinMinimilian, Shutterstock

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.

Fort Wayne, IndianaNortheast 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.

elderly couple riding bicyclesSHVETS production, Pexels

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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.

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAdam 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. 

Lankenau Hospital Heart PavillionMontgomery 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 at nightraffik, Flickr

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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.

Picture of Carnegie Mellon UniversityCorey Seeman, Flickr

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. 

Trenton, New JerseyFamartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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. 

Trenton New JerseyFotosForTheFuture, Shutterstock

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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.

Toledo, OhioSeasurfer, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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".

Toledo, OhioHenryk Sadura, Shutterstock

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, FloridaTrey Ratcliff, Flickr

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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.

Sarasota SkylineCullen 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.

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United Statesalmassengale, Flickr

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. 

Winston-Salem, North CarolinaLarry, Flickr

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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. 

Central Park, New York - 2009Mathew Knott, Flickr

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. 

yellow car in New YorkOno Kosuki, Pexels

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, OhioJoseph, Flickr

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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.

Youngstown State UniversityJack Pearce, Flickr

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. 

Landscape Photo of Daytona Beach The view looking north from a hotel room.Joe Shlabotnik, Flickr

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. 

Landscape photo of Daytona BeachMutaz Albar, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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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.

York, PennsylvaniaJoe 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.

York FairMark Raybin, Shutterstock

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.

Allentown PAAtwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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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.  

Da Vinci Science CenterCyberXRef, 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. 

senior woman walking at hospitalGround Picture, Shutterstock

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. 

Lackawanna County CourthouseBestbudbrian, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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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. 

Lancaster Pennsylvania DowntownRandolph 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.

organic food stall in Lancaster, PennsylvaniaJames Kirkikis, Shutterstock

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. 

Reading PennsylvaniaBoringHistoryGuy, Wikimedia Commons

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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. 

Reading PennsylvaniaJack, Flickr

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. 

Senior CoupleProstock-studio, Shutterstock

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. 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania State Capitol Buildingkev72, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons


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