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By Caitlin Dewey
Striking a balance between a high quality of life and low cost of living can be a difficult challenge for retirees. With that in mind, we offer five destinations that seniors might find attractive places to live in the second half of their lives.
SLIDE SHOW: See the 5 Great Cities for Retirees, at a Glance
We started our search for top retirement destinations using the criteria we used to select our overall list of Best Cities for the Next Decade. What more are seniors looking for? Retiree-friendly factors such as a high number of doctors and large percentages of populations over 65 helped to drive a unique list of 20 growing cities.
Then we dug deeper into issues most critical to retirees, including state tax rates and exemptions for various types of retirement income, low crime rates, access to airports, local transportation, and access to leisure activities, from libraries and theaters to hiking and golf. Take a look — and tell us what you think is the best place for you to retire.
Charlottesville, Va.
City Population: 41,225
Metro Population: 196,766
Cost-of-Living Index: 107.5 (national average = 100)
Median Household Income: $56,833
Income-Tax Exemptions: No state tax on Social Security benefits; income deductions of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and older, subject to income-eligibility limits
Proximity to Airport: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (10 miles from downtown)
Home of Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a charming Southern city with an impressive array of cultural draws. Several prime art museums and a pedestrian mall can be found in the city’s neo-Classical downtown, while the Monticello Wine Trail and Shenandoah National Park are close by. It's also two hours from Washington, D.C.
PROS: Mild climate, proximity to golf courses, parks and wineries, active art and theater scenes, developed downtown district
CONS: Above-average cost of living and moderate tax breaks, mid-sized public transit system
Dothan, Ala.
City Population: 63,892
Metro Population: 142,693
Cost-of-Living Index: 89.4
Median Household Income: $40,728
Income-Tax Exemptions: No state tax on Social Security benefits and military, civil-service, and state- and local-government pensions
Proximity to Airport: Dothan Regional Airport (11 miles)
This friendly Dixie city — the self-proclaimed Peanut Capital of the South — is an up-and-coming destination for retirees looking for quality health care and mild winters. Its exceptionally low cost of living and real estate taxes and generous retiree exemptions make it much cheaper than many retirement destinations in Florida.
PROS: Proximity to parks and golf courses; two-hour drive from the Florida Gulf Coast, four hours from the Atlantic Coast
CONS: No regularly scheduled public transit, high tornado risk, limited cultural offerings
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Fla.
City Population: 99,159
Metro Population: 536,357
Cost-of-Living Index: 100
Median Household Income: $49,411
Income-Tax Exemptions: No state income tax
Proximity to Airport: Melbourne International Airport (8 miles)
The Space Coast may lack substantial cultural or artistic attractions, but it more than makes up for them with low taxes and beautiful beaches. Palm Bay is a hotspot for seaside activities such as boating and fishing, as well as the more land-locked hobbies of hiking, tennis and golf.
PROS: Warm climate, proximity to international airport and major cruise port, huge range of outdoor activities
CONS: Small public transportation system, high hurricane risk
Pittsburgh, Pa.
City Population: 295,988
Metro Population: 2,354,957
Cost-of-Living Index: 91.5
Median Household Income: $47,755
Income-Tax Exemptions: No state tax on Social Security benefits, public or private pensions, distributions from 401(k)s, IRAs, deferred-compensation plans or other retirement accounts
Proximity to Airport: Pittsburgh International Airport (20 miles)
Consistently ranked one of the country’s most livable cities, Pittsburgh has traded its Rust Belt past for a thriving arts scene and excellent health care. And of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers play here. It also boasts some of the country’s best art museums and libraries, so there’s plenty to do indoors in winter besides watch football.
PROS: Low cost of living, low housing costs, low taxes for retirees, proximity to international airport, stunning downtown riverfront, strong art and sports scenes, large public transit and library systems
CONS: Snowy winters, less-than-glamorous reputation (which you'll soon forget about)
San Francisco, Calif.
City Population: 798,176
Metro Population: 4,317,853
Cost-of-Living Index: 162.1
Median Household Income: $76,848
Income-Tax Exemptions: No state tax on Social Security benefits
Proximity to Airport: San Francisco International Airport (13 miles)
Yes, the Bay Area can be an expensive place to live. But retirees willing to bear the high cost of living will find pleasant weather year-round and an eclectic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Noted for its 200-plus stunning parks and beaches, San Fran also has plenty to offer in the way of art, sports, dining and theater. Nearby Oakland and Fremont offer similar vistas and easy city access at half the cost.
PROS: Proximity to international airport, unparalleled leisure and lifestyle, efficient mass transit, huge network of beaches and parks, wide range of leisure activities
CONS: High taxes, high cost of living, high crime rate, a rainy season
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Reader Comments (30)
Posted by: Scorpion at 06/24/2010 10:47:40 AM
Melbourne has a 1% chance of a Cat 3-4-5 hurricane hitting. I wouldn't call that high
Posted by: Nomen at 06/24/2010 01:36:17 PM
You left out the biggest reason to relocate to a certain area. Proximity to your children and grandchildren. Retirement is a downhill slide. Most of us will eventually need a little assistance from our kids. My grandparents did and my parents did. When I visit a nursing home and see so many people so far from their families, it is really sad that they only get a few visits a year if any at all. They are no longer concerned with nice golf courses or low tax rates.
Posted by: Glenn at 06/24/2010 03:11:57 PM
What kind of dolt came up with this list of great cities in America to retire to. Come on San Francisco...high crime...ultra liberal and expensive to boot. This is the last place I'd want to live.
Posted by: rikiray at 06/24/2010 11:55:28 PM
What nut bag came up with this list? Pittsburg! and San Francisco!!! You got to be kidding!? Why didn't you go ahead and add Detroit to the list?
Posted by: Ralph at 06/25/2010 01:15:52 AM
The author of this article must have been smoking some of the famous Mendicino weed. San Francisco is about the last place in the U.S. that I would want to retire to. I lived in San Fran for 40 years before moving to WA State. It was a great place to make money but the quality of life was terrible. Real estate prices are amoungst the highest in the country, the weather is cold and foggy for most of the year, pan-handlers and other strange folk dominate the downtown streets, the City government is nearly Socialist in nature, etc. San Francisco is a great place to be from
Posted by: Les at 06/25/2010 01:50:12 AM
including San Francisco on this list is insane. Most retirees have a reduced income and the bay area is just about the most expensive in the state. In addition, Californias\\s\\'s financial woes, high state taxes, expensive services and more should disqualify anyone but rich diehard socialists.
Posted by: abernathy at 06/25/2010 03:50:13 AM
San Francisco and Pittsburg (and maybe Melbourne if you're willing to deal with the heat and humidity) are the only good recomendations on this list.
Posted by: patricia maxwell at 06/25/2010 08:42:46 AM
The Gulf Coast?
Posted by: Jim at 06/25/2010 03:12:26 PM
I was in San Francisco last week and commented to my wife that it would be a terrible place to retire in simply due to the steep grades and abundant steps in almost every residence. Additionally, I am not particurarily attracted to "High taxes, high cost of living, high crime rate, a rainy season." Kiplinger scored an F for this list.
Posted by: Mark at 06/25/2010 03:28:53 PM
If these are your best cities, I'd hate to see your worst Ten. What a Joke, especially San Francisco. You guys made me laugh !
Posted by: Scotts at 06/25/2010 03:56:53 PM
How about Nolanville, TX. Pros: Low taxes, inexpensive housing, nice weather, nearby golf course (Harker Heights) and airport (Dallas), public transportation not needed, library and two churches. Bass fishermans dream. Cons: Close to Fort Hood (large military base).
Posted by: Janco at 06/25/2010 04:04:51 PM
How about Falls Church, VA in lieu of Charlotesville, VA. The former has much more to offer.
Posted by: paul engler at 06/26/2010 07:17:27 AM
If these recommended five best "retirement" cities are indicative of Kiplinger's money mgt. recommendations--no thanks--you are living in a cold and heartless dreamworld...
Posted by: tom at 06/26/2010 08:54:42 AM
the best place to retire is reno nv. low taxes, great weather and an abundance of doctors and hospitals,some of the friendliness people on the planet... everybody raves about reno, if you try it you will love it..
Posted by: Jimbo at 06/27/2010 03:50:30 PM
How can you leave Texas off the list, San Antonio, specifically north of SA, schertz, New Braunfels, San Marcos juts stop when you get close to |Austin, can't beat the COL and although hot summers, no snow, good people
Posted by: wryter at 06/28/2010 01:30:21 PM
Good for Kiplinger's. Finally, an acknowledgement that not all retirees seek a quiet, peaceful hamlet with sunshine and little access to culture, diversity, excitement. City life served me well for most of my adult life and my goal is to return to it for my final days. I lived in San Francisco for 18 years and believe it is possible to enjoy its pleasures on a retiree's budget. It takes careful planning but the rewards are great. I wish New York City had made the list. It is my goal. No need for a car; super public transit. Theatre, museums, very walkable. I am far from rich but believe I can "get by" in a modest studio and find myself in America's most vibrant metropolis. A couple of excellent books have been written about retiring/living in the Big Apple on a budget: "Retire in NYC: Even if You're Not Rich" and "The Cheap B-----d's Guide to New York City." Please deliver me from some antiseptic senior cloister in Happy Town, USA. Lastly, the writer who knocked Detroit has never lived there. I did, for 21 years. The cultural resources are excellent and professional sports fans can find no better place to indulge their passion.
Posted by: Vaag at 06/29/2010 01:04:28 AM
I can easily think of something hideously wrong with every city/state mentioned. I don't get it.
Posted by: Judith at 06/29/2010 10:18:13 AM
Whomever picked these five must be in their 20's or 30's. These are not places for seniors. We enjoy lots of outdoor activities as well as cultural events but who wants the risk of hurricanes, winters, high cost of living etc. We have small condo's near our kids for summer visits and then go to sunny Florida in the winter. Go interview some retirees before writing about it. Can't say I'll be back to Kiplinger for this kind of advice.
Posted by: Genie at 06/30/2010 12:31:08 AM
I live in San Francisco and love it, but I just retired and can no longer afford to live here. I am not sure how anyone who was not very wealthy could buy a house and rents are high too. I like your youthful attitude and agree this city is a great place, but you must be writing for a six figure retiree.
Posted by: Karen Merhar at 07/10/2010 07:26:20 PM
Pittsburgh....come on now....no way.....What about Austin,TX, San Diego or Seattle or Portland?
Posted by: None Ya at 07/30/2010 01:43:36 PM
Obviously you are NO WHERE near retirement age. Maybe you should ask for the advice of more mature "retirement" age adults before putting out this type of article.
Posted by: sara at 08/01/2010 12:24:15 PM
Most of the folks I know in San Francisco are moving to Central Oregon (Bend) for retirement. Better amenities, less stress, out door activities (golf, bike,hike,boat etc)and lower cost of living. We can't afford retirement in San Franscico...I am following them hopefully in two years yeh
Posted by: Ronin at 08/01/2010 01:08:17 PM
On some national ranking lists for retirees, Las Cruces NM is listed as desirable place to retire.. it isn't. Las Cruces is not a retirement friendly place to retire.. I know, I have lived here 2 years now and can't wait to sell the home I bought and get the hell out. As a "gringo' you receive a lot of hostility at all levels.. stores, medical providers, county and city Government... there is no attempts by city Government to public safety on city streets and in neighborhoods... frequently, you'll see a DUI arrest of a drunk that killed several in a horrible traffic accident and learn that he or she had over 15 DUI arrests prior. law enforcement here is a joke... police and courts are very lenient... noise is a common nuisance as motorcycle riders like to cruise streets and neighborhoods at all hours blasting noise. Police will not enforce any noise abatement statute....Stay away... it's not a place to retire if you seek safety, peace and quiet....
Posted by: Michael J. Kapp at 08/02/2010 05:39:12 PM
How can you remotely consider San Francisco a good place for retiring? With the highest cost of living in the 48 lower states and the highest taxes of any state the only people who can remotely consider San Francisco are the super-rich (and above). Compared to many cities in Texas and Florida San Francisco is extremely unattainable for any middle class retiree. Whoever made up this list has no idea about what they are talking about and should do some research (since they evidently have not done one bit at all before writing this article).
Posted by: Alta at 08/07/2010 08:03:54 AM
My parents retired in Melbourne, Florida 20 years ago. There are great beaches, golf, boating, cruising and other outdoor activities. We love visiting them with our children - and now our grandchildren. Orlando is about an hour away so there is reasonable access to real cultural events as well as all the theme parks (without the constant Mickey reminders). Some baseball teams winter in the area. And don't forget NASA space center. Although it gets hot in the summer- it is no hotter than the suburban area we now live. And they have ocean breezes. Maybe some chance for hurricanes, but we've been snowed under more times than they have had hurricanes.
Posted by: Fred at 08/07/2010 02:24:27 PM
Why do you not look at Bryan/College Station, Texas? No state income tax and low cost of living. Home to Texas A & M University with student population of 50,000. Home to George H. W. Bush Public Library that draws thousands of visitors each year. The medical community is great and comparable to Houston or Dallas. You are doing a great disservice to retirees who desire the amenities we have here.
Posted by: Ex-Subscriber at 08/22/2010 10:08:52 PM
Now I know why I don't subscribe anymore - San Francisco? You must be kidding?!? Quit smoking crack Caitlin, and do your homework. As a CA-native who recently fled the ginourmously taxed state, I can tell you from first-hand knowledge, that NO retiree, unless they have MILLIONS and want to see it all drained away in taxes, will move to San Francisco.
Posted by: al magdaleno at 08/23/2010 03:58:12 AM
Are you sure the state of Calif does not tax social security? my brother pays taxes on his social security. I want to know if that was an error or taxes are being paid when they should not be paid. thanks for you help
Posted by: Waldo313 at 08/23/2010 08:16:50 AM
You forgot the best place of all. Marietta, GA. By 2016, no state income tax on all pension income (presently $35,000) or social security and you don't have to pay the school part of your property tax bill if over 62 with no children in school.
Posted by: Noble at 08/24/2010 03:18:37 PM
I think you missed the Southwest coast of FL like a beautiful city called "SARASOTA"! SAR has "cultural and artistic attractions" gosh this place is the capital of the arts in the South and possibly 1st for any small city in the USA. Also it is home to the number#1 beach in the US "Siesta Ke"y and that is just the beginning. Most that try SAR love it come back every year and make this place eventually their home. Lots of young folks are moving daily. Try it you will like it! See you on the white beaches of SAR and Manatee Counties.