If you want to move away to seek a better retirement life, many people suggest Florida, but there are much cheaper places that still have a similar feel. Here are the 17 best retirement cities that are similar to but cheaper than Florida.
Athens, Georgia
Go Banking Rates writes, “Athens offers a warm climate similar to Florida’s, but with a significantly lower cost of living.” Athens also has a great cultural scene and doesn’t cost as much to live there as Florida does. The city hosts many music festivals and art events and is home to historical sites.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is known for its many beaches, coastal lifestyle, and various casinos. It’s a much more affordable option compared to Florida, which has an average monthly living cost of $1,729. The city offers a great blend of both affordability and leisure. It’s difficult for a person to become bored in Biloxi.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga not only has a picturesque setting but it also has plenty of recreational activities for a person to take part in. The city also has a great arts scene that likes to work with the community. Chattanooga is surrounded by mountains and boasts plenty of hiking trails, helping to keep a person entertained during retirement.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi has great weather, just like Florida. For example, Hogan Homes writes, “Every year, the area sees more than 200 days of sunshine, which translates to plenty of time to enjoy the warm climate.” However, unlike Florida, Corpus Christi has affordable housing and an average monthly living cost of only $1,544.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of recreational activities to keep a person occupied. The city is rich in history and has plenty of diverse cultural events. The average monthly cost of living in Tucson is around $2,030, which still leaves plenty of room for entertainment.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane is known for its affordable house rates and low cost of living. The city even has over 170 days of sunshine each year, making it a tough competitor for Florida. A person can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,100 a month, making it much more affordable than retiring in Florida.
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is the perfect city for retirees who are looking for sunshine. For example, Best Life writes, “Augusta’s cost of living index is 91.2. And you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for only $860 a month.” The city also has over 200 days of sunshine each year, which leaves plenty of room for outdoor activities.
Columbus, Georgia
Columbus is another city that offers 200 days of sunshine each year. It also has an extremely affordable cost of living, with a strong index of 88.5. The city also has its benefits financially, as Georgia does not tax social security. With all of these points to bear in mind, it becomes a great retirement option compared to Florida.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is ranked particularly well for its strong healthcare system. It also has below-average living costs and a very high cost-of-living index score that comes in at 93.7. Along with its great healthcare services, Grand Rapids also offers a variety of senior-friendly amenities.
Reno, Nevada
Unbiased writes, “Reno is a popular retirement destination for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and boating.” The city also boasts a huge 251 days of sunshine per year, so it not only offers a great climate but also affordability and an active lifestyle.
Sun City, Arizona
Sun City has been specifically designed for those who are retired, which means it has all the necessary amenities for retirement living. It also offers a dry and warm climate and plenty of recreational activities for a person to try out, such as golf. It’s close to Phoenix, so a person can still enjoy a big city.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a tax-friendly option for retirees, as all income is exempt from social security. It also has a high cost of living index, which comes in at 103.4. The city has both historical charm and urban conveniences, making it a great spot to retire.
Detroit, Michigan
Movinmaker writes, “Housing shortage is not a big problem in Detroit yet and many retirees in Detroit find a decent and affordable place to stay rather quickly.” Detroit is a great city to relocate to if you want affordable housing. It’s also surprisingly sunny, with an average of 180 days of sunshine each year.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls boasts no state income tax and low property taxes, making it a great option for pensioners. The city is well known for its great air quality and natural attractions, making it a healthy place to relocate to. Sioux Falls can offer both a balanced retirement lifestyle and affordability.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is ranked highly for its healthcare, being able to boast that the system is accessible and of high quality. It’s even home to many renowned healthcare facilities. The city offers a great cultural scene and educational opportunities if a person feels like learning something new in retired life.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t just about partying and entertainment. For example, Shea Homes writes, “Las Vegas provides retirees with a wide array of activities, especially in its quieter suburbs like Summerlin.” It’s also an affordable city with no state income tax. The city has various retirement communities where a person can feel comfortable.
Bermuda Run, North Carolina
There are a significant number of retiree-friendly listings in Bermuda Run with low property taxes. The city has that unique southern charm and various amenities to keep a pensioner entertained, such as golf and tennis. Homes are also a friendly price, with the average house costing $179,000.
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