Retirement may be a long way off for some of us, for others, it may be a lot closer. When we think of retirement, we think of peace and escaping from the hustle and bustle of skyscraper cities. There are so many quieter cities in America that fit into this lifestyle and here are 18 that are perfect for retirement.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Retirable writes “While Fort Wayne is not tax friendly, it is affordable and offers a metro area with a thriving arts scene.” If you love arts and the outside then it’s certainly a place to move to. The city has the Three Rivers Festival and numerous outdoor activities.
Des Moines, Iowa
If you still want to live in a big city then you can do so in Des Moines, just with more affordable living. It has an incredible culture with an outdoor sculpture park and botanical gardens. There are also plenty of healthcare facilities that focus on being more age-related.
Manhattan, Kansas
Not to be confused with Manhattan, New York. This Manhattan is also much more affordable! If you love walking or biking then this could be a great city for you to retire in thanks to the numerous nature trails that it offers. The city even offers university courses for seniors if you still feel like working your brain.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is known as a city that has a bit of everything. For example, Ramsey Solutions describes it as “You can stroll past restaurants, bars, bookstores, and gift shops or cheer on local sports teams at big college game events.” It’s a senior-friendly city with the only downside being the cost of living a little above average.
Mankato, Minnesota
Mankato is a small city but has a lively downtown. There’s a midwestern vibe to this city, however, it can become extremely cold in the winter. The city has a lower than average living cost, but it’s important to note that Mankato’s tax situation isn’t too favorable.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is known for its jazz music and cultural attractions. It has an affordable cost of living that’s below the national average and is also a mixed tax state for those who have retired. Think KC backs this by writing “Whether in Kansas or Missouri, the KC region is the 11th most affordable in the country for comfortable retirement.”
Asheville, North Carolina
If you love nature, Asheville is one of the best cities to move to for retirement. It’s surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it perfect for anyone who loves nature or a long walk. Asheville also has museums, art galleries and craft breweries to keep you occupied on days you don’t feel like walking.
Sarasota, Florida
If you love sunshine, you’ll want to retire in Florida. Sarasota is close to Tampa Bay and PODs describes it as “Beautiful beaches, warm weather, and enviable recreational and cultural amenities.” The city has some of the best beaches in America and there’s also no state income tax.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
If you want to live somewhere quieter but still be close to big cities such as New York, then Harrisburg is a great option. It has a small-town feel but still features a large selection of urbanized areas. There’s also income tax on pensions and Social Security benefits.
Augusta, Georgia
Best Place to Retire says “If you retire in Augusta, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more!” Augusta’s benefits include a warm climate and a low cost of living. If you’re a golfer then it even has the Masters Golf Tournament to look forward to.
Austin, Texas
If you’d prefer a livelier city then Austin has a vibrant music scene and great food culture. It has a warm climate and a friendly community. There will be plenty for you to do in Austin, so if you see retirement as being a time to try new things then head here.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, so if you’re looking for somewhere with a little more charm then it’s the perfect city. But that’s not the only reason to retire here, according to Well-more “There are many reasons to retire in Charleston, such as warm weather, generous tax exemptions, and an unbeatable atmosphere.”
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles is known for its wineries and wide selection of restaurants. There is a higher cost of living in this city, but this is balanced out by its great healthcare options. You should retire in Paso Robles for its scenic beauty and large recreational options.
Fredericksburg, Texas
According to Great Retirement Spots, you won’t be lost for things to do in Fredericksburg, they write “The downtown has more than 100 antique stores, boutique shops, candy stores, art galleries, wine tasting rooms.” As well as this, the city also has a subtropical climate. It’s rich in culture and you’ll never be bored of things to do.
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland is known for holding the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. There’s a strong sense of community in this city that makes it perfect for retirement. It also has an artsy mountain vibe that gives it a cozy feel. It is important to note, however, that Ashland does have an above average living cost.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Another city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a perfect spot for retirement if you love nature. The city has a mild climate, great healthcare and plenty of cultural activities to become involved in. There’s also plenty of walking to do with some beautiful views.
Hamilton, Montana
Hamilton is an affordable and vibrant small town. It’s great for retirement if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, but still want a selection of things to do. There will be great healthcare available at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and with a beautiful mountain landscape, you can take part in lots of outdoor activities.
Lynchburg, Virginia
Expect beautiful outdoor views as Lynchburg is another city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has plenty of parks and walking trails for you to try out and has a great cost of living score, ensuring you get a high quality of life without any hefty costs.