Forbes recently released a list of the top 25 cities in America for retirees, comparing various factors such as housing costs, taxes, healthcare, air quality, crime rates, and climate change risk. Among the list of top cities were Las Cruces, New Mexico, which appealed to retirees Barry and Susan Mendelson due to its warm climate, low cost of living, and diverse culture. The Mendelsons relocated from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and found that they could live at least 20% cheaper in Las Cruces compared to their previous city.
Economics was a major factor for retirees like the Mendelsons when choosing a new location. With rising housing costs nationwide, affordability was a key consideration in Forbes’ list, which featured lesser-known cities like Las Cruces and Spokane, Washington, with median home prices well below the national average. The Mendelsons ruled out various states before settling on Las Cruces, taking into account factors like state tax policies and cost of living.
The list included a mix of colder and warmer climates, catering to different preferences among retirees. Cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Fargo, North Dakota, known for their cold winters, were perennial favorites on the list. On the other hand, cities like Savannah, Georgia, and Pensacola, Florida, offered warmer climates and affordability, making them attractive options for retirees looking for a change of scenery.
In addition to cost considerations, the list also highlighted factors like local economy prospects, air quality, crime rates, and availability of primary care doctors. College towns were well-represented in the list, offering amenities like cultural events, lifelong learning opportunities, and affordable living. Cities like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Athens, Georgia, provided a mix of affordability and quality of life for retirees.
Forbes’ methodology for selecting the top cities took into account over 800 locations across the country, analyzing factors like median home prices, cost of living, state tax policies, job growth prospects, quality of life indicators, and climate change risk. The final list of top 25 cities offered retirees a diverse range of options, from scenic mountain towns like Greenville, South Carolina, to coastal cities like Virginia Beach, Virginia. Whether retirees prefer a bustling urban center or a quiet beach town, there was a city on the list to suit their needs.
