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The best retirement city may not be the one you expect

But the right choice will always depend on a retiree’s priorities

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

Updated:

key insights:

  • Lincoln, Nebraska, topped a ConsumerAffairs ranking of cities for retirement, while Lake Havasu City, Arizona, finished last.
  • The study gave the cost of living three times the weight of any other factor, but also considered health, safety, parks, and walkability.
  • The rankings rely largely on data gathered in 2023, so retirees should check current local costs and services before making a move.

The best place to retire is highly subjective. It all depends on what factors are most important.

In a new study, World Atlas chose Pittsfield, Mass., Johnstown, Pa., and Silver City, N.M. as the top three retirement destinations on its list. But the decision usually comes down to a set of priorities that a city can offer.

Warm weather draws many people to Florida and Arizona, but a recent ConsumerAffairs study suggests retirees should look beyond climate when deciding where to live. 

Lincoln, Nebraska, took the top spot in its ranking of U.S. cities for retirement. No Florida city made the top 40. St. Louis ranked second, followed by Champaign, Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; and El Paso, Texas. 

Lincoln performed well for its older population and access to parks. The study also considered expenses, crime, preventive health care, access to healthy food, walkability and community well-being.

At the other end of the list, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, ranked last. It has a large population of older adults and a low crime rate, but higher living costs and weaker scores for access to healthy food and community well-being pulled down its overall result. 

Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Olympia, Washington, were next from the bottom; both scored poorly for park access and neighborhood walkability.

What the rankings mean for retirees

ConsumerAffairs gave the cost of living three times as much weight as each of the study’s other factors. That makes sense for someone living on a fixed income, but the least expensive city will not necessarily be the best fit. A lower housing payment may be less appealing if getting to medical appointments, buying groceries, or staying connected with friends becomes difficult.

Before relocating, retirees can compare a realistic monthly budget in each city, including housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. It also helps to visit a prospective neighborhood, check how far it is from doctors and grocery stores, and ask about senior centers and transportation services. 

ConsumerAffairs recommends spending time in a place and talking with residents before deciding to move.