Amazon takes creative control of the James Bond movie franchise
Subtitles
  • Off
  • English

The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst

When it comes to the best U.S. cities for retirees, some locations have a clear lead on others

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Start Slideshow
Start Slideshow
Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Flashpop (iStock by Getty Images)

Choosing where to retire is an important decision. After a lifetime of hard work and saving, you deserve to have the security of knowing that you’re settling in a location that offers financial security, a high quality of life, and exciting activities.

Advertisement

When it comes to the best cities for retirees, some locations have a clear lead on others. WalletHub, a personal finance website, recently released its analysis of the country’s best and worst retirement destinations. The rankings prioritized several factors – including how a changing economy may impact soon-to-be-retirees in the United States.

While 68% of workers say that they are somewhat confident that they have enough money to retire on, only 21% say they are very confident, according to a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research.

“As a result, the best cities for retired people are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as have good opportunities for retirees to continue paid work for extra income, if they choose to do so,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, in a statement. “In addition, the top cities provide high-quality health care and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees.”

The study analyzed 45 metrics – including availability of adult volunteer activities, walkability, and the quality of public hospital systems – which were sorted into four dimensions: affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care.

Perhaps not surprisingly, sunny Florida cities dominated the list of the best cities for retirees. But there are some snowy exceptions to this rule. Minneapolis, Minnesota, for example, ranked in the top five best cities due to its elderly-friendly labor market and high number of nursing homes and gerontologists per capita.

Continue reading to learn more about the five best and five worst American cities for retirees.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

2 / 12

Fifth Worst: Newark, NJ

Fifth Worst: Newark, NJ

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Howard Kingsnorth (iStock by Getty Images)

Newark, New Jersey was ranked the fifth-worst city for retirees. The city received low marks on affordability and overall quality of life.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

3 / 12

Fourth Worst: Bakersfield, CA

Fourth Worst: Bakersfield, CA

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: miroslav_1 (iStock by Getty Images)

Bakersfield, California was ranked the fourth-worst city for retirees. The city received low marks on activities and healthcare.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

4 / 12

Third Worst: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Third Worst: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Matt Gush (iStock by Getty Images)

Rancho Cucamonga, California was ranked the third-worst city for retirees. The city received low marks on activities and affordability.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

5 / 12

Second Worst: Stockton, CA

Second Worst: Stockton, CA

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Denis Tangney Jr (iStock by Getty Images)

Stockton, California was ranked the second-worst city for retirees. The city received low marks on activities and health care.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

6 / 12

Worst: San Bernardino, CA

Worst: San Bernardino, CA

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Visions of America/Joe Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images (Getty Images)

San Bernardino, California was ranked the worst city for retirees. The city received low marks on activities, overall quality of life, and health care.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

7 / 12

Fifth Best: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fifth Best: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: John Coletti (iStock by Getty Images)

Fort Lauderdale, Florida was ranked the fifth-best city for retirees. The city received high marks on activities and health care.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

8 / 12

Fourth Best: Tampa, FL

Fourth Best: Tampa, FL

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: John Coletti (iStock by Getty Images)

Tampa, Florida was ranked the fourth-best city for retirees. The city received high marks on activities and overall quality of life.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

9 / 12

Third Best: Minneapolis, MN

Third Best: Minneapolis, MN

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Saibal (iStock by Getty Images)

Minneapolis, Minnesota was ranked the third-best city for retirees. The city received high marks on activities and health care.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

10 / 12

Second Best: Miami, FL

Second Best: Miami, FL

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Alexander Spatari (iStock by Getty Images)

Miami, Florida was ranked the second-best city for retirees. The city received high marks on activities and healthcare.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

11 / 12

Best: Orlando, FL

Best: Orlando, FL

Image for article titled The 5 best cities in America to retire in — and the 5 worst
Photo: Kelly Verdeck Photography (iStock by Getty Images)

Orlando, Florida was ranked the best city for retirees. The city received high marks on affordability and activities.

Advertisement