Are you planning on retiring soon? Do you want to enjoy your golden years, without having to worry about money? If your answer to either of these two questions is yes, the first thing to consider is whether a move is in the cards.
You might not know this, but there are plenty of cities that offer an affordable cost of living. In fact, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for less than $600 per month in all of the cities on this list! Combined with the excellent healthcare and a wide range of amenities for seniors, these cities welcome retirees looking to relax and enjoy their later years.
Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)
With a population of around 1.4 million, you don’t have to give up any modern amenities with a move to Oklahoma City. The cost of living is 15 percent below the national average and retirees receive helpful tax breaks. There’s plenty to see and do here, with a rich cultural heritage, fun festivals, the Ouachita and Wichita mountain ranges, and year-round sunshine to explore in.
It is also worth mentioning that residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities – including 35 hospitals, with most providing specialty services – in Oklahoma City, giving you and your family peace of mind should something happen.
Florence (Alabama)
Known as ‘Alabama’s Renaissance City’, after the annual Renaissance Faire, Florence is a small but beautiful town with a population of just over 40,000. Many retirees consider moving to this city given the affordable cost of living (21.6% below the U.S. average), low crime rate, and many opportunities for relaxation.
Older adults will enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Southern living in Florence. The historic downtown is beautiful, and the nearby Tennessee River offers some beautiful sights worth exploring.
Amarillo (Texas)
Life unfolds at a slower pace in this Texas town with a population just under 200,000. The cost of living is much lower than larger cities in the state such as Dallas and Austin, but there’s still plenty to do and warm weather to take advantage of. Texas also doesn’t have a state income tax.
While you hopefully don’t have to visit, Amarillo has exceptional medical facilities making it a great choice for retirees. The metropolitan area has a wide range of slow activities for those in their golden years, including the symphony, Lone Star Ballet, and plenty of parks for walking and hiking.
Shreveport (Louisiana)
Looking for a place in the south? Shreveport – with a population just under 188,000 – might be a great landing spot for you. Retirees love this city, with its inexpensive housing, mild climate, and state-of-the-art hospitals.
There are also plenty of things to see and do here, including a visit to the Shreveport Aquarium or exotic Asian Gardens. Seniors may also enjoy the cultural opportunities offered here, such as the Southern University Museum of Art or the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Great food is another huge draw to the region, with a wide variety of cuisine (including Southern food!) and many locally owned restaurants.
Youngstown (Ohio)
Youngstown – with a population around 65,000 – is situated in Ohio, which is a tax-friendly states for retirees. Just over an hour away from Cleveland and under an hour from Akron, this smaller town offers easy access to larger cities.
Affordable living options are a huge draw, as well as the long list of things to see and do, from breweries and restaurants to golf courses and beautiful Mill Creek Park, the largest metro park in America.
Choosing Where To Retire
It’s never too early to think about retirement! Considering your options early can help you plan when and how you step into your retired years, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
The cities we have included are great places to retire, and they offer exactly what you need: affordable housing and cost of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and lots to see and do. There are many thing to consider when you’re thinking about a move, but a low cost of living can result in you being less strapped for cash in your later years and allow you a c