Are you going to retire and are looking for the perfect place to enjoy your retirement? U.S. News analyzed data on 150 major US metropolitan areas to assess how well they meet the retirement needs and expectations of Americans.
The main criteria included the level of happiness of local residents, housing affordability, taxes and the quality of medical care.
Sarasota, Florida
Warm temperatures all year round, famous beaches, thriving art and a rich cultural life have made Sarasota a popular destination for pensioners and their families, not to mention some celebrities. The city, which is about an hour’s drive from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, continues to attract new residents with excellent restaurants and shopping potential.
Life in paradise has its drawbacks. As the population grows and the influx of tourists, traffic jams and construction work are becoming more common. On the other hand, Sarasota’s economy is also growing: the city offers a significant labor market for those who work in the healthcare, small business and tourism sectors.
Fort Myers, Florida
Life in Fort Myers, located on the banks of the Kalusahatchee River, is in full swing — and yet it has managed to preserve the heritage of a «small town», with a charming center full of shops and restaurants.
For lovers of cultural leisure, there are museums, parades, festivals, theaters, parks, historical sites and art galleries. And just a few kilometers away are Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Sanibel Island, popular among yachtsmen, kayakers, sailors and fishermen.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port Saint Lucie has a more relaxed atmosphere than its large neighbors, Miami and Orlando-thanks to clean streets and quiet areas with picturesque waterways and lush green golf courses. In addition, houses here are more affordable than in other housing markets in South Florida. (However, this may still change as the popularity of Port Saint-Lucie grows.)
And, by the way, if you are a fan of going to sea, the St. Lucie River is great for boating and fishing.
Naples, Florida
Naples is known as a favorite retirement destination for the rich, powerful and cold-hating-thanks to its beaches, golf courses, as well as fine restaurants and shops.
Although the Naples and Marco Island area is more focused on the older demographic, it is located just two hours away from such bustling cities as Tampa and Miami.
But the proximity to the beach, the abundance of sunlight and the lack of income tax have their drawbacks. In particular, constant growth and development exacerbate the shortage of affordable housing.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster offers the perfect balance between commercial and natural spaces. Extensive farms here are adjacent to a well-groomed suburb that leads directly to the bustling city.
Each district has its own unique groups of residents: farmers, families, students and young professionals. There is something for everyone in Lancaster, from close-knit church communities to indie cafes.
The full TOP 10 best cities for retirement looks like this:
- Sarasota (Florida)
- Fort Myers (Florida)
- Port St. Lucie (Florida)
- Naples (Florida)
- Lancaster (Pennsylvania)
- Ocala (Florida)
- Ann Arbor (Michigan)
- Asheville (North Carolina)
- Miami (Florida)
- Melbourne (Florida)
