Whether you’re buying a starter home or or a place to spend your golden years, much depends on the affordability—and quality of life—of the location.
Cost of living, in fact, is a vital component for those looking for a place to live in retirement. But not the only factor.
In a new report, WalletHub compared the retiree-friendliness of 182 U.S. cities across four key categories: affordability, activities, quality of life and healthcare.
WalletHub noted the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2021 Retirement Confidence Survey reported that while seven in 10 workers said they felt somewhat confident they will have enough money to retire comfortably, only three in 10 said they were very confident.
"Retirement isn’t all about the money, though," WalletHub said in its report. "Retirees want to live in a place where they enjoy safety and access to good healthcare, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ideal city will also have lots of ways to spend leisure time, along with good weather."
Here, in ascending order, are the top 10 best places to retire in 2021.
10. Atlanta
The Big Peach offers a suburban lifestyle within easy commute of big-city attractions; a mild climate; and an affordable cost of living on a fixed income. Atlanta ranks fourth with the most museums per capita; sixth in activities; 47th in affordability; 125th in quality of life; and 139th in healthcare.
9. Miami
Miami’s nightlife, cultural and recreational opportunities, and warm weather appeal to young and old alike, especially if they’re seniors who can afford it. Miami ranks first with Tampa, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; San Diego; and Charleston, S.C., for most fishing facilities per capita; 12th for activities; 55th for healthcare; 72nd for affordability; and 105th for quality of life.
8. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Fort Lauderdale's resort lifestyle offers older crowds plenty of upscale dining and shopping options. Fort Lauderdale ranks 26th in activities; 35th in healthcare; 59th in quality of life; and 76th in affordability.
7. Cincinnati
Nestled along the Ohio River, the third-largest city in Ohio has three professional sports teams, a thriving theater and arts scene, top-notch cuisine and a world-class zoo. Cincinnati ranks third in activities; 76th in healthcare; 85th in quality of life; and 103rd in affordability.
6. Denver
If you’re an outdoor enthursiast looking to combine an active lifestyle with affordable cultural and recreational opportunities, Denver may be the destination for you. The Mile High City ranks seventh in activities; 49th in quality of life; 77th in affordability; and 101st in healthcare.
5. Minneapolis-Saint Paul
The Twin Cities stand out for below-average assisted living costs, an extensive selection of senior support services and cradle-to-grave affordable housing options. Minnesota ranks fifth for highest percentage of employed seniors; second in activities; 11th in healthcare; 50th in quality of life; and 135th in affordability.
4. Tampa, Fla.
The third-largest city in Florida, Tampa offers retirees big-city amenities; outstanding shopping and dining options; and plenty of sunshine all year long. Tampa ranks first with Miami; Charleston, S.C.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and San Diego for most fishing facilities per capita; eighth in activities; 38th in affordability; 69th in quality of life; and 88th in healthcare.
3. Scottsdale, Ariz.
Scottsdale is famous for sprawling, luxurious resorts, championship golf courses and high-end boutiques. Scottsdale ranks first with the highest percentage of seniors, fourth for best mild weather, second for quality of life, 20th for affordability; 32nd for activities; and 81st for healthcare.
2. Charleston, S.C.
Charleston offers seniors beneficial tax benefits. Charleston ranks first with San Diego; Virginia Beach, Va.; Miami; and Tampa, Fla., for most fishing facilities per capita, 15th for activities, 30th for affordability, 31st for healthcare and 68th for quality of life.
1. Orlando, Fla.
The city of Disney World is not just a tourist mecca, but also a boom town for numerous senior communities. Orlando ranks ninth in activitiies, 13th in affordability, 68th in healthcare and 70th in quality of live.
The full report can be viewed here.