First of all many of the places suggested are not cities. They qualify as towns.
AARP offers their list of the top 10 Affordable Cities for Retirement. They say that they looked at 350 cities across the country. They considered not only property and sales-tax rates, median housing price, and cost of living but also the tax rate on pensions and Social Security. Then they added in such criteria as recreation, climate, and arts and culture.
It is difficult for me to understand how they made these selections. After all as we get older we need access to health care that is limited in small towns. I have met people driving 60 to 100 miles into Los Angeles from smaller cities and towns because they do not have the needed medical care. In addition there are fewer opportunities for senior activities. Although it is expensive to own a home in San Diego they do have an abundance of museums. That is a common feature of most larger cities.
Their number 1 choice: Winchester, Virginia. This is a remote town 75 miles from Washington D.C. The winters are very cold when temperatures tend to be in the 30’s. As I research the town on September 1, 2011, the temperature is 70° and humidity is reported to be 88%. The population is just over 25,000 people. I remember my visit to rural Ruckersville, Virginia on business about eight years ago. I stopped in Culpeper for a cup of coffee at a McDonald’s. There were three people ahead of me and it took 15 minutes waiting in line. If you like slow and boring you will love rural Virginia. I was told slow down or Smokey will stop you.
Number 2 is Portland, Maine. USA Today says, “Winters are long in Portland, Maine, and it is essential to find things to do to avoid cabin fever.” With a metro population of 230000, the Greater Portland area is home to almost one quarter of Maine’s total population.
Gainesville, Georgia is Number 3. At 55 miles and a one hour driving time to the center of Atlanta, Georgia this town would be worth considering. It is an overwhelmingly White community so if that is a factor in your decision you may need to look elsewhere. The demographics are inviting.
Number 4 is Wenatchee, Washington is too far from Seattle at 148 miles and 2 ½ hours away. At just over 30,000 people it really is remote. The climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70’s and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30’s.
Tulsa, Oklahoma at Number 5 is a city of almost 400,000 people will at least provide the services that seniors require.
Obviously I am oriented towards cities. They are just more interesting and provide the services that seniors need.
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