7 Retirement Friendly Cities

Do you want to retire where you live? Or do you want to make retirement an adventure, settling somewhere that will be easy on your wallet, amenable to your lifestyle, and close to good health care facilities? If you’re open to moving following your long-awaited departure from the workforce, here are seven cities that should be on your radar.

Boise, ID

Affordable living, safety, and a high quality of life earn Boise a spot on this list. No matter whether you prefer to spend time playing in the great outdoors or checking out at art museums and enjoying first-rate meals in restaurants, Boise has something for you. If you plan to retire in Boise year-round, however, you’ve got to be able to put up with four seasons.

Chattanooga, TN

With a cost of living for retirees six percent below the national average and 15% more residents over the age of 65 than in most cities, Chattanooga’s numbers are inviting. Look beyond them to Tennessee’s tax-friendly rating, lower-than-average health care costs, and the city’s vibrant arts and festival scene, and Chattanooga has a lot to offer.

Grand Junction, CO

Grand Junction’s cost of living and percentage of over the age of 65 residents are virtually equal to those of Chattanooga. It also has a low tax rate, a wealth of sun, a dry climate, and plenty of beautiful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Prescott, AZ

The absence of state income, inheritance tax and tax-exempt Social Security benefits make Arizona an attractive retirement destination from a financial perspective. The dry air and nearly constant sunshine is another draw. Prescott’s picturesque forests and seasonal climate make the transition for many retirees from elsewhere to the southwest desert easier than cities at lower elevations like Phoenix and Tucson.

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City is not as tax-friendly as Prescott, but the two have similar climates and offer several of the same advantages as one another. Salt Lake City’s larger size means it has a wider swathe of cultural opportunities like traveling Broadway shows and a more convenient major airport.

Scottsdale, AZ

If everything about Prescott appeals to you but you can’t stand the thought of enduring another winter with snow, Scottsdale is your safest bet on this list. As a suburb of the sixth largest city in the country, Scottsdale offers excellent dining, cultural opportunities, and a major airport that will make visiting your children and grandchildren and having them visit you affordable and convenient.

Topeka, KS

A low cost of living and affordable median home cost makes Topeka a place you can retire comfortably in even if you haven’t saved as much as you wished for retirement. Health care, particularly specialized care for older adults, is excellent. The climate is mild. And Topeka has all the cultural and retail amenities one would expect from a city of its size.

Where you decide to spend your retired years can have a major impact on how far you can stretch your retirement savings. Research your options and ask around before making a decision. If you’re in the process of planning for your retirement and are looking for financial products you can count on, connect with an independent broker who can give you personalized service. For independent brokers, with resources that will help you beef up what you have to sell, call Brokers Alliance at (800) 290-7226.