We determined the best cities to retire by comparing the 541 cities in our database across 9 categories. Each category is evaluated over a range of metrics with each metric being judged on a different point scale, as indicated below. Cities that receive the maximum points for each metric are determined to be the most desireable and appear higher in the list.
55 and Older - Total Points: 20
- Proportion of population 55 and over - Points: 16
- Proportion of population 65 and over - Points: 4
Recreational Activities - Total Points: 17
*
- Museums per Households - Points: 4
- Performing arts centers per household - Points: 4
- Casinos - Points: 2
- Golf courses - Points: 2
- Wineries - Points: 2
- Performing arts centers - Points: < 1
- Museums - Points: < 1
Weather - Total Points: 13
- Days of temperature 32°F or less - Points: 8
- Days of temperature 90°F or more - Points: 5
Low Crime - Total Points: 13
- Property crime rate - Points: 7
- Violent crimes - Points: 6
Healthcare - Total Points: 13
- Hospitals (<50 miles) - Points: 5
- Number of nearby 5-star hospitals - Points: 4
- Share of nearby hospitals with Medicare rating of 5 stars - Points: 4
Walkability - Total Points: 7
- Walkability score - Points: 7
Cost of Living - Total Points: 7
**
- Median home value - Points: 4
- Income tax for median earners - Points: 3
Air Quality - Total Points: 7
- High ozone - Points: 3
- Unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups - Points: 3
Connectivity - Total Points: 3
- Number of airports in close proximity - Points: < 1
- Train stations - Points: < 1
*
Points doubled for fun calculation
**
Points doubled for value calculation
