These Places Are Drawing Older Americans Looking to Cut Costs
Some American cities just don’t cut it for retirees, and people pack up and leave to a place they’ll feel safer and spend less. But where is best to go? Don’t forget, always thoroughly investigate a city before you move there, but this list will give you a glimpse of the most affordable and crime-free cities in the United States.
Brownsville, Texas
If you’re after sunshine, beauty, and a fascinating slice of history, Brownsville might be just the place for you. It’s one of the cheapest cities in the entire country! Retirees love it for its laid-back pace and elderly-friendly culture.
McAllen, Texas
Just up the road from Brownsville, McAllen keeps things just as cheap and cheerful. It’s warm, welcoming, and packed with parks, good food, and a strong sense of community. Best of all, you can navigate it without using a car if you’re careful, ideal for those who no longer drive.
San Antonio, Texas
Yeah, Texas definitely has you covered when it comes to affordable cities. San Antonio has everything a retiree could want: good healthcare, interesting history, and great food options. Housing is also considered very affordable, and the crime rate is low.
Tuckahoe, Virginia
Never heard of Tuckahoe? That’s kind of the point. It’s a quiet, pretty suburb just outside Richmond, Virginia, with affordable homes, great travel options nearby, and no state tax on Social Security. Its population is around 48,049, so it’s nice and quiet for older people.
Austin, Texas
Texas again! Austin has a reputation for being a “young” city but older people love it too. Austin has solid healthcare, tons of 55+ communities, and lots of programs that keep older adults active. It’s a fun, vibrant place, and you might make friends with the youth as well.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo might not be flashy (and the movie titled Fargo probably didn’t do it many favors) but it’s friendly, calm, and incredibly safe. People still wave to each other here! It’s definitely a good place to move to if you’re after a slower pace, a low cost of living, and strong healthcare facilities.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is noted for its music, so it’s a great place to be if you’re into that. That’s not all, though. Living costs are low, and the town has plenty going on without being overwhelming. Plus, it has no state income tax, which is a huge boon to many residents.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln’s a down-to-earth city with a youthful vibe, lots of green space, and a safe, easygoing lifestyle. So it’s great for young and old alike, and it’s also noted for being very friendly – people say hi at the grocery store even. All that, and it even has a fairly low cost of living.
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington has beautiful views of hills, sunsets, and even horses. It’s a very pretty place to live, but that’s not all. It’s budget-friendly, full of arts and festivals, and offers continuing education classes for seniors. All that adds up to make it a great option if you’re retired.
Des Moines, Iowa
This one flies under the radar for some reason, but Des Moines is clean, quiet, and easy on the wallet. It’s got good healthcare, nice neighborhoods, and enough events and parks to keep life interesting. Many people have moved there for their health and found their lives substantially improved.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha’s affordable, practical, and surprisingly lively. There’s always a festival or market going on. It’s got great hospitals and plenty of things to do, but it’s still small enough to feel comfortable. More and more retired people are choosing it as an option.
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia
Don’t let the old steel town reputation fool you - Pittsburgh is thriving now. It’s super affordable, especially for a city with amazing hospitals (shout out to The Pitt!), free senior transit, and tons of interesting culture to explore. Sports fans in particular love it.
Decatur, Alabama
Maybe you’ve never heard of it, but this little river town is a hidden gem. It’s quiet, interestingly historic, and really affordable. Plus, the mild climate means you won’t be shoveling snow in the winter, which can only be a good thing for older folks.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville’s known for rockets and tech, but it’s also fast becoming a retiree favorite. It’s affordable, safe, and has great healthcare. Plus, there’s a lot to explore - museums, trails, even breweries. It’s a great choice for folks who want a mix of the new and the old.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne in Indiana is a great place to live by all accounts. It’s clean, safe, and full of festivals, museums, and trails. Living costs are low, and healthcare is considered pretty good. You’ll feel like part of the community soon after moving.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem has a population of 249,545, so it’s not necessarily the place to go if you want peace and quiet… but not everyone craves that. It’s got art, history, good food, and affordable living. And you’re near both the mountains and wine country.
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown’s had a tough past as a steel-producing city, but it’s making a quiet comeback. It’s super cheap, has a cozy feel, and is a great spot if you want to keep costs low and still be near big cities.
Tucson, Arizona
If you love the desert and don’t mind the heat, Tucson’s a dream come true. It’s sunny almost every day, and the cost of living is reasonable. There are great hiking trails, cultural festivals, and top-notch medical care. Just really make sure you’re okay with heat before moving!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque may be hard to spell, but the city itself perfectly blends culture, affordability, and beauty. The weather’s great, the art scene is vibrant, and the people who live there are friendly. It’s fairly cheap and the crime rate is low.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is gradually gaining a reputation for being a good place to retire to, and it’s well deserved. The city is very walkable - which makes it great for those who can no longer drive - the crime rate is low, and the scenery is beautiful.
