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.
In compiling the choices, we’ve looked at housing costs, healthcare availability, walkability, local tax burdens, and the overall sense of neighborhood cohesion that makes newcomers feel instantly welcome.
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. Plus, Brownsville offers an abundance of local parks, nature trails, and cultural festivals that keep residents engaged and entertained.
With its proximity to the Gulf Coast, you can also enjoy mild winters and fresh seafood, making it a well-rounded choice for retirees seeking both comfort and affordability.
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. McAllen also offers excellent healthcare facilities, senior centers, and year-round cultural events, making it an appealing option.
The low cost of living stretches retirement savings further while ensuring residents stay active and socially connected.
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. In addition to these perks, San Antonio offers beautiful outdoor spaces like the River Walk and countless historic landmarks to explore.
Seniors can enjoy a lively arts scene, community programs, and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
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. In addition, Tuckahoe offers scenic walking trails, local shops, and a strong sense of neighborhood charm.
Retirees appreciate the balance of peaceful suburban living with easy access to Richmond’s cultural, medical, and recreational amenities.
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. Beyond that, Austin boasts beautiful parks, live music, and a thriving food scene, giving retirees endless entertainment options.
Its walkable neighborhoods and senior-friendly services make it both exciting and comfortable for older residents.
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. Fargo also offers vibrant local events, parks, and cultural attractions that keep retirees engaged.
With four distinct seasons, residents can enjoy everything from cozy winters to sunny summers.
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. Knoxville’s welcoming community and strong healthcare options make it a well-rounded retirement choice.
Retirees also enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby, offering hiking and scenic drives.
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. Retirees appreciate Lincoln’s excellent healthcare services, cultural events, and recreational programs.
With walking trails, local festivals, and a supportive community, it offers a welcoming environment for seniors seeking connection and activity.
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. Additionally, Lexington boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, historic charm, and friendly neighborhoods.
Retirees can enjoy outdoor activities, local dining, and a welcoming community that makes settling in both easy and enjoyable.
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. Des Moines also offers a charming downtown, a strong sense of community, and a variety of senior programs.
Retirees enjoy the balance of peaceful living with access to cultural and recreational activities year-round.
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. Omaha also boasts beautiful parks, walking trails, and a thriving arts and dining scene.
Seniors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, low cost of living, and the many community programs designed to keep older adults engaged and active.
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. In addition, Pittsburgh offers beautiful parks, a lively arts scene, and historic neighborhoods to wander.
Retirees appreciate the combination of urban excitement with small-town friendliness, making it a vibrant and affordable place to call home.
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. Decatur also offers beautiful parks, walking trails, and community events that bring residents together.
Retirees enjoy the friendly atmosphere, access to quality healthcare, and the slower pace of life that promotes relaxation and well-being.
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. Huntsville also offers a welcoming community, senior centers, and plenty of educational and cultural events.
Retirees can enjoy an active lifestyle with access to beautiful green spaces and historic charm.
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. Additionally, Fort Wayne offers charming neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a variety of senior programs designed to keep older adults engaged.
Retirees appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, cultural events, and opportunities to stay active and connected throughout the year.
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. Retirees here enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, excellent healthcare options, and plenty of community activities.
With charming neighborhoods, scenic parks, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Winston-Salem offers a dynamic and fulfilling retirement experience for those seeking excitement and variety.
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. Retirees appreciate the small-town charm combined with access to cultural events, local parks, and healthcare services.
Plus, its proximity to places like Cleveland and Pittsburgh offers the option of city adventures without the big-city price tag.
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! Retirees are drawn to Tucson’s vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and welcoming community.
Plus, the city offers numerous senior programs and outdoor activities that help residents stay active and socially engaged.
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. Retirees enjoy the stunning desert landscapes, outdoor recreation like hiking and biking, and a calendar full of festivals.
With excellent healthcare facilities and welcoming neighborhoods, Albuquerque offers a colorful and comfortable retirement for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
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. Retirees also love the rich history, charming architecture, and thriving food scene.
With plenty of cultural events, waterfront parks, and excellent healthcare options, Charleston offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for a fulfilling retirement.