Best Places to Retire Golden years, golden locations

Pittsburgh isn't just a cheap place to retire; it's a city that treats you like a local, not a tourist. The median home price is $235,000, and you can find a solid 1-bedroom apartment for under $1,000, which is a steal for a city with world-class hospitals and cultural gems. With a cost of living index of 94.4, your nest egg goes further here.

But let's be real: the city's violent crime rate of 567 per 100k is above the national average. You'll want to be smart about which neighborhood you choose. The catch isn't just crime; it's the gray, slushy winters that can feel endless.

Here's a local tip: explore the South Side Flats along East Carson Street. It's packed with unique shops, coffee spots, and restaurants, but you'll want to be closer to the riverfront for a quieter, more residential feel if you're retiring.

Best for: Retirees who want urban amenities without the crushing cost, and don't mind a gritty, four-season climate.
Skip if: You're seeking year-round sunshine or are uneasy with navigating a hilly city with a higher-than-average violent crime rate.

Here's the real deal on Fargo: it's the #2 retiree spot for 2026 because it offers a shockingly good value. Your dollars stretch further here—the cost of living index is 89.4, nearly 11% below the national average. A median home price of $282,700 is a steal compared to coastal markets, and with a median rent of just $781 for a one-bedroom, you can live comfortably on a fixed income.

The catch is the climate. Winters are long and brutally cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero and snow sticking around for months. You'll need to invest in serious winter gear and learn to drive in blizzards. The violent crime rate of 345 per 100k is also higher than the national average, though it's mostly property crime.

Insider tip: North Fargo, especially around the Oak Grove neighborhood, is where you want to be. It's quieter, has beautiful older homes with big yards, and is just a short drive to the vibrant downtown scene and the fantastic downtown farmers market.

Best for: Budget-conscious retirees who don't mind a tough winter and value a strong sense of community.
Skip if: You need year-round sunshine or have a low tolerance for extreme cold.

Columbia, MO, consistently landing on retirement lists, isn't about flashy beaches or mountains. It’s about a quiet, affordable, and intellectual lifestyle, anchored by the University of Missouri. With a cost of living index of 89.3, your retirement dollars stretch noticeably further here.

For a retiree, the biggest advantage is that financial breathing room. The median home price is $334,500, and a 1-bedroom apartment averages just $861. That median household income of nearly $63,000 is supported by a stable university and healthcare economy, keeping unemployment low at 4.0%. You’ll find a highly educated, engaged community (over 55% with a bachelor’s degree), with free lectures and arts events at your doorstep.

The catch? You must be comfortable with college-town energy and Midwestern weather. Winters are grey and can be long, and the city’s cultural pulse, while vibrant, is deeply tied to the academic calendar. It’s not a bustling metropolis; it’s a large, comfortable town.

Insider tip: For walkable charm and established homes, look at the North Central neighborhood. It’s quiet yet close to everything.

Best for: Financially savvy retirees who value education, community, and a slower pace.
Skip if: You crave year-round warm weather, a vibrant nightlife, or a city that’s completely quiet in summer.

College Station’s #4 ranking for 2026 isn’t just hype; it’s built on a foundation that’s surprisingly affordable. With a cost of living index of 90.7, you get a lot of value—especially when the median home price is $399,950. This is a family-friendly, college-town bubble where the Texas A&M ecosystem keeps things stable, the unemployment rate is a low 4.2%, and the vibe is safe and predictable.

But here’s the honest catch: it’s a college town through and through. The rhythm of the year is dictated by the academic calendar, meaning traffic swells on Highway 6 when students return and the summer can feel a bit sleepy. The cultural scene, while vibrant, revolves largely around campus events and football Saturdays, not a bustling downtown arts district. You’ll need to find your niche in the local rhythm.

Insider tip: Don’t just look at the main student neighborhoods. Explore the established, tree-lined streets of Southwood, a quiet community with older homes and a more settled feel, just minutes from the action but far from the fray.

Best for: Families seeking a safe, tightly-knit community with excellent public schools and a strong sense of pride.
Skip if: You crave a diverse nightlife, a prominent arts scene, or a city that doesn’t quiet down when the students leave for the holidays.

Lafayette made the 2026 retirement list for its rare combo of affordability and culture. Retirees love that the cost of living here is 13% below the national average, and a median home price of $245,000 means your nest egg stretches further.

The key advantage is the vibrant, walkable core. You can spend your days at the Acadiana Center for the Arts or digging into crawfish étouffée at a local joint. The unemployment rate is a healthy 4.3%, and the community feels stable.

The catch? The healthcare access is good but not world-class; serious issues might mean a trip to a larger city. The violent crime rate is a notable concern at 639.4 per 100k, so you'll want to research neighborhoods carefully.

Insider tip: For a quieter, established vibe, look into the Girard Park area. It's close to the university and the park's running paths, but it's not as bustling as downtown.

Best for: Retirees who crave a lively, foodie scene and a low cost of living.
Skip if: You require top-tier, specialized medical care within a few miles.

Topeka made the #6 spot for retirees in 2026 for a simple, powerful reason: your money goes incredibly far here. With a cost of living index of 85.9, you're keeping nearly 15% more of your cash than the national average. The median home price sits at $199,950, and you can find a solid 1-bedroom apartment for around $731 a month. That financial breathing room is the city’s biggest draw.

The catch? It’s a trade-off for that affordability. The violent crime rate is 425 incidents per 100k people, which is something to research neighborhood-by-neighborhood. It’s not universally problematic, but you’ll want to be selective. The city’s vibe is quiet and steady, not bustling.

Here’s a local tip: spend a Saturday afternoon in the historic NOTO Arts District. It’s the creative heart of the city, with galleries, quirky shops, and the kind of community feel that makes a place feel like home.

Best for: Retirees and budget-conscious families seeking financial stability and a slow-pace of life without big-city costs.
Skip if: You crave constant nightlife, diverse cultural amenities, or are overly concerned about crime statistics.

Yuma made the "Best Places to Retire" list for a reason: it’s one of the most affordable sunbelt cities left. With a Cost of Living Index of 87.5 (12.5% below the national average) and a median home price of $325,000, your retirement dollars stretch surprisingly far here.

The main draw is the weather. You’ll get over 300 days of sunshine annually, and the winter temperatures are famously mild, making it ideal for escaping colder climates. The local economy, anchored by agriculture and the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, is fairly stable, reflected in a 4.3% unemployment rate.

The catch? It’s a remote desert city. The cultural scene is quiet, and you’ll need to drive for major entertainment or specialized healthcare. The violent crime rate, at 449.3 per 100k, is also a consideration—though much of it is concentrated in specific areas away from the main retirement communities.

Insider Tip: For a more established, quiet vibe, look at the Sunrise neighborhood. It has larger lots and older homes with character, a stark contrast to the newer, tighter subdivisions on the city's edges.

Best for: Retirees seeking extreme affordability, sunshine, and a low-key, small-town feel in a dry climate.
Skip if: You crave vibrant urban culture, walkable neighborhoods, or want to be within a few hours' drive of major metropolitan amenities.

McAllen made the "Best Places to Retire" list for one reason: value. With a cost of living index of 85.6 (14% below the national average), your retirement dollars stretch remarkably far here. A median home price of $264,000 and rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $781 mean you can live comfortably on a modest fixed income. The weather is a huge draw—think endless winter sunshine and a vibrant, year-round outdoor culture.

The catch? It’s not a bustling metropolis. The job market is modest (median household income is $60,200), and the economy is heavily tied to cross-border trade and healthcare. While the violent crime rate (345 per 100k) is higher than the national average, most residents feel safe in established neighborhoods. The real downside for some is the cultural isolation; it’s a deeply South Texas community, and if you’re not bilingual or don’t appreciate the local Tejano music scene, you might feel like an outsider.

Insider tip: Skip the touristy downtown and look for a quiet bungalow in the Las Palmas neighborhood. It's tree-lined, walkable to local cafes, and has a strong community feel.

Best for: Retirees on a fixed income who prioritize warm weather, affordability, and a relaxed pace of life.
Skip if: You crave a dynamic job market, diverse cultural amenities, or a bustling urban energy.

Edinburg cracked the top 10 for retirees, and it’s not hard to see why. With a cost of living index of 85.6—meaning it’s 14% cheaper than the national average—your retirement savings go much further. The median home price is $323,000, and a one-bedroom apartment can be found for about $781, a rare find these days.

The vibe is relaxed, community-focused, and deeply family-oriented. The local economy, anchored by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the regional medical center, keeps the unemployment rate at a low 4.2%. You can spend weekends at the bustling Edinburg Farmers Market or catch a university baseball game.

But let’s be real: this isn’t a metropolitan hub. The nightlife is quiet, and the cultural scene is modest. The violent crime rate is something to keep in mind—it sits at 345 incidents per 100,000 people, which is above the national average. You’ll want to be mindful of your neighborhood.

Best for: Retirees on a fixed budget who prioritize community, affordability, and a slower pace of life over urban excitement.

Skip if: You crave a vibrant arts scene, endless dining options, or are particularly concerned about crime rates.

Billings made the list, and honestly, it’s because it’s a Montana city that still feels manageable. It’s got the space and the sky, but you won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere with a Target and a decent hospital system.

The core advantage is the cost of living, which sits at a 89.6 index, meaning your dollars stretch a lot further than they would in Denver or Seattle. You can find a solid 1-bedroom apartment to rent for around $874, and the median home price of $368,950 is still within reach for many. The job market is surprisingly steady, with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%.

The catch? It’s a classic boom-and-bust resource town, so the economy can be tied to energy prices. The violent crime rate is also something to note—it’s higher than the national average at nearly 470 incidents per 100,000 people. You need to be street-smart.

Here’s the local tip: Don’t just look at the downtown core. Spend some time in the West End, especially around the Shiloh corridor. It’s where most of the newer shopping and restaurants are, and the neighborhoods feel a bit more established and quiet.

Best for: Retirees who want a low cost of living, access to incredible outdoor recreation, and a genuine community feel.
Skip if: You crave a bustling arts scene, mild winters, or a city that’s constantly growing and changing.

Overland Park’s #11 ranking isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of a carefully engineered suburban dream. With a median household income of $97,176 and an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, the economic stability here is palpable—you feel it in the well-maintained public parks and the constant hum of construction on new single-family homes.

The biggest draw is the value. The cost of living index sits at 93.3, meaning your dollar stretches further than in many major metros. You can find a solid 3-bedroom home in a top-rated school district for the area’s median price of $523,000, and a one-bedroom apartment for around $839. It’s a safe, clean, and family-centric environment, with a violent crime rate of just 178 per 100,000 people.

But the catch is the "character" tax. The city can feel homogenous, a stretch of similar subdivisions and shopping centers. The infamous 69 Highway corridor is a necessary evil for commuting, and while the city has its charms, you’ll be driving to Kansas City’s crossroads district for truly unique nightlife.

Insider Tip: For a slightly more established feel with mature trees, look at the neighborhoods around Corporate Woods. They offer a quieter, more residential vibe while keeping you minutes from the major employment hubs.

Best for: Families prioritizing safety, good schools, and suburban convenience.
Skip if: You crave walkable, historic neighborhoods or a vibrant, distinct cultural scene.

Broken Arrow made the 2026 retirement list for a simple reason: it nails the sweet spot between affordability and comfort. You can find a decent 1BR apartment for $760, and the median home price is $305,000—well below the national average. With a cost of living index of 89.5, your Social Security check stretches further here than in most cities.

The catch? You'll absolutely need a car. Public transit is minimal, and the city is built for drivers. While the violent crime rate (234 per 100k) is manageable, it's not a walkable urban core. You're trading walkability for space and value.

Insider tip: Explore the Rose District downtown. It's the revitalized heart of BA, packed with local shops and restaurants like the popular Roundabout Burger. It’s where you’ll feel the community pulse on a Saturday morning.

Best for: Budget-conscious retirees who drive and want a safe, suburban community with easy access to Tulsa’s amenities.

Skip if: You crave a walkable, car-free lifestyle or a bustling, dense downtown scene.

Meridian, Idaho, snagged the #13 spot on the 2026 retirement list for a simple reason: it offers a genuinely peaceful, suburban life without the punishing costs you’d find elsewhere in the West. With a cost of living index of 93.4, your savings stretch further here.

The financial upside is real. A median household income of $100,307 pairs with a median home price of $495,000, which is more attainable than in Boise proper. The community is safe, with a violent crime rate of 178 per 100k, and the unemployment rate is a healthy 3.7%. But let's be honest about the catch: you'll drive everywhere. The city is built around car-centric sprawl, and if you crave walkable, urban energy, you might feel isolated. The vibe is quiet, and sometimes, a bit too quiet.

Here’s an insider tip: spend a Saturday morning at the Meridian Saturday Market (held at The Village at Meridian). It’s the best way to gauge the local pulse—you’ll see families, retirees, and young professionals all enjoying the live music and food trucks.

Best for: Active retirees and remote workers who prioritize safety, quiet, and affordability over nightlife and walkability.
Skip if: You’re under 40 and thrive on dense, urban energy or hate driving for every errand.

Las Cruces, New Mexico, landed at #14 for the 2026 retiree list, and it’s easy to see why. The biggest draw is the cost of living, which sits 10.7% below the national average (Cost of Living Index: 89.3). A median home price of $299,990 and a 1BR rent averaging $881 mean your retirement dollars stretch dramatically further here than in most Sun Belt cities. With a population of just under 115,000, it feels substantial without being overwhelming, and the sunny, low-humidity climate is a major perk.

The catch? Wages are modest—the median household income is $55,012, and the job market outside healthcare and education can be thin. While the violent crime rate (567 per 100k) is a concern, it's heavily concentrated in specific areas. You’ll want to be selective about where you settle.

Insider tip: For a quiet, established neighborhood with good value, look at the Sonoma Ranch area on the city's east side. It’s newer, has great walking paths, and is close to the fantastic farmer's markets.

Best for: Retirees and remote workers prioritizing affordability, sunshine, and a slower pace.
Skip if: You're seeking a bustling job market, a vibrant nightlife scene, or are uncomfortable with a city that has visible economic disparities.

Carmel, IN isn't just another suburban bubble; it landed at #15 on the 2026 "Best Places to Retire" list for a reason. It’s got that polished, safe, and comfortable vibe, but with enough personality to keep it from feeling sterile.

The key advantage here is the financial security. With a median household income of $143,676 and a cost of living index of 94.6 (below the national average), your nest egg stretches further. You can find a decent 1-bedroom apartment for about $1,145, and while the median home price is a steep $502,450, you’re paying for top-tier public schools and meticulously maintained parks. The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 89 per 100,000 residents.

The catch? It’s a bubble. You have to drive everywhere, and the cultural scene, while present, isn’t as dense or spontaneous as a major metro. It’s quiet—a little too quiet for some.

Insider tip: Skip the generic subdivisions and look for a home in the Old Town district. You’ll get actual walkability to local gems like the sun-drenched patio at Bub’s Burger & Ice Cream, and a sense of community the newer areas lack.

Best for: Families prioritizing education and retirees seeking a safe, comfortable, and financially sensible community.

Skip if: You crave urban energy, walkable nightlife, or a diverse, eclectic cultural scene.