It’s important to choose a retirement destination that values your presence—and your pension. But not all cities are up to the task.
From soaring living costs to soaring crime rates, some cities offer more challenges than charms for retirees.
Join us as we explore 20 cities that might have you reconsidering unpacking those retirement golf clubs.
1. San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino has struggled with high crime rates, making it less appealing for retirees seeking safety. The city filed for bankruptcy in 2012, which led to cuts in public services, affecting the quality of life. Economic challenges continue to impact its recovery and stability.
[High Crime and Economic Challenges]: The combination of safety concerns and reduced public services makes San Bernardino less desirable for retirees.
2. Newark, New Jersey
The cost of living in Newark, particularly for housing and taxes, is significantly high. This financial strain can be challenging for retirees on fixed incomes. Additionally, the city has limited access to quality healthcare, which is a critical concern for the elderly.
[Costly and Inadequate Healthcare]: High living expenses coupled with poor healthcare facilities make Newark a tough choice for retirees.
3. Detroit, Michigan
Once a booming industrial city, Detroit has faced a severe economic decline that affects city services and infrastructure. High crime rates further make the city a risky place for retirees looking for peace and stability in their retirement years.
[Economic and Safety Concerns]: The economic downturn and high crime rates are significant deterrents for retirees considering Detroit.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland experiences harsh winters that can be particularly challenging for the elderly, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Economic challenges have also led to a decline in the quality of public services and amenities available in the city.
[Harsh Winters and Economic Struggles]: Difficult winter conditions and economic decline make Cleveland less appealing for retirees.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is known for its high crime rates, which can be a significant concern for retirees. The city also struggles with healthcare access in certain areas, limiting the quality of care available to its aging population.
[Crime and Healthcare Issues]: Safety concerns and limited healthcare make Memphis a less favorable option for retirement.
6. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore faces safety issues with high rates of violent crime, which is a major concern for anyone, especially retirees. The cost of living is relatively high, making it a financial challenge for those on fixed retirement incomes.
[Safety and Financial Challenges]: High crime rates and the cost of living are major drawbacks for retirees in Baltimore.
7. Stockton, California
Like San Bernardino, Stockton also went through a bankruptcy, which affected public services significantly. Despite these economic issues, housing costs in Stockton remain high, not aligning with the quality of life or services provided.
[Bankruptcy and High Housing Costs]: Economic instability and high costs of living make Stockton a challenging place for retirees.
8. Miami, Florida
While known for its vibrant lifestyle and weather, Miami’s cost of living, especially for housing and healthcare, is above the national average. The city is also prone to hurricanes, adding a risk factor for property and personal safety.
[High Costs and Climate Risks]: The expense and hurricane risk in Miami are significant concerns for retirees.
9. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles offers a glamorous lifestyle but at a high cost, with one of the highest living costs in the nation. Traffic congestion and poor air quality also adversely affect the daily life and health of its residents, including retirees.
[Expensive Living and Environmental Issues]: The high cost of living and environmental concerns make Los Angeles a tough choice for retirees.
10. New York City, New York
Living in New York City is expensive, with high costs across all aspects of life, particularly housing. The fast-paced lifestyle may also not suit all retirees who are looking for a more relaxed and slow-paced environment.
[High Expenses and Fast Pace]: The high cost and bustling nature of New York make it less ideal for a tranquil retirement.
11. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago faces challenges with high taxes and crime, which are concerning for retirees. The city’s winters are notably harsh, featuring bitter cold and heavy snowfalls that can be hard on older adults.
[Tax Burden and Crime]: The combination of high taxes and crime rates alongside severe winters makes Chicago less desirable for retirees.
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia reports high crime rates, which can deter retirees looking for a safe living environment. The city also struggles with healthcare, having poor hospital rankings that may affect the quality of care available to retirees.
[Crime and Poor Healthcare]: High crime levels and subpar healthcare facilities make Philadelphia a less attractive option for retirees.
13. Houston, Texas
Houston is known for its heat and susceptibility to flooding, which can be a hassle, especially for retirees. The city also suffers from significant traffic congestion, impacting mobility and daily life.
[Heat, Flooding, and Traffic]: The challenging climate and heavy traffic make Houston a less ideal retirement destination.
14. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, posing serious safety concerns. The city has also seen a declining population, which can affect community services and amenities.
[High Crime and Population Decline]: Safety issues and a shrinking population make St. Louis a challenging place for retirees.
15. Fresno, California
Fresno struggles with poor air quality, which can affect respiratory health. The city also offers limited recreational amenities, which can impact the lifestyle and leisure activities available to retirees.
[Poor Air Quality and Limited Amenities]: Environmental concerns and a lack of leisure options make Fresno less appealing for retirees.
16. Rancho Cucamonga, California
Rancho Cucamonga scores low in terms of activities for retirees, with few recreational or social options tailored to older adults. The city’s overall rank is relatively low among retirement destinations.
[Low Activities Ranking]: The lack of engaging activities for retirees makes Rancho Cucamonga less favorable.
17. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, while bustling with culture and amenities, struggles with high traffic congestion and relatively high crime rates, which can detract from the peaceful retirement many envision. Additionally, the cost of living in some areas can be steep for those on fixed incomes.
[Traffic and Safety Concerns]: The combination of heavy traffic and higher crime rates makes Atlanta a challenging retirement choice.
18. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence has significant issues with affordability and healthcare, making it a tough sell for retirees. The healthcare facilities are not ranked highly, which could be a deal-breaker for those with health concerns.
[Poor Affordability and Healthcare]: Financial and medical care challenges make Providence a difficult choice for retirement.
19. Riverside, California
Riverside scores poorly in terms of activities for older adults, which can impact the overall retirement experience. The city’s amenities and services for the elderly are not as developed as they could be.
[Low Activities and Amenities]: Limited recreational options and services for retirees make Riverside less attractive.
20. Modesto, California
Modesto ranks very low in activities for retirees, particularly in terms of cultural and leisure opportunities. The city also faces challenges with air quality and public services, which further reduce its appeal for retirement living.
[Very Low Activities Rank and Poor Services]: The lack of engaging activities and adequate services places Modesto at a disadvantage for retirees