Some places treat public transit like a mythical creature-often talked about, rarely seen.
You could write a thesis on the art of waiting for a ride.
Your mind is ready for retirement, but your legs are about to get a workout.
If you want adventure, forget world travel-just try getting to the pharmacy here.
Retirement shouldn’t feel like a triathlon.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is famous for music and barbecue. But here’s the deal: public transportation is limited and walkability is inconsistent.
Many neighborhoods are spread out. Senior-focused programs are lacking. I made a classic mistake thinking I could get around easily.
You’re better off in a place with more reliable transit.
Why It’s On This List: Getting around without a car is tough. Seniors may feel isolated.
2. Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport has struggled for decades. The economy is weak and public transit options are slim.
If you do not drive, you may find it hard to reach stores or medical care. That’s why many retirees feel stuck here.
You’re better off picking a city with more stability and transit.
Why It’s On This List: Few ways to get around without a car, and services are spread out.
3. Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is close to Tampa and Orlando. But here’s the catch: it has one of the worst commutes in the country.
If you need to get to nearby towns, it can take over 30 minutes for just 15 miles. I made a classic mistake thinking Florida always means easy living.
You’re better off in a more walkable Florida city.
Why It’s On This List: Long commutes and limited transit make car-free living a headache.
4. Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert is sunny and warm. But the city is spread out, and public transit is limited.
Most errands require a car. That’s why it’s hard for retirees to stay active if they don’t drive.
You’re better off choosing a community with better walkability.
Why It’s On This List: High cost of living and poor walkability hurt car-free retirees.
5. Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Hills is glamorous. But here’s the deal: the average home costs over $3.6 million.
Public transit is not great. Most people drive everywhere. I made a classic mistake thinking the glitz would make up for it.
You’re better off in a city with affordable housing and better transit.
Why It’s On This List: High costs and car dependence make it unfriendly for retirees without a car.
6. Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport has good health care. But the cost of living is high, and activities for seniors are limited.
Public transportation is not robust. That’s why retirees without a car often feel stuck at home.
You’re better off in a more affordable, walkable town.
Why It’s On This List: High costs and weak transit options limit independence.
7. Kahului, Hawaii
Kahului is beautiful but expensive. Most homes cost over $800,000.
Public transit is limited, and distances are long. I made a classic mistake thinking paradise means easy living.
You’re better off in a place where you can walk to shops and services.
Why It’s On This List: High costs and poor transit make car-free life difficult.
8. Newark, New Jersey
Newark has access to New York City. But here’s the catch: public transit is unreliable and the average home price is high.
Taxes are also steep. That’s why many retirees find it hard to get around without a car.
You’re better off in a smaller, more walkable community.
Why It’s On This List: High taxes, poor transit, and expensive homes hurt car-free retirees.
9. San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino has a low cost of living for California. But public transit is lacking, and the city is spread out.
Most errands require a car. I made a classic mistake thinking low costs would make up for it.
You’re better off where you can walk or take reliable buses.
Why It’s On This List: Difficult to get around without a car, even for daily needs.
10. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is affordable. But here’s the deal: public transportation is unreliable and many neighborhoods are not walkable.
Quality of life and health care options are also limited. That’s why retirees without a car can feel isolated.
You’re better off in a city with better transit and walkable neighborhoods.
Why It’s On This List: Poor transit and walkability make car-free retirement hard.
11. Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver sits just north of Portland. The cost of living is higher than the national average. But here’s the deal: public transit is limited, and traffic can be a nightmare.
Rainy weather and high housing prices make it tough for retirees. I made a classic mistake thinking the Pacific Northwest would be easy without a car.
You’re better off in a city with better transit and lower costs.
Why It’s On This List: Expensive housing and weak transit make car-free living hard.
12. Rancho Cucamonga, California
Rancho Cucamonga is sunny and scenic. But here’s the catch: homes cost over $770,000 on average.
Public transportation is lacking, and most errands require a car. That’s why retirees without a car can feel stranded.
You’re better off picking a town with more walkable neighborhoods.
Why It’s On This List: High home prices and poor transit options limit independence.
13. Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock has a low cost of living. But public transportation is not strong, and the city is spread out.
Few activities are within walking distance. I made a classic mistake thinking Texas cities are easy for retirees.
You’re better off in a place with more senior services and transit.
Why It’s On This List: Lack of transit and activities for seniors make it tough without a car.
14. Lynnwood, Washington
Lynnwood is close to Seattle. But here’s the deal: housing is expensive, and only 17.8% of the population is over 65.
Public transit options are limited. That’s why it’s a struggle for retirees who do not drive.
You’re better off in a more affordable, accessible area.
Why It’s On This List: High costs and low walkability challenge car-free retirees.
15. Wilmette, Illinois
Wilmette is charming but costly. The average home price is about $920,000.
Property taxes are among the highest in the country. I made a classic mistake thinking a pretty suburb meant easy living.
You’re better off in a town with lower taxes and better transit.
Why It’s On This List: High taxes and housing costs hurt retirees without a car.
16. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence has history and charm. But here’s the catch: public transit is not robust, and winters can be harsh.
Many neighborhoods are not walkable. That’s why retirees may feel isolated without a car.
You’re better off in a city with milder weather and better buses.
Why It’s On This List: Poor transit and tough winters make car-free life hard.
17. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is affordable, but public transportation is weak.
Many services are far apart. I made a classic mistake thinking low costs would make up for it.
You’re better off where you can easily reach shops and doctors.
Why It’s On This List: Limited transit makes daily life tough for retirees without a car.
18. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is lively, but here’s the deal: public transit is not reliable.
Neighborhoods are spread out, and walking is not easy. That’s why retirees without a car may feel left out.
You’re better off in a city with more compact neighborhoods.
Why It’s On This List: Poor transit and spread-out services challenge car-free retirees.
19. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque has great weather, but public transportation is lacking.
Distances between services are long. I made a classic mistake thinking the climate meant easy living.
You’re better off where you can walk to what you need.
Why It’s On This List: Long distances and weak transit hurt retirees without a car.
20. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is known for horse country. But here’s the catch: public transit is limited and services are spread out.
If you do not drive, it can be hard to stay active and social. That’s why many retirees struggle here without a car.
You’re better off in a city with more options for getting around.
Why It’s On This List: Limited transit and spread-out neighborhoods make car-free living tough.