10 Cities to Retire in the Next Decade: A Guide for Senior Citizens

After years of work, you have decided to retire. Congratulations! It's time to start thinking about where in the world you want your retirement home. You may be wondering: "What are some cities that I should consider?" Well, we've got a list for you! Here are 10 cities that will make any senior citizen feel right at home and provide them with everything they need.

What to Consider When Looking for a Retirement City

-Cost of Living: When it comes to a city, you want one that has a reasonable cost of living. Some cities are expensive and others have affordable prices for senior citizens. For example, a senior citizen who lives in New York City might have to budget around $42,000 annually for housing and other expenses whereas someone retiring in Dallas can live comfortably on just under $25,000 per year.

-Weather: The climate can affect how much time seniors spend outside during the day. If they're retiring in Florida, then you'll enjoy mild winter weather and hot summers. But if heading to Massachusetts, you better bundle up for snowy winters.

-Culture: What types of activities and events are in the area? Does it have a rich history and culture for senior citizens to enjoy? Is it known for its parks or its art scene? Are there hiking trails or beaches? You'll likely have a lot more free time on your hands, so you want to consider the hobbies you'll take up.

-Medical Facilities: You want your city to be close to good medical facilities. This is important if you need emergency care or assistance with chronic illnesses. If something happens, then you don't want to be left stranded somewhere with no access to help.

Top 10 Cities to Consider

1. Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia is a great place to live. It's year-round mild temperatures make it both a great place to live and also a great place to retire. Augusta has an active arts scene with a variety of art shops along Artists Row offering you the opportunity to make hand-made pottery or enjoy a three day festival with more than 120 artisans, food vendors offering global cuisine, and five stages of non-stop performances.

The city is a walkable and car-friendly community. It has an extensive recreation program for adults, with classes in ceramics, painting, jewelry making and more. The Augusta Arts Council also offers art education programs such as First Friday Gallery Walks every month where you can visit downtown galleries or simply enjoy the free live music performances.

2. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte was recently ranked as one of the top major cities in America to retire according to MagnifyMoney.com’. Charlotte’s metropolitan area has a population of approximately two million people. It is adjacent to the Appalachian Mountains and it's also near several major universities such as Duke University, UNC-Charlotte, and Davidson College.

The city offers residents plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation with over 180 parks that offer activities like tennis, golfing, swimming pools. Older adults here enjoy agreeable climate, a bustling economy, and widespread availability of healthcare systems, food and drinks, as well as entertainment and recreation.

Charlotte is also home to a variety of cultural activities that offer plenty for retirees who enjoy attending concerts, plays and art galleries. The city offers numerous places where you can attend lectures on any topic or learn about specific literature through poetry readings and book clubs. Needless to say, you won't go bored in this top retirement city!

3. Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater is a very popular retirement town mid-way up Florida's west coast. It is on the western side of the bay from Tampa, along with St. Petersburg. Clearwater Beach is a resort town across the causeway on a barrier island. The area abounds with active adult communities and 55+ developments for retirees. Clearwater's population is just over 100,000.

Clearwater is a city of great cultural diversity and outdoor recreation, both in the water and on land. It's one of the most popular destinations for retirees who love boating, fishing, beaches, golf courses or just walking along Clearwater Beach with an ice cream cone from The Magnolia Grill.

The area has fully-equipped hospitals within town and a variety of medical clinics and a wide range of doctors for family care or specialist needs. As one of Florida's most popular retirement areas it is no surprise that there are so many opportunities here!

4. Columbia, Missouri

Columbia is an ideal community for retirement. Retirees are especially attracted to the youthful spirit of the community, the clean environment, availability of healthcare, and the many educational and recreational opportunities.

Columbia, Missouri is a college town and has one of the lowest crime rates in the country with very little air pollution. Columbia offers plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, cycling or playing at any one of their more than 100 parks. There is a plethora of restaurants, bars, live music, indie films, book stores, art galleries, and loft apartments to entertain active adults looking for entertainment and culture.

Columbia's excellent air quality includes low pollution from industry and traffic. The city has a "green" community, too, with tree-lined streets and parks throughout the area. It also offers numerous senior programs, like Bridge to Independence - which provides short term financial assistance for seniors needing help getting back on their feet after an emergency or hardship.

5. Knoxville, Tennessee

Not many people know much about Knoxville, TN, but it's proximity to Smoky Mountains National Park keeps people coming back. The beauty of this area is undeniable as it offers a certain peacefulness and tranquility that can be difficult to find in larger cities.

This city has an extensive public transportation system, low crime rate, air quality rated among the best in the country, and there are plenty of attractions for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years living out their retirement dreams. As for entertainment, Knoxville has theaters, live music venues and galleries to explore the local culture.

Retirees can find affordable housing by renting or buying a home in one of the new developments popping up near downtown Knoxville that will provide easy access to entertainment but still seclusion when desired. This city also offers plenty of opportunities for retirees interested in volunteering.

6. Holland, Michigan

Located on the shore of Lake Macatawa and the eastern side of Lake Michigan, Holland has been rated a top place to live and retire by many organizations and publications.

This city is home to Green Holland, which has made it a leader in sustainable practices. It also offers senior housing complexes that offer some of the most modern and luxurious amenities for retirees looking for their dream retirement community.

Holland's population ranks as one of the top educated communities in America with plenty of entertainment options available from professional sports teams. The city also offers a number of local festivals for retirees looking to experience the culture.

7. Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Pittsfield was named the top place to retire in Massachusetts by MSN. The website published a list recently naming their top pick in each state of places for retirees to live.

Just over 17 percent of residents in Pittsfield are 65 years old or older. This city also offers a low cost of living and plenty of community programs for retirees.

Pittsfield is an ideal place to retire because it doesn't have any air pollution, nor does the crime rate exceed the national average. The population density in this area is quite low, so there should be ample opportunities for recreation with few crowds or noise. As for the weather, Pittsfield also has a low rate of humidity, compared to other parts of the East Coast, making for a comfortable spring, summer, and fall.

Pittsfield offers many cultural and historical sites, so there should be plenty to do in this area for retirees with time on their hands. There are even more options for entertainment like golfing at one of the local courses or fishing along the river's edge near downtown Pittsfield.

8. Reno, Nevada

Reno is one of the fastest growing cities in Nevada and has seen a lot of development over the last few years. The city's population grew by more than 11 percent between 2010 and 2016, with many people retiring to this area for its low cost of living and high quality lifestyle. The city also offers plenty of senior housing complexes with amenities that seniors will appreciate.

There are plenty of cultural attractions like museums, theaters, arts, music, and outdoor recreation.

This is a great place for retirees to live because Reno has the perfect climate year-round, making it comfortable and inviting all year long. If you're looking to retire in an environment where English speakers are highly prevalent, this may be the ideal location as well.

9. Asheville, NC

Asheville, a city in the blue ridge mountains is known for many things - craft beer, crafty people, and culture. It has also been ranked one of the best places for retirees to live in America by Money Magazine.

With a population just over 87 thousand residents, Asheville is not only one of the most affordable cities in North Carolina, but it's also rated as one of the safest city with very little crime rates.

There are many opportunities for retirees to get involved with the community and stay active. Asheville is also close to both mountains, which make it an ideal location for outdoor recreation. As a tourist destination, there's plenty of culture within this area as well - from art galleries and museums to live music venues where you can see bands like The Avett Brothers and Bruce Hornsby.

This is a great place for retirees to live because of its low crime rates, affordable housing options, and cultural attractions. If you're looking for an active retirement community with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community or just enjoy some peace at your home away from home, Asheville might just be the place.

10. Columbia, SC

Columbia, a growing city in South Carolina is just about an hour from Charlotte and two hours away from Atlanta. It's ranked as one of the top 100 places to retire by AARP.

The county has had steady population growth over the last few years - so there are plenty of opportunities for retirees to find work if they wish.

Columbia is close to the mountains, which makes it an ideal location for retirees who enjoy outdoor recreation. The city also has a very low crime rate and affordable living options - making it one of the top spots on this list. Many of the people in Columbia have a shared love for USC sports, going to Colonial Life Arena for basketball games or Williams-Brice Stadium for football.

Columbia's art and music scene can be enjoyed at the Columbia Museum of Art, the Koger Center for the Arts and the Township Auditorium, as well as at a variety of live music venues and galleries around town.

There are plenty of incredible locations around the United States and internationally that offer great value for money, as well enough health care, entertainment, and amenities to keep you comfortable well into old age. Be sure to explore your options and pick a place that works for all your needs.