The Greatest Small Cities within the U.S. for Retirement

Approaching retirement comes with many obligations and questions, similar to learn how to make your greenback stretch additional so you possibly can stay your optimum golden years. To try this, chances are you’ll want to maneuver someplace new, similar to over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 People did in 2024.

In January, GoBankingRates launched its checklist of the most effective small cities to retire within the U.S. These, the corporate reported, are small communities with populations between 1,000 and 10,000 residents that have been ranked primarily based on their price of dwelling, lease, crime charges, and general livability. Or, as GoBankingRates places it, they’re the”type of place the place you possibly can calm down in your porch or discover {that a} run-in along with your neighbors within the city sq. turns into a late-night catching up.”

The checklist is topped by Maplewood, Missouri, positioned simply eight miles west of St. Louis. In line with GoBankingRates, the month-to-month price of dwelling in Maplewood is $2,810, and its livability rating is 87 out of 100. 

Maplewood has simply 8,073 residents, guaranteeing a tight-knit group. And whereas retirees are absolutely welcome—about 10 p.c of its inhabitants is aged 65 and over—AreaVibes famous that “Maplewood might be a terrific place for younger adults and college students as the typical age of 33 years outdated is beneath the nation’s common.”

The group additionally ranks No. 1 within the state on AreaVibes and within the prime 10 p.c of all cities. It scored an A+ for its price of dwelling and schooling, an A- for housing (Zillow estimates the median dwelling worth to be $257,573), and a B for employment. 

Maplewood has roots going again to the late 1700s, and as St.Louis grew, so did the city, which by 1896 was reachable by way of an electrical streetcar. These days, guests and residents can stroll by means of its historic downtown, lined with retailers and eating places. The truth is, downtown Maplewood is the nation’s first Inexperienced Eating District, the place companies promote sustainable practices similar to serving recent, native produce, lowering waste, composting, and recycling.

Different prime cities to make GoBankingRates’ checklist embody Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, in second, adopted by Brentwood, Pennsylvania. Alamo Heights, Texas, and Riverdale, Utah, spherical out the highest 5 finest small cities to retire.

See the complete checklist at gobankingrates.com.