The 5 Best Places for Retirement in 2015

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The 5 Best Places for Retirement in 2015

Arar Han · Sep 23, 2015

Goldengatebridge

You’re getting ready to retire and dreaming of moving to a brand new city to begin the next phase of your life. You want your new apartment to be livable, with a neighborhood and community that is retiree-friendly. But how can you know which city will fit your needs?

To help narrow down your search, consider using the AARP’s new Livability Index. This helpful tool rates each community on a livability score from one to 100 based on an average of housing, neighborhoods, transportation, the environment, health, and opportunity categories. A higher score means a better place to live for citizens of all ages. Using the Livability Index, let’s look at the top five best places to retire in 2015.

La Crosse, Madison, and Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is home to three of the best cities for retirees in 2015: La Crosse, Madison, and Fitchburg. La Crosse is on top with a livability score of 70, closely followed by Madison’s 68 and Fitchburg’s 67. All three of these cities offer residents a healthy community, vibrant cultural experiences, and beautiful scenery.

Wisconsin residents enjoy plenty of opportunities for social engagement and civic involvement in their community. A large weekly farmer’s market, free concerts on the capitol’s lawn, and many opportunities for outdoor recreation are just a few examples of what make this state a perfect place for retirement.

San Francisco, California

This California city is home to a little bit of everything. San Francisco is a popular tourist destination because of its lively city life, its diverse mix of Victorian and modern architecture, and its iconic landmarks. Its estimated 852,469 residents enjoy cool summers and mild winters.

San Francisco has a livability index of 66 with convenient transportation, wide access to healthcare, and good air quality. There are an abundance of beautiful parks across the city for you to enjoy. San Francisco neighborhoods have a close proximity to everyday destinations, and the widely used public transportation system means few residents need cars.

Paul, Minnesota

Minnesota’s state capital, St. Paul, is a great destination for retirees. St. Paul has a livability score of 66. Its 297,640 residents have easy access to public transportation, excellent healthcare, and affordable housing. The city lies on the east bank of the Mississippi River and both the air and water quality are superb.

St. Paul has maintained its small-town feel by preserving its historic buildings, charming public parks, and stunning Victorian homes. The city is known for its Winter Carnival, a tradition that attracts 350,000 visitors annually and holds events such as ice sculpting and winter food contests.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the United States’ oldest cities, and with an estimated population of 655,884, it is the largest city in Massachusetts. Boston has the food, art, and nightlife of a big city and the friendly feel of a small town. The city has a livability score of 65, and it is an international center of higher education and medicine.

From masonry buildings to single-family homes to modern high-rises, each historic Boston neighborhood has its own personality and distinctive appeal. The city is steeped in the history of the American Revolution. It has been called “the intellectual capital of the United States” thanks to its literary and musical culture.

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital city of North Dakota, and has an estimated population of 61,272. It is ranked as the seventh fastest growing small city in the United States. Bismarck is also home to the tallest building in the state, the North Dakota State Capitol.

With a livability score of 67, Bismarck is praised for its civic and social involvement, as well as its clean water and air quality. It has a large park system with extensive exercise trails, many swimming pools, and several golf courses. Another great perk? Residents over 60 and citizens with disabilities qualify for door-to-door transportation service.

Which city is best for you?

When you retire, you want to live comfortably in the community that is right for you. Using the Livability Index ensures that your new city supports you as you age. It makes the choice easier so that you can make your retirement dreams come true.

About the Author

Arar Han is co-CEO of Alert-One, a personal safety technology and consulting firm headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with offices nationwide. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Arar holds a dual degree in Philosophy and Human Development from Boston College, summa cum laude, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Originally from Seoul, she currently lives in Palo Alto with her family.

 

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