Retirement

Top 30 Places To Retire In The United States

CR Staff - May 20, 2023

26. Brevard, North Carolina

With a population of only 8,000 residents Brevard, N.C., offers you the chance to be part of small-town life. The natural beauty of Brevard is something else. Enjoy this gem of a town in Northwest Carolina. Situated in the mountains at a higher altitude, summer temperatures will be a little cooler. Cool enough to enjoy the mountain splendor and local waterfalls, there are many residents over 65. In fact, 28 percent of the local population is over 65. So, you will have many opportunities to make friends in a smaller town. The median home price is $206,000 and the town scores 15 on the Walkability index. Enjoy the average temperature of 55 F.

There are 3,108 doctors per capita. The cost of living index is 2:99. Unemployment is 4.4 percent. You can drive to nearby Asheville, which is only 38 miles away. Brevard gets 62 inches of rain a year, and about eight inches of snow. It is not the warmest place to retire but being part of a small town has many positives. You can escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic part of the country. Yes, you’ll need to prepare for winter and higher rainfall. However, the air quality is excellent and summer temperatures are lower at the higher elevation.

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25. Cape Coral, Florida

Home to a larger population of 725,000, this city is full of attractions for every age. Known as the Waterfront Wonderland, there are over 400 miles of navigable waterways. In fact, Cape Coral has more canals than any other city in the world. Visit one of over 30 recreational parks, such as Sun Splash Park, or visit the city marina and yacht basin. Even if you’re not a sailor, you can enjoy the sailing community and seaside town. Do you like playing golf? There are seven courses to choose from. One of the major industries in the area is healthcare.

The median home price is $ 235,000 with a median household income of $52,527. The cost of living is three percent above the national average, but the town also has a 4.6 percent job growth rate. There are also many ecological preserves where you can see the unusual local wildlife. Visit Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve or the Gulf beaches at Sanibel Island and Fort Meyers. There are many cultural attractions like live performances at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. You can visit the Art Studio, Cape Coral Art League, Cultural Park Theater or Historical Museum. There is so much to see and do in the beautiful town of Cape Coral.

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24. Clermont, Florida

Florida is the sunshine state and Clermont has an average high temperature of 83 F. There is no snow, but there are 51 inches of rain a year. Clermont is not on the coast but is 20 miles inland west of Orlando. The town is in the rolling hills of Florida so the air quality is good. The number of doctors per capita is lower than the national average, so Clermont has not scored highly on the Milken Institute index. The local economy is healthy though and locally you can visit the Florida Citrus Tower. It is a 60-year-old local landmark that is 226 feet tall. If you would like to be part of a smaller community, this may be the place for you. The median house price is $215,000 and unemployment 4.6 percent.

The population is about 30,000 and it is in Lake County. Over 24 percent of the residents are 65 and over. Clermont is near the Clermont chain of lakes on the northern part of Lake Wales Ridge and near Lake Apopka. It is not typical of Florida’s geography. Clermont was founded in 1884 and the downtown area has historical landmarks. You can visit the new Clermont Landings shopping center which has 20 shops, restaurants, and a cinema. They named the town after the French birthplace of one of the founding fathers, A.F Wrotniski of the Clermont Improvement Company.

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23. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is at a high elevation. The town is below Pikes Peak on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. You’ll be nearly a mile above sea level. Not surprisingly the town is also a favorite place where sports governing bodies make their home, too. For example, USA Hockey and the U.S. Olympic Training Center are based there. The population is 714,000 and the main industries are tourism, technology, aerospace, and defense.

The median house price is $278,100 and the median household income $62,287. Unemployment is low at 2.9 percent. The cost of living is slightly below the national average. You can visit Fort Carson or the Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, NORAD, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. There is also the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Community College. The town is a popular tourist destination and there are great places you can visit. Check out the beautiful rock formations and go to see the Seven Falls, Garden of the Gods Park, Cave of Winds, or Pikes Peak. If you fancy a weekend in the city, Denver is 60 miles away. In Colorado Springs, you have natural beauty and vibrant town life.

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22. Colombia, Missouri

Welcome to Colombia, Missouri. Resting in the forested hills and prairies of Mid-Missouri, the town is in the Missouri River valley. Visit the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, or see the glades and unusual limestone bluffs that, when rain dissolves the bedrock, creates caves and springs. Take a trip out to the Mark Twain National Forest or the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Columbia has a vibrant art scene and music heritage. Throughout the year there are festivals such as the We Always Swing Jazz festival, the Roots n Blues n BBQ festival, and the True/False Film Festival. Visit the Missouri Theater Center for the Arts, Jesse Auditorium, Colombia Public Library, and the University of Missouri’s Museum of Art and Archeology. Columbia is a famous college town known as The Athens of Missouri. The university is the city’s biggest employer. Other big industries are healthcare and insurance. Unemployment is low. The median home price is $174,100 and over 43 percent of residents have a university degree. The cost of living is also seven percent below the national average.

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21. Ames, Iowa

Ames is a city with a population under 70,000. It is 30 miles north of Des Moines and part of Story County. It was where they made the first electronic digital computer. Ames is also home to the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In addition, CNN ranked it as one of the best places to live.

Ames is home to a public research center and the Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The median home price is $184,500. It is interesting to note that over 50 percent of the residents have a college education. The good news is, the cost of living is three percent above the national average. Unemployment is low at two percent and job growth is also quite low at one percent. Two small streams run through town, the South Skunk River and Squaw Creek. Admire the beautiful historical landmarks and enjoy the peaceful town of Ames. Ames has a humid climate and temperatures can reach 102 F. The coolest month is January. The town has a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and local attractions, with a local student population and native Ames residents.

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20. Corvallis, Oregon

Welcome to Corvallis, with a population of 89,500. The major industries are education and bio-science. Corvallis is home to the Oregon State University Campus. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of a university town and an unemployment rate of only three percent. The median house price is $348,200 and income is $55,351. The cost of living is three percent above the national average.

Visit the Hesthavn Nature Center of the Audubon Society of Corvallis or Peavy Arboretum. The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Services holds a National Clonal Germplasm Repository at Corvallis. They preserve fruit, nuts, and crops from around the world at this center. The university is one of the main employers in town. The campus is in downtown Corvallis. Enjoy seeing the local sights and enjoying the natural scenic beauty of Oregon in this beautiful college town. You can also enjoy the art centers, museums, and local churches. Settling into a new town may take time, but in a smaller community, you’ll know your way around in no time.

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19. Winchester, Massachusetts

This municipality is one of the wealthiest in Massachusetts. In fact, the area is home to many professionals who commute to Boston. Many years ago, the concept of a social library came into existence and is still active. The Woburn Public library was started by 33 people who came together to purchase shares to form a social library. Are you a lover of books? Walk by to the much-known library in Winchester. You can explore more about American history by reading historical books. It will prove great leisure going to the Woburn Public Library. Do take out time to admire the mesmerizing interiors of the library.

Winchester is just eight miles from Boston and south of the Potomac River. Enjoy being part of a smaller town, with a population of 21,374 people as of 2010. Take a drive to Mystic Lakes, Wedge Pond, Winter Pond, or the Aberiona River. There are many smaller waterways too, such as Sucker Brook and Sachem Swamp. The median home price is just under $250,000, so this town may not be in every person’s budget. Winchester is near Woburn, Stoneham, Medford, Arlington, and Lexington. Enjoy the natural beauty and quieter pace of life in Winchester. Take a walk through town and explore the local sights.

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18. Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota has a population of 120,762 residents. Forbes ranked as one of the fastest-growing small cities in America. Fargo lies on the Red River floodplain in the north. It is home to the North Dakota State University and a town that is a center for the eastern part of North Dakota. And there is a mix of industry, retail, education, and healthcare. Fargo is a commercial hub for the area and is an area of growth. Technology and agriculture are two of the main industries. The median home price is $202,600 and the median annual income is $55,967. Unemployment is low at 2.4 percent and job growth at 1.4 percent. The cost of living is one percent above the national average.

Over 38 percent of the population has a college education. In fact, there are three universities in the area. There is a vibrant theater scene in town. Visit the Fargo Theater which hosts annual community events and concerts. There also privately-owned theaters in town and plenty of cultural entertainment options to enjoy. And if you love winter, there is also an annual Winter Carnival that goes back to 1928. For a smaller city, Fargo has a lot to offer its residents. With business growth and many colleges, as well as a vibrant theater community, there are lots to see and do in this North Dakota town.

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17. Charlottesville, Virginia

This community has been the home of two U.S. Presidents. In fact, you can attend a Fourth of July party at Thomas Jefferson’s home in nearby Monticello. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts 500,000 visitors every year. In Charlottesville, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area by visiting the Shenandoah National Park or going hot air ballooning. The median home price is quite high at $316,000.

Charlottesville offers amenities like parks, shopping malls, and churches. There is the First Night celebration that has been held at the Downtown Mall since 1982. The rolling mountains and natural beauty may inspire you to take up an art class. Charlottesville is also home to the University of Virginia. James Madison came from Orange, which is nearby. There are also large world-class entertainment venues in the city that host international performers and concerts.

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16. Daphne, Alabama

Daphne, Alabama has a population of 21,570 residents and is the main city of Baldwin County. It is 170 miles from the state capital of Montgomery. There are many parks in Daphne, like Trione Park which hosts baseball games, softball, and soccer. Lott Park hosts basketball, baseball, and tennis courts. Take a walk along the boardwalk at Bayfront Park. There is also Centennial Park and May Day Park each with children’s playgrounds and piers onto Mobile Bay.

Visit the Daphne Civic Center which hosts special community events, as well as the Daphne Public Library. Originally, Native American tribes lived in the area during the Paleo-Indian period. Daphne’s nickname is The Jubilee City because it is a bustling town. Also, Village Point Park Preserve is an estuary where you can see lots of local wildlife. The median home price is $209,000, and the main industries are education and healthcare. The median household income is $53,361. The cost of living is two percent below the national average and the job growth rate of 3.5 percent. Baldwin County also offers eco-friendly beach waters.

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15. Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham has a population of 80, 885 and is a charming city in Whatcom County, Washington. It is a historic town with a history dating back to the 18^th century when gold miners made this small city grow into a bustling seaport. They named it after Bellingham Bay, the bay on which this beautiful city is situated. The arrival of railroads in 1890s opened the city to nationwide builders. Bellingham is home to Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, and Northwest Indian College. It also hosts Charter College, Western Washington University, and the satellite campus of Trinity Western University.

You can go to the American Museum of Radio and Electricity, which has a collection of artifacts from 1580 to 1950. The median home price is currently at $406,200. The median household income is $42,440. The cost of living is 10 percent above the national average. There is very good public transport, the rail lines, the harbor make it an ideal place for easy transportation. It has regular flights to Seattle. The ski events, music festivals, its mini-breweries, music festivals, Greek festival, golfing, and lively downtown are the things to talk about. With plenty of local attractions, lovely weather, amazing local theaters, and beautiful waterfronts, you feel mesmerized by the beauty of the city.

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14. Rapid City, South Dakota

With a population of 145,700, Rapid City is the Star of the West. It is near the Black Hills Mountain range, and you can visit its many cultural attractions. Visit the Journey Museum, Museum of Geology, the Black Hills Playhouse, or the Art Alley Gallery. In fact, there are many sculptures on display all over the city. The most famous is The City of Presidents, featuring life-size bronze statues of the American presidents. The median household income is $55,083 and the median home price $171,100.

Projected annual growth is 1.5 percent and unemployment is just three percent. Rapid City ranks number 18 on the Forbes list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers. And 29.5 percent of the local population has a college education. Both the Ellsworth Air Force Base and South Dakota Army National Guard are nearby. You can also visit the Old West in nearby Deadwood. There is a lot to see and do in Rapid City, like visiting Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Wind Cave National Park.

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13. Wenatchee, Washington

They named this city is after the Wenatchee Indian tribe. The translation from Sahaptin means “river which comes from canyons or the robe of a rainbow.” It is also the common name of the Wenatchee River, Lake Wenatchee, and Wenatchee National Forest. Wenatchee is also famously the apple capital of the world because there are many apple orchards in its valleys. There is also a hydroelectric dam. The population is 117,800 and the median house price is $305,700.

The average annual income is $58,362. The cost of living is one percent below the national average. The Colombia River and Wenatchee converge near the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range. Rock Island Dam, or The Buckle, is in the middle of this belt. There are many recreational activities, parks, and trails in the area. Enjoy the rich birdlife, or if you are feeling more adventurous, try white water rafting or skiing. Whatever the season, Wenatchee provides many activities. You can try your hand at fishing or rowing in one of the lakes. Visit one of the local orchards to pick your own apples, too.

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12. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Feel safe and secure living in one of the gated communities on Hilton Head. It’s a popular vacation spot, so if you enjoy golf, watch the Heritage Golf Classic. Hilton Head also has one of the biggest annual outdoor wine tastings on the east coast. They hold it on an island famous as a place where the slave descendants escaped to, The Gullah. Tourism is one of the main industries and there are also local military installations that also contribute to the economy. Something that sets Hilton Head Island apart from other places is that it prides itself on being eco-friendly. It is also ranked number 20 on the Forbes list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers.

The median home price is $329,000 and the household income $58,947. Unemployment is four percent and job growth is at 2.3 percent. The cost of living is six percent above the national average. Over 38 percent of the local population is college-educated. Hilton Head is 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and 95 miles southwest of Charleston. In 1663, Captain William Hilton discovered the island near the Port Royal Sound, so he named it after himself. The population of the island is around 37,000 people, but during peak season, it can be 10 times that number.

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11. Grand Prairie, Texas

With a population of 183,000, Grand Prairie Texas is a large size town. Just six percent of the local population is over 65. The median house price is $146,000. The average temperature is 67 F. Unemployment is just four percent. Grand Prairie scores 29 on the Walkability index. Grand Prairie is between Dallas and Fort Worth just south of Dallas International Airport. It is a warm place with an average high of 77 F and 37 inches of rain. Snow is rare. The number of doctors is above the national average and the city is well ranked for successful aging. Grand Prairie has a robust economy and many attractions. On Memorial Day, you can watch the pony races at the Lone Star Park. The thoroughbred meeting stakes are over one million dollars.

There are many events held throughout the year at the Verizon Theatre. At Christmas time you can enjoy a spectacular two-mile light display known as Prairie Lights. There are more than 500 displays and over three million lights. Visit Traders Village, which is the largest flea market in Texas. Enjoy the local chili cook-offs and special events on the weekends. You can also watch The Grand Prairie Air Hogs minor league games at the Ballpark. Grand Prairie has numerous award-winning local parks and recreational facilities. To cool off, you can go to the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, which is the largest indoor waterpark in Texas.

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10. Huntsville, Alabama

What you will love about Alabama the most is the fact that it’s one of the 10 cheapest states in the entire US. This is a result of low taxes and numerous other advantages. Moving to Huntsville will take you right into the heart of the Dixie state and allow you to enjoy both a bustling town, as well as beautiful nature. It’s located in northern Alabama and has an incredible $45k household income for 65+ households.

If you’re more of an outdoors person, you will love the mountains and valleys with interchangeably surround the beautiful town of Huntsville. Bass fishing, hiking, museums, parks, and many golf courses are what makes Huntsville one of the premier choices for a retirement location. For those of you that love culture, there are lots of art galleries. and the famous Von Braun convention center. A place for intellectuals and those looking to relax, Huntsville will bring you both peace and excitement.

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9. Anchorage, Alaska

Welcome to the most tax-friendly city in the US. Anchorage, a real gem of the north. Numerous parks, recreational facilities, wildlife refuges, and the famous Anchorage museum makes the capital of Alaska one of the most popular destinations for recent and future retirees. With a population of nearly 400,000, Anchorage has all the advantages of an active city, all while allowing you to reap the benefits of living in such a breathtaking natural environment. About 11.8% of the entire population is age 65+.

But that has its advantages. Anchorage is respected for its abundant cultural life, having some of the best cultural festivities in the entire country. The average income for 65+ households is $63k, which is a direct result of the state distributing the money from oil to every permanent resident equally. In 2017, that number was $1.100, which is not something you come across that often. Also, there are 43 healthcare centers per 1.000 seniors, compared to only 19 in the country as a whole.

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8. Annapolis, Maryland

If you love history and you want to retire in a place that has its own “spirit,” then Annapolis should at the top of your list of choices. This picturesque town in Maryland has become a hotspot for retirees from all around the country. The population over 65+ takes up 15.5% of the entire population, which is just enough for socializing, as well as keeping the city vibrant. With over 400 miles of shoreline to go around, Annapolis is a dream destination for all those who love sailing, wishing, and sunbathing.

If you’re a veteran with good connections to the military, Annapolis would be a great solution because it’s already home to many military retirees. This is due to the US Naval Academy being close by. The 340-acre Quiet Water Park and 200 acres of other parklands, theaters, and museums add to the beauty of the city. You will find the mix of historical buildings, forests, and other attractions a deal-sealer. You have to think ahead and save up.

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7. Portland, Maine

One of the best retirement destinations in the entire country is, of course, Portland. The biggest city in Maine offers a variety of different activities to choose from. The numerous museums in the city cover a diverse range of topics, including natural history, and ancient history. The cost of living is just 13.7% above the national average, making Maine a state one of the cheapest retirement choices.

The downtown is one of the most bustling and diverse neighborhoods on the entire East Coast. It’s a center of alternative arts. If you get tired of the city streets, you can enjoy the great natural wonders of the Pine Tree States. During the summer, beaches are a few minutes away from any point in town, as well as hiking spots and ski ranges in the winter. Portland is a full package, not to mention the fantastic lobster restaurants they have there. It’s rightly known as the ‘foodie’s paradise.’

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6. Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Although the entire state of Massachusetts is considered an expensive place to live, Pittsfield is an oasis of affordability in the unreasonably priced area. With the cost of living only 9.9% above the national median cost, you can enjoy all the benefits of living off of your retirement fund. With existential needs met, you can relax and bask in the serene nature that gets more beautiful as each season passes. Another advantage is that Boston is not that far away, so you can venture into the city if you wish.

The Berkshires are an especially attractive place in autumn, with many bird-watching and camping opportunities waiting to be discovered. If you’re a fan of fishing, there are many creeks in the vicinity, where you can explore and catch many different kinds of fish. For music fans, the summer is an excellent opportunity to catch the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which has the nearby Tanglewood Music Center as their summer home. Hiking is also significant in the area.

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5. Bozeman, Montana

This entry on our list is for those who still feel youthful within and only see retirement as a more free time to face challenges. What better challenge to meet than enjoying retirement in the seclusion of wild and unforgiving mountain ranges? In southern Montana, Bozeman sits right on top of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, which are wonders of nature that take years to understand fully. The city of Bozeman is almost 100k inhabitants, which is ideal for both activity and peace.

With a metro population of around 108,000, Bozeman is uncrowded and you can enjoy the peace the way you want. Mountain biking, backcountry exploration, and skiing are all activities that you get to experience almost year-round in this fantastic town in Montana. Due to a large number of students attending Montana State University, everything is affordable, and you can purchase suitable property for a relatively low price. Entertainment, dining, and culture are a big part of the town’s charm, as well.

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4. Lincoln, Nebraska

An hour south of Omaha, the capital of Nebraska is one of the best places you can choose as your post-career home. The 300.000+ inhabitants live in a very tidy town filled with parks and small oases of nature and relaxation. Excellent restaurants are all over the place, as well as bars, and a multitude of museums and theaters. It is considered the cultural capital of the Midwest, with a history that genuinely inspires everyone. Automotive culture is also big here, with the Museum of American Speed being located in the downtown district.

However, the best part about retiring in Nebraska is that the entire state has the cost of living 22% lower than the average number in the country. This is due to a lot of nature and a low population density. If you’re big on organic foods, you will find that Lincoln is surrounded by organic farms that produce high-quality products at low prices. Green energy is utilized heavily in the city, with fossil fuels being abandoned more with each day. One of the big highlights is the Pinnacle Bank Arena, which has put Lincoln on top and it is famously called the ‘music city.’

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3. Reno, Nevada

This small city is almost next to Las Vegas, but it has all its charm, without the chaos that Vegas involves. It’s a medium-sized city with around 248,000 people residing in the area. The city prides itself on a high standard of living, including modern housing, art galleries, restaurants, and state of the art technology in most facilities. Add to this the fact that the cost of living is just 6.7% above the national average, and there is no need to worry about living frugally.

If you’re an outdoors person, you will find Reno even more attractive. You have the Sierra Nevada, filled with amazing hiking trails and ski slopes. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in the entire country, so you will have much to see and do in the area. Beautiful lakes where you can enjoy kite and windsurfing, a number of museums, and music venues add to the beauty of the place. Of course, throughout the area, you can find casinos and nightclubs that have entertained thousands before.

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2. Manchester, New Hampshire

Welcome to one of the top 5 most educated cities in the US. What many seniors worry about during their moving process is the level of taxation in another state. If you choose to give Manchester a try, you will be residing in the second most tax-friendly states in the country, next only to Anchorage, Alaska. Manchester country also has very low taxes and is a popular destination because of this. With only 111.000 inhabitants, it’s balancing on the fine line between overpopulation and desolation. There is a lot of things too, in every facet of education and entertainment.

Outdoor recreation seems to be the symbol of this city, as you’ll find lots of open gyms, running tracks, and bike lanes. Skiing and snowboarding are also options, mostly because of the vast number of mountains surrounding the area. The city library that has served people since the 1850s, a number of cultural landmarks, and museums alone should put Manchester amongst your top candidates for a retirement residence.

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1. Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee by itself is one of the best places for retirement, but its capital Nashville, the home of country music, possesses many advantages for everyone who chooses to take up residence here. You can accomplish a lot with just a small amount of money, because of a combination of low taxes and a high average income. Its housing market is hot and a booming economy with a lot of medical tourists, students, and other tourists that the music festivals attract will ensure you earn a good rental income as well.

On top of the 180 venues, there are many museums and art galleries. If you love the activity, movement, and lively environment, you will adore this almost two-million-person city. There are plenty of recreation spots both around town and outside of it, so taking trips should be high on your priority list. Additionally, Tennessee has 12.1% of its population is 65+, so you will undoubtedly have company around your age. You will enjoy a very high standard of living and extraordinary circumstances for developing your projects and interests.

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