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According to the , affordability is one of Americans’ top priorities when deciding where to live in retirement, second only to proximity to family and friends. 25th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey. Less crime also ranks high on retirees’ wish lists.
Here are eight cities that check both boxes, based on an analysis of FBI crime data, Zillow affordability data and retirement income tax analysis. Loyalty. Every city also has at least one hospital – another priority for retirees.
Read on for details on each city and why they might be a good fit for retirees.
1. Columbus, Indiana
- Income required for an affordable house: $68,948
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 7
With only seven violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbus is one of the safest cities in America. It can be one of the busiest places to visit with fairs and festivals happening almost every month of the year. Art and architecture lovers will find plenty to do here, as well as history buffs – there are seven National Historic Landmarks in the city.
2. Dalton, Georgia
- Income required for an affordable house: $62,455
- Violent crimes per 100 population: 84
Dalton may be known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” but retirees probably recognize the town best for its arts and theater venues, year-round events, and sports facilities offering golf, pickleball, biking and disc golf.
3. Eagle Pass, Texas
- Income required for an affordable house: $60,397
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 43
Eagle Pass is a riverine border town that contains the state’s only casino, as well as amenities such as a mall and a municipal golf course. Cross the International Bridge to sister city Piedras Negras to enjoy the history, culture and charm of old Mexico.
4. Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Income required for an affordable house: $55,773
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 107
Hattiesburg is nicknamed the Hub City due to its history as an industrial transportation center, but today the name reflects Hattiesburg’s easy access to destinations such as New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches. The city is also a worthy retirement destination due to art venues, a zoo, and outdoor recreation centered around the Leaf and Bowie rivers.
5. Springfield, Ohio
- Income required for an affordable house: $52,782
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 58
The Clark State Performing Arts Center, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Springfield Museum of Art are just some of the attractions retirees can enjoy in this college town, home of Wittenberg University. The warmer months bring a variety of festivals, but plenty of fine and performing arts options along with dining and shopping give retirees plenty to do year-round.
6. Paducah, Kentucky
- Income required for an affordable house: $48,612
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 72
Located directly on the Ohio River, Paducah is one of nine U.S. cities to have received the Creative City designation from UNESCO For its many fine and performing arts venues and events, Paducah also offers a vibrant downtown with excellent shopping and dining, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities on and off the water.
7. Saginaw, Michigan
- Income required for an affordable house: $47,225
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 66
Saginaw is not only safe and affordable, but it also has four hospitals, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Facility. While the riverside city center is decidedly urban, with all the arts and entertainment opportunities it brings, Saginaw is also home to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, the Japanese Garden, and other outdoor recreation facilities.
8. Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Income required for an affordable house: $44,666
- Violent crimes per 100,000 population: 142
Altoona has its roots in the Pennsylvania Railroad, which played a major role in the development of the community and remains a source of pride today. In addition to sites like the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, the Railroaders National Museum, and the Southern Allegheny Museum of Art, Altoona has indoor and outdoor sports venues, two theaters, and several parks to keep retirees active and engaged.
Editor’s note: The states listed as most tax-friendly for retirees were derived from an analysis Loyalty. FBI crime data was then extracted from every city in those states with a population of at least 25,000. Those with violent crime rates lower than the national average were then selected. Then, Zillow housing data was used to find the most affordable cities within tax-friendly states, based on the income needed to purchase a home with 20% down while keeping housing payments under 30% of monthly income. That data was cross-referenced with crime data to find the most affordable cities with the lowest crime rates, and then verified that each city had at least one hospital within 10 miles. health grade.
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