Best Cities to Retire in the U.S. 2020

You have reached the golden age, and you can finally use your time as you wish. According to many research, over 1 million people move following retirement every year. This practice became popular for a number of reasons. Retirement is a new era of your life and starting fresh with moving to a new city can be a great way to enter it. Finding a place to move to after retirement can be a difficult step, there are numerous options and every city you may consider has its own share of pros and cons.

Moving after retirement is not for everyone, but if you are moving with the right intentions this will be one of the best decisions you have made in your entire life. There are several questions you need to ask yourself before you take this step. Firstly, you need to know why you are doing this. Some people move to be closer or further from their family, some move because they want to downsize and save money and some people simply want to explore new cities and start a new life.

The reason for the move will play a big role in the decision-making process. Apart from that, there are numerous factors you need to consider while choosing your new city. Those factors include moving costs, housing costs, cost of living, job market, the share of retired population and quality of life. Two of the most important factors in 2020 are definitely retiree tax and quality and affordability of health care. Most of the retirees are looking for places where they will be able to fund their lifestyles instead of spending too much of their income on taxes, also they are searching for accessibility and good quality of health care.

Take a look at the list of the six great cities for retirees in 2020. All of those cities will meet your needs related to affordability, health care, taxes and quality of life, so your decision can be made simply by your personal preferences.

1. Moving to Lakeland, Florida

Population: 97,422
Population over the age of 60: 26%
Average monthly rent: $909.80
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $139.22

Lakeland is located between Tampa and Orlando and it is a smaller, more affordable alternative for these larger cities. Lakeland will offer you great quality of life, and this small town will provide you with a lot off things to do. You will find a lot of art and history related attractions and you will be able to join several active adult communities. Lakeland has a lively cultural scene with numerous festivals and fairs, lots of sports events and lots of weekend getaway opportunities. If you move to Lakeland, you will have to deal with the famous Florida climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Lakeland is the city of flat terrain and beaches. Medical services are great in this town too.

2. Moving to Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Population: 230,047
Population over the age of 60: 22%
Average monthly rent: $1,100.00
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $133.48

Winston-Salem is famous for the world’s best selling cigarettes and they are really popular among retirees. Apart from that this city is chosen by retirees because of the range of things to do. The city has a rich culture and history. You will be able to explore numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. The city is also home to the largest shopping mall in the state and it has a rich live music and festival scene, vintage movies are popular in this city and it will provide you with numerous outdoor opportunities. There are many parks and public golf courses across the town. There are several amazing medical facilities here, and the climate will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons.

3. Moving to Nashville, Tennessee

Population: 692,587
Population over the age of 60: 18%
Average monthly rent: $1,639.17
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $280.14

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, and it is also known as the Music City, it is mostly famous for country music, it is called the Center Of the Music Industry. The city is also widely known for the quality of healthcare and for sports. Nashville will provide you with numerous things to do. You will never be bored in this city. This is the city for retirees that are searching for a vibrant and active life. Nashville has a rich cultural scene with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries to explore. There are several neighborhoods across the town that are perfect for retirees, and it is extremely walkable. Nashville is the city of a mild climate, with no extremes. Snowfall can occur during winter, but it is not too heavy. You will be able to enjoy long autumns and springs.

4. Moving to Fort Myers, Florida

Population: 62,298
Population over the age of 60: 34%
Average monthly rent: $1,225.00
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $211.25

Fort Myers is a dynamic city with a diverse population, there are lots of active adult communities here too. This city will provide you with the perfect outdoors. Beaches are breathtaking and there are numerous public golf courses and parks throughout the whole city. You will also have many weekend getaway options, and you will be able to spend a lot of time outside because the weather is almost perfect. Fort Myers will provide you with an array of great hospitals and medical centers. You will be able to explore lots of museums and galleries, and you will also experience great shopping opportunities.

5. Moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Population: 59,322
Population over the age of 60: 23%
Average monthly rent: $890.00
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $125.10

Lancaster is a former capital of Pennsylvania. Lancaster is the city with a rich history and beautiful outdoors. It is surrounded by Amish farmland and you will be able to enjoy a lot of fresh produce, great food, and diverse cuisine. The Central Market is the oldest farmers market in the state, and it is a big tourist attraction. You will be living in the town of numerous museums, many cultural institutions and great quality of health care. You will experience all four seasons here, and you will be able to spend a lot of time outside, the city is very walkable and there are numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

6. Moving to Asheville, North Carolina

Population: 83,393
Population over the age of 60: 28%
Average monthly rent: $1,301.43
Average Hosing Cost Per Sq Ft: $445.10

Lately, Asheville is one of the most popular cities among retirees. It is a small but prosperous town with a charming environment. This is the ideal place for those who love to enjoy spending time outside, you will be able to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah or Nantahala National Forests. Ashville is a dynamic, walkable mountain town with great health care opportunities and numerous active adult communities. The climate is mild in summer and cool in the winter season. The city also offers a great cultural scene, and you will have plenty to do if you decide to move here.

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As we mentioned earlier, moving during retirement can be one of the best decisions you have made in your life. It requires a lot of work but in many cases, it is worth it. You just need to know the exact reasons and be prepared for all of the changes that you will have to face. Our advice is to hire full service movers and make plans in advance. You will feel much better if you know how you will fill your days, who will you spend your time with and what new hobbies you will embrace.