Best Places To Retire in the U.S.
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
July 5, 2019 12:04pm CST
If you were going to choose a location for retirement where would it be? If your already retired are you happy with the current location where you reside? What factors do you consider important in choosing a place to retire? For the Foreign/non-U.S. My Lot members who would like to participate which countries/cities would you consider best?
For me I would like to retire somewhere in the southeastern U.S. Maybe South Carolina/Georgia where the winters would be milder than where I live in New Jersey. I would also want to be within reasonable driving distance to the beach, but in an affordable city. I think a city which ranks as a safe place to live (low crime) would be an important consideration too. Of course, I am open to other suggestions, lol.
How about you?
According to GoBankingRates here are few cities they list as both safe and affordable to live...in case your looking for somewhere to retire:
1. West Des Moines, Iowa
2. Bloomington, Ill
3. East Lansing, Mich.
4. Port St. Lucie, Fla.
5. Cedar Falls, Iowa
6. Palm Bay, Fla.
7. El Paso, Texas
8. Rocky Mount, N.C.
9. Altoona, Pa.
10. Staunton, Va.
Here is the link to the complete list for those interested:
Source: GoBankingRates
Photo- patriciaisland.com
Find out which cities could be best for your retirement.
13 people like this
12 responses
@FourWalls (86812)
• United States
5 Jul 19
Sure West Des Moines is safe. Who wants to live there? 
And East Lansing???? One of my best friends lives there and she’s always complaining about the outrageous taxes on property and whatnot there! I’m thinking some chambers of commerce paid for cities’ positions on that list.
I’m happy where I’m at in terms of cost and location. It’s relatively reasonable here in Louisville, and the winters are not too severe. (That’s why four inches of snow shuts the city down: we aren’t used to that much snow!)
And, of course, I have to post a song here, because you (and John) expect it!
And East Lansing???? One of my best friends lives there and she’s always complaining about the outrageous taxes on property and whatnot there! I’m thinking some chambers of commerce paid for cities’ positions on that list.
I’m happy where I’m at in terms of cost and location. It’s relatively reasonable here in Louisville, and the winters are not too severe. (That’s why four inches of snow shuts the city down: we aren’t used to that much snow!)
And, of course, I have to post a song here, because you (and John) expect it!
Outtake from the legendary concert film by Talking Heads, Stop Making Sense. This track was edited back into the main feature for the film's original VHS rel...
4 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Jul 19
And you know I would counter with the obvious:
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
Yes, we are happiest where were most comfortable aren't we? In defense of East Lansing I believe Michigan St. University is located there. Perhaps a major selling point to this area. Having going to Ohio State though, I'm not endorsing the city or state
1 person likes this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
5 Jul 19
We were already living near the west coast (Well, two hours away) When we decided to hang up our work clothes for the last time we sold our house and purchased a Class A Motor Home. Wouldn't you know, that was when we had one of those spikes in fuel prices and Diesel, (which is the fuel I must use) jumped to $5.00 a gallon. I could not really afford to go anywhere. We ended up hosting for the local state parks. Then got an opportunity to come up to Oregon and hosted here. We fell in love with the Oregon Coast. So much so we bought a house and have been living here for 5years. The low temp in winter in that time has been 28 the high 84. I'll take this over The dry California Roaster Anytime. Besides it is way too expensive to live in California when one is on a limited budget.
4 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
Very interesting! How did you come upon hosting at state parks? Sounds like interesting work? I imagine there is some beautiful scenery to see in Oregon. Is rain a concern climate wise?
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
5 Jul 19
I live about an hour south of Rocky Mount. It is a nice city, as cities go, and would be preferable to the city I live just outside of.
My wife and I plan to spend our retirement on the road as permanent RVers as long as our health holds out.
2 people like this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
8 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 I have considered doing a travel blog with stories of what we see and photos to go with.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
I've been through Rocky Mount traveling on I-95. It does appear to be a nice city. North Carolina home prices are very reasonable. RV-ing around the U.S. 
Now that would be a way to determine which states would be enjoyable to settle down in. You could write a travel guide
Now that would be a way to determine which states would be enjoyable to settle down in. You could write a travel guide 1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91127)
• United States
5 Jul 19
I'm retired, living in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Like you I would love to live somewhere that is warmer without harsh snowy winters. I'd move if I could find the "ideal" place that had 2 seasons...spring and fall.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
6 Jul 19
we only have 2 seasons since we're near the equator, but i've always felt spring and fall were the best seasons - cool and colorful.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
That would be fantastic! I'm still looking for that perfect climate, lol. Maybe North or South Carolina? I tried Florida for a year and there are too many hot/humid months for me.
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
@hereandthere I enjoy Spring but we have so much rain now we hardly enjoy it. Our climate seems to have changed. Are you happy were you live or would you like to move somewhere else if you could?
2 people like this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
7 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 I couldn't bring up the list. I got an error message when I did. It's interesting Green Bay is on the list. I didn't realize we were 12% below average for U.S. cities.
Yes, it is. Besides how beautiful Alaska is.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
8 Jul 19
@just4him Green Bay surprised me to and the Alaskan beauty is something to behold. Sorry about the link, seems unless it is about music my ability to display them is challenged 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
Actually, Green Bay was on that complete list of best cities to retire to, lol. Cost of living is 12 percent below average U.S. cities. I've watched on TV couples who look to move to Alaska and the homes. area, remoteness and wildlife seem so attractive.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Jul 19
I am there. Taxes suck but our weather.....
3 people like this
@FourWalls (86812)
• United States
5 Jul 19
Sunny and 83, except when it’s 100.....
2 people like this
@FourWalls (86812)
• United States
5 Jul 19
@JohnRoberts — sure. I also listen to Rodney Crowell.
Provided to YouTube by Rhino/Warner Records California Earthquake (A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On) · Rodney Crowell Ain't Living Long Like This ? 1977 Warner...
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Jul 19
@FourWalls Feel those good vibrations.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
8 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 You could live royally out here in my town, if you can find a few local friends and have some from your end of the world as well to prevent loneliness. My monthly living bill including transport tv cable, utilities, and househelp minus rent but including building maintenance is about 470 dollars. That means in about 15000 - 20000 USD you would be comfortable out here as that would include rent and higher AC charges and higher costs towards non veg (I am vegetarian). Our negatives
a. Inordinate delays in everything
b. Low quality food air water and services
c. Stink in many places - mostly waste and poop
d. Language
e. Health care not to your standards.
f. Congestion, noise, traffic
And of course, we will cheat you because we think you all are rich enough to afford it all, that is why you need local friends.
But we are accustomed to all this. You would have tough time to adjust to it all unless you have been frequenting this country and living here for a while.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
I believe the cost of living comparison is based on U.S. cities. It's a survey so of course I am sure there is some bias towards different regions in the U.S. So what about India? Why do you consider your country the best place to live. Some things I've heard are great about India are the cultural history and the friendly people along with a low cost of living. I've also heard about some things to be careful of like taxi scams, tap water,and crowds. But overall, it appears like a wonderful country to live in.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
8 Jul 19
@vandana7 Excellent explanation about India and the pros and cons of living there. Very informative Vanny, thanks 
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502696)
• Italy
8 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 I consider safety a must, but also what there is around, El Paso is really ugly! Of course I stay in Switzerland, we visited so many places around the world finding a perfect place where to retire. "Perfect" does not exist, very good is where we are now.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
I would agree safety I would think safety might be a concern. The city gets a bad rap from it's proximity to Mexico but it's crime rate is not one of the highest in the US.
The cost of living though is 16 percent below the National average of cities in the U.S. making affordability a plus. However, from your response I guess you'll be staying put in Switzerland 
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
8 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 A good job perhaps.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
New York is definitely an exciting place to live although costly and crowded. But if you were able you would definitely find lots of things to do there.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112864)
• United States
10 Aug 19
Of this list I am really not sure, and not even sure exactly what my criteria might be. I do know I have some interest in getting an RV and doing some traveling. But even then I'd want to have roots somewhere since I would feel cooped up if I spent too much time in such small confines.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
13 Aug 19
Sounds like the open road is your retirement destination. As least as a secondary choice.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112864)
• United States
14 Aug 19
@dgobucks226 Maybe. Who knows? It sure would be nice though. But like I said, I'd need roots and not sure where I'd want those roots to be. I GUESS I'd still want to be close to family.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
Good choices! I've been to both states and the people are great, weather not to extreme, and cost of living reasonable.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
7 Jul 19
@dgobucks226 Yes that was my research as well. Maybe one day.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
7 Jul 19
I imagine the natural beauty and climate along with the cost of living can be appealing for people who want to retire there.
1 person likes this
