The Most Affordable Places to Retire in the US

This post was contributed to Leisure Freak by freelance writer Deborah Waters. 

Hundreds of thousands of Americans retire and move every year, saying goodbye to the working world and welcoming a new environment. They choose to retire in regions that offer great weather, a variety of activities, decent health care, and reasonable costs so that their retirement savings can last a more extended period. Even in the United States, you may be able to check all of those boxes. To help you decide whether or not to remain in the United States after retirement, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable places to retire. For seniors looking for a comfortable, low-cost home close to all the conveniences of city life, here are some of the most affordable places to retire in the US.

A woman holding a savings jar for her retirement.
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Prescott, Arizona, might be your place to retire

Grand Canyon State’s retiree-friendly climate and natural beauty are likely to have piqued your interest. In addition, the tax situation is similarly appealing. Arizona is one of the most affordable places to retire in the US because of its low income taxes and lack of state taxes on social security. The cheap cost of living in Prescott, a town roughly 100 miles north of Phoenix, makes saving money with a big family easier. Bear in mind that the opposite of cheap isn’t dull. While Prescott has a thriving art and entertainment scene, it also has a wide range of outdoor activities like golfing and hiking. So you’ll never be bored!

Boise, Idaho, is a green and affordable retirement option

If you’re a lover of lush greenery, Boise is the place for you! Boise, Idaho, a mid-sized city on the Oregon Trail known as “the city of trees,” has a green and vibrant retirement community. And the best thing is, there’s plenty of help at hand if you want to move here from a distant location. Hiring long-distance movers Boise residents trust will make your relocation easy and stress-free. With reliable assistance nearby, you won’t have to worry about a thing. 

There are many options for shopping and dining in downtown Boise’s pedestrian-friendly area. Mountain climbing, canyoning, and whitewater rafting are all available in Southwest Idaho. But that’s not all! For all the curious types out there, Boise State University is a great place to keep your mind active as you become older. You can also get a membership in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This allows you to take classes at the school, and it’s just $70 a year! As far as entertainment goes, Boise doesn’t disappoint. Musicians from around the world play at the Velma V. Morrison Center, which also offers dance events and Broadway productions. Boise is one of the comfiest and most affordable places to retire with low living costs!

Fargo, North Dakota, offers endless fun

For decades, North Dakota has been one of the finest places to retire because of its low prices and generous tax structure. If you’re planning to retire in the Peace Garden State, you’ll find it to be a smart financial move. For retirees, housing expenses in Fargo are 14.3% lower than the national average. This makes it an excellent option for those on a budget. And what’s better, early retirement doesn’t mean endless boredom when living in Fargo! North Dakota State University, which is located here, is one of several universities in the area that offer a wide range of amenities for people of all ages. Sports and cultural activities like concerts and plays are abundant. Along with being one of the most affordable places to retire in the US, Fargo will capture your heart with its lively and homey atmosphere.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a lively place to retire

In Albuquerque, you can look forward to a peaceful and sunny retirement. The city receives an average of 310 sunshine days per year, spanning all four seasons. This provides you with many options to explore the numerous hiking and bike trails in and around the city. You can also go hot air ballooning and play golf on any of the multiple courses in the surrounding area. As night falls, local casinos—which include music venues, restaurants, and other amenities in addition to table games, slots, and bingo—help revitalize the local nightlife. All of this is accompanied by lower-than-average costs. But if you still want to make some money before relocating, there are easy ways to do so! One of the simplest ways is selling your old furniture to make a quick buck. You will be earning money for your move and saving money because you’ll be moving fewer furniture pieces.

Lexington, Kentucky, is calling at the students at heart

As you might guess, the Bluegrass State has a lot to offer for horse enthusiasts and bourbon connoisseurs alike. However, retirees can explore a variety of other hobbies in Lexington. A 734-acre nature preserve with more than 10 miles of hiking trails is located here. Lexington contains more than 100 parks and six public golf courses! Inside the city, you can enjoy the several available galleries and theaters, including the Lexington Opera House. This opera house hosts ballets and other performances, including Broadway productions, comedy acts, and other events. 

Additionally, the University of Kentucky offers academic programs to meet your educational needs. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides a variety of courses, forums, interest groups, trips, and events for adults 50 and older. Annual membership is $25 and includes access to all of the Institute’s programs. The Donovan Fellowship provides Kentucky citizens aged 65 and older with the opportunity to attend university classes for free. As a result of these and other factors, Lexington is considered one of our best college cities for retirement.

Final words

We hope that this guide has introduced you to some of the most affordable places to retire in the US. Your financial situation will determine the best retirement place for you. But, even if you’re on a low budget, you can still retire in a city with pleasant weather and excellent amenities if you choose wisely. We wish you an eventful retirement and a happy relocation!

 

Thank you Deborah Waters for contributing this informative post to Leisure Freak. Retirement is a time to explore new and exciting paths to take. Moving to a new location that meets a well earned freedom lifestyle is always something the untethered can happily think about.

The Most Affordable Places to Retire in the USAuthor bio:

Deborah Waters is an Idaho native that currently works as a freelance writer and blogger for peasleyboisemovers.com. In her free time, she enjoys the great outdoors, practicing yoga and long walks with her corgi named Chika.

 

6 thoughts on “The Most Affordable Places to Retire in the US

  1. Interesting article, but Fargo , ND is freezing . In winter the “high temperature” is in the teens. Often is below zero. Summers can be hot. I can’t imagine retiring there.

    1. Thanks for the comment Kim. I’m personally with you regarding the cold of Fargo winters. Climate is one of things that has to be considered along with cost, crime, culture, medical access, recreation, transit, etc., in any new move location.
      Tommy

  2. I can second Boise as a desirable place to retire. Affordability might be impacted these last few years, but apparently health care provider quality and availability there is excellent, along with lots of green spaces. The air has been impacted by fires in the west, though who can control where the air goes these days.

    I’d also add Huntsville, AL to the list. Many great attributes of what you list here!

    1. Thanks for the comment Gary. I too hold a high opinion of Boise, having worked there many times in the past and lately some vacationing there. It has a nice vibe and seasonal climate mix with plenty to do there or nearby.
      Tommy

  3. Hi Deborah. Great list of cities. I agree with the comment above that medical access should be considered as well. In addition to the issues that we face as we age, if you think at some point you may need specialized care (e.g. family history of dementia, personal health issues), you want to consider the financial impact this has as well.

    p.s. I love Boise. It’s a beautiful and friendly city.

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