Beautiful Places To Retire Beyond The Sunshine State

When considering where to retire, many criteria come to mind, including noise pollution, proximity of shopping and grocery centers, cost of living, age demographics and crime rate.

While there are certain cities and communities that seem to magnetically attract retirees, other places may suite specific needs more appropriately than run of the mill retirement communities.

Below is a closer look at potential retirement cities with low costs of living, followed by other frequently glossed-over retirement hubs organized by particular points of desirability.

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Low Cost Of Living

With the average Social Security benefits for a retired couple coming in at roughly $31,000 a year, cost of living can be a major concern when considering retirement locations. Luckily, there are places throughout the U.S. that have low cost of living without sacrificing security and convenience.

• Austin, Texas: Many cities in Texas draw retirees based on the fact that Texas does not have a state income tax. The median cost of a mortgage for in Austin, for example, is $1,395, with debt-free homeownership expenses coming in at only $545 a month; rent comes in at an average $887 monthly.
• Jonesboro, Arkansas: Frequently listed as one of the cheapest cities to live in comfortably, the college town of Jonesboro has a unique mixture of youth and charm. In regards to its affordability, Kiplinger stated, "The cost of everything from groceries to utilities is well below average. Healthcare can be a particular bargain: A dental checkup in Jonesboro runs 28 percent less than the national average, and a trip to the optometrist is 27 percent cheaper than you'd typically find elsewhere in the U.S."
• Idaho Falls, Idaho: With a low unemployment rating and low cost of living (12.6 percent below the national average), Idaho Falls hosts scenic tourism and adventures without destroying your wallet. Forbes stated of Idaho Falls, "The city serves as a hub to all of eastern Idaho and much of western Wyoming, specifically regarding healthcare, travel and business. Idaho Falls has established itself as a regional cultural destination."
• Harlingen, Texas With a cost of living 18.4 percent below the national average, this southern city ranks as one of the cheapest places to live in the continental United States.

Be aware that affordability does not equate prosperity; if the average income level of your retirement community is proportionately important to the cost of living, make sure to check out the poverty level of potential retirement communities as well.

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Crime Rate

Recently, USA Today posted its top 10 safest cities. Based upon additional desirability criteria, the below five are Benzinga's choices from this list:

• Irvine, California
• Cary, North Carolina
• Naperville, Illinois
• Frisco, Texas
• Gilbert, Arizona

When looking for a retirement destination based upon crime rate, make sure to research not only the annual reported crimes, but the percentage of crime compared to the population density. While El Paso, Texas has often made national safest city lists, the population of El Paso is high and could be a deterrent for some retirees.

Age Demographics

While the vivacity of a college town may be appealing for weekend adventures and tailgating, many retirees desire an older crowd for their retirement years. Here are four cities with higher than average population demographics.

• Amherst, New York: median age of 40.2
• Scottsdale, Arizona: median age of 45.1
• Thousand Oaks, California: median age of 41.3
• Torrance, California: median age 41.7
• Centennial, Colorado: median age of 40.7

Walkability

Close proximity to shopping centers, grocers, healthcare and entertainment can be a high draw for retirees. According to Walksore, the below cities fall within a walkability score of above 69 (with 100 being most walkable).

• San Francisco, California
• Oakland, California
• New York City, New York
• Chicago, Illinois
• Seattle, Washington

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Temperate Weather

While the bright skies and higher temperatures of Florida have their dedicated following, there are other places across the United States that are equally and uniquely beautiful outside of the Sunshine State. Below are just a few cities with more temperate weather year round than the average U.S. city.

• Presque Isle, Maine
• San Diego, California
• Del Rio, Texas
• Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
• Astoria, Oregon

Regardless of what makes up your ideal vision of retirement, consider multiple facets of each city on your list. The more research you do and the more varied the research is the more informed your decision will be and the less unpleasantly surprised you will be once you relocate.