Many retirees believe they must choose between the tranquility of a small town and the extensive resources of a large city. However, a select group of cities manages to offer the best of both worlds. This report highlights four such urban centers, each boasting a population exceeding 100,000, that provide an optimal blend of affordability, vibrant culture, and comprehensive healthcare access for retirees. Our analysis, conducted in collaboration with Travel + Leisure, identifies these locations as part of a broader study on the top 50 retirement destinations in the U.S., evaluating factors such as cost of living, travel accessibility, healthcare infrastructure, and arts and entertainment opportunities.
Toledo, Ohio, with over 263,000 residents, stands out for its exceptional park system. Retirees seeking an active lifestyle will find more than 12,000 acres of protected land and 200 miles of trails within Lucas County, where Toledo is located. Unique attractions like the country's only public treehouse village and a mountain bike skills course, both within a 30-minute drive, offer engaging activities for visiting grandchildren. Lake Erie's proximity further enhances outdoor opportunities, providing options for boating and fishing. Beyond its natural beauty, Toledo also preserves its history, particularly in the Old West End, which features one of the most extensive collections of Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts homes in the nation. The cost of living in Lucas County is notably low, with median home values around $155,200 and affordable monthly housing costs of $953. Food expenses average $600, and taxes are approximately $547. Ohio also offers the advantage of no state taxes on Social Security benefits. With numerous hospitals and medical facilities, Toledo ensures convenient access to healthcare, making it an attractive option for retirees looking for a balance between urban amenities and a low cost of living.
Springfield, Massachusetts, often called the \"City of Firsts,\" holds historical significance as the birthplace of basketball, the armory, and the first American automobile. It was also the hometown of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, whose legacy is celebrated at the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The city's cultural appeal is further enriched by the Springfield Museum Quadrangle, a hub of museums and cultural institutions catering to its more than 154,000 residents. For retirees who enjoy travel, Springfield's location is a significant draw. Positioned as the \"Western Gate to New England,\" it is just a 30-minute drive from Hartford, Connecticut, 90 minutes from Boston, and two and a half hours from New York City. Bradley International Airport, New England's second-largest, is conveniently located just 16 miles from the county center. However, this accessibility comes with a higher cost of living. Hampden County, where Springfield is situated, has the highest living expenses among the featured cities, including median home values of $276,300, monthly housing costs of $1,309, food costs of $696, and taxes of $767. Despite these figures, Massachusetts does not tax Social Security benefits, which helps offset some of the expenses. Compared to major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York, Springfield remains a more affordable option.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers a compelling alternative to Florida for those seeking sunny skies and mild winters without extreme heat or humidity. Situated a mile above sea level, Albuquerque's high-desert climate provides an average of 310 days of sunshine and a comfortable 44% average humidity, with only about 9 inches of annual rainfall. Residents experience four distinct seasons, but the weather generally remains pleasant year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as golf, which is popular even in December. Bernalillo County, encompassing Albuquerque, is home to over 674,000 people, with approximately 83% residing in the city. The county boasts hundreds of healthcare establishments, making it a robust center for medical care. Retirees can stay active on the Paseo del Bosque (\"Forest Walk\") Trail, a 16-mile path along the Rio Grande, perfect for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The city also features a thriving arts scene with over 300 arts and entertainment venues. For travel, the newly renovated Albuquerque International Sunport Airport is just four miles from the city center, offering convenient access for frequent travelers and visitors.
Pueblo, Colorado, the smallest city on this list with a population of about 110,000, offers a distinctive small-town ambiance within a larger urban setting. Community events like the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk contribute to its relaxed pace of life. However, its rural character is also reflected in its distance from a major international airport, with Denver International Airport being 120 miles away. Despite its smaller size, Pueblo County offers a significant number of healthcare and arts and entertainment establishments, making it a self-contained and community-oriented place. Retirees in Pueblo can enjoy a variety of activities, including a long golf season, fly fishing in the Arkansas River, nature trails, historic districts, and ski slopes within a two-and-a-half-hour drive. The city's mild average temperatures and 300 annual days of sunshine allow for year-round enjoyment of these activities. Additionally, FEMA classifies Pueblo as having a relatively low climate risk. The median home values in Pueblo County are $271,800, with average monthly housing costs of $1,083 and monthly tax costs of $612. While these costs are higher than in smaller towns, they are comparable to the other larger cities discussed in this article.
These four cities demonstrate that retirement in urban areas of 100,000 or more residents can be both accessible and appealing. They offer a rich tapestry of culture, comprehensive healthcare, and unique personality, without the overwhelming sprawl, exorbitant costs, and constant noise often associated with the largest metropolises. Toledo's abundant green spaces, Springfield's excellent connectivity, Albuquerque's diverse recreational options, and Pueblo's strong community focus illustrate that retirees can indeed find the benefits of large-town living combined with small-town affordability.