The Ultimate Guide to Best Places to Retire in the US: Where Safety Meets Affordability

Planning your retirement? Finding the right location can make all the difference in making your golden years truly golden. According to comprehensive research analyzing safety metrics, cost of living, and quality of life factors, numerous American cities offer retirees the perfect combination of security and financial sustainability. The best places to retire in the us share common traits: reasonable annual expenses, low crime statistics, and vibrant senior communities. Whether you’re seeking a bustling town or a quiet retreat, this guide identifies the top retirement destinations that let your nest egg stretch further while keeping you safe and satisfied.

Top Retirement Destinations Under $60,000 Annually

The most budget-conscious retirees will appreciate these affordable havens where annual living costs remain under $60,000 while maintaining strong safety records and community appeal.

Kettering, Ohio stands out as one of the absolute cheapest options, with annual costs around $58,228. Despite the low price tag, residents enjoy minimal crime rates—both violent and property crimes score exceptionally well—making it an ideal choice for those worried about expenses during their fixed-income years.

Frankfort, Kentucky offers similar affordability at $58,228 annually, paired with a respectable livability rating of 91. This capital city provides retirees with a supportive community environment without breaking the bank.

Beatrice, Nebraska rounds out the ultra-affordable tier at $56,403 per year, the lowest cost of living on the entire retirement destination list. Combined with a livability score of 78 and strong crime prevention metrics, Beatrice proves that the cheapest option doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being.

Parma, Ohio offers slightly higher annual expenses at $60,563 but compensates with a substantial senior population—nearly one-fifth of residents are 65 or older. This creates a built-in community of fellow retirees who understand the challenges and joys of this life stage. With close to 81,000 residents, you won’t feel isolated even in a smaller city.

Oxford, Mississippi rounds out this budget tier at $60,490, offering the lowest violent crime rate score of 0.916 on this list while maintaining accessibility for those on fixed incomes.

Mid-Range Retirement Communities ($60K-$75K Annually)

Retirees willing to spend a moderate amount will discover enhanced amenities, stronger social connections, and improved quality of life metrics in this price range.

Jonesborough, Tennessee costs $61,730 yearly and serves a notable demographic: 27.13% of residents are retirement-age. The small town of just 5,747 people fosters close community bonds, perfect for those seeking meaningful connections.

Ankeny, Iowa presents an exceptional value at $63,189 annually with an outstanding livability score of 92—among the highest on any best places to retire in the us list. The town’s strong community reputation makes it attractive despite being smaller than other major cities.

Brandon, Mississippi charges $64,576 per year while maintaining a lower profile—the town hosts just under 25,000 residents, yet 17.67% are seniors, ensuring you’ll meet peers in your life stage.

Fergus Falls, Minnesota costs $64,065 and boasts an impressive statistic: over one-quarter of the population (25.47%) consists of residents 65 and older. This exceptional concentration means the entire community infrastructure caters to senior needs.

Rochester, Minnesota charges $68,735 and delivers a livability score of 91 despite cold winters. The city’s lower-than-average crime rates and strong professional reputation make it worth considering if you enjoy four-season living.

Montpelier, Vermont commands $68,735 annually but rewards residents with a 84 livability score and the charm of Vermont’s capital. Known for historical character and lush scenery, this destination appeals to retirees seeking cultural richness alongside security.

Keene, New Hampshire costs $67,203 with a 86 livability rating, offering New England charm at a moderate price point.

Tonawanda, New York similarly charges $67,203 and places you near the natural beauty of Niagara Falls with just 15,100 residents—18.75% of retirement age.

Premium Retirement Communities ($75K+ Annually)

For retirees prioritizing maximum safety and lifestyle quality over cost, these destinations justify their premium pricing with exceptional metrics and superior amenities.

Dover, New Hampshire costs $75,010 annually but serves over 5,300 residents aged 65+, with an overall population of 32,600 and livability score of 88. The town punches above its weight in quality-of-life indicators.

Concord, New Hampshire charges $73,259 yearly, hosting over 7,500 senior residents among 30,000+ total population. Both violent and property crime rates remain exceptionally low.

Exeter, New Hampshire requires $86,758 annually, representing New England’s higher cost structure, yet residents rate it 87 for livability. The trade-off: top-tier safety metrics.

Anacortes, Washington costs $85,882 but delivers a 80 livability score and 28.51% senior population—one of the densest concentrations of retirees on this list. The Pacific Northwest location appeals to nature enthusiasts.

Brunswick, Maine charges $82,088 with a strong 87 livability score, reflecting Maine’s charm and safety appeal.

Milford, Connecticut requires $79,680, reflecting Connecticut’s higher cost of living. However, nearly 20% of residents are retirement-age, creating substantial senior networks.

Lexington, Massachusetts represents the absolute premium option at $105,583 annually—the most expensive location listed. Yet the investment brings a 92 livability score and some of America’s lowest crime statistics. Residents pay top dollar for top-tier safety and community quality.

Rockport, Massachusetts costs $95,952 with property and violent crime scores among the absolute best (0.995 and 0.987 respectively), despite a more modest 70 livability rating and slightly lower senior percentage.

Why These Cities Lead in Safety and Affordability

What makes these communities stand out? GOBankingRates analyzed each city across seven critical dimensions: violent crime rates, property crime rates, overall cost of living index, average expenditure costs, livability indices, total population, and the percentage of residents aged 65 and older. This multi-factor approach ensures that each ranked retirement destination truly balances both security concerns and financial sustainability.

Safety metrics came from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, ensuring objective, verified crime statistics rather than perceptions. Cost of living data combined information from Sperling’s BestPlaces and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing real-world spending benchmarks. Livability ratings reflected resident satisfaction through Areavibes community evaluations. The presence of substantial senior populations indicates established infrastructure, community programs, and peer support networks that make retirement easier.

The research data reflects 2024 analyses, giving you current information about where your retirement dollar stretches furthest while keeping you safe.

Finding Your Ideal Best Places to Retire in the US

Choosing among these best places to retire in the us depends on your personal priorities. If affordability ranks first, the sub-$60,000 options in Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Mississippi offer remarkable value. Prefer moderate spending with established senior communities? The $60-75K tier delivers balanced living costs with built-in peer networks. Prioritizing maximum safety and quality of life above all else? The premium tier provides uncompromising security metrics and resident satisfaction scores.

Consider also climate preferences (Minnesota’s cold winters versus North Carolina’s temperate weather), geographic location (East Coast proximity versus Midwest values), and urban size (small towns versus cities with 80,000+ residents). Each retirement destination on this list has earned its ranking through objective metrics—your final choice simply depends on which metrics matter most to your retirement dreams.

Whether you select the budget-friendly charm of Beatrice, Nebraska; the family-friendly community of Ankeny, Iowa; the New England sophistication of New Hampshire towns; or the natural beauty of Pacific Northwest options, these carefully researched best places to retire in the us provide the foundation for a secure, satisfying, and sustainable retirement lifestyle.