Some Americans may dream of retiring in a small, peaceful town, where they can enjoy a tranquil life biking around the town center or reading a book on their porch or in front of their fireplace.
It’s why GoBankingRates recently released its report of the top best small cities across the country for retirees. The report highlights several areas for its ranking, including lower cost of living, reduced crime rates (from 1 to 100, with 100 being the safest), and overall livability.
Reaching the highest ranking, Maplewood, Missouri came in as the top small city for retirees. With a monthly cost of living of $2,810, a livability rate of 87, and a total crime rate of 55.80, the town ensures a quiet life for retirees to relax.
Below are the top 10 small cities aimed for retirees, along with the bottom 10 on the list.
Top 10 Small Cities
Maplewood, MO
- Monthly Cost of Living: $2,810
- Livability: 87
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 55.80
Sharpsburg, PA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $2,840
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 9.68
Brentwood, PA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $2,937
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 7.43
Alamo Heights, TX
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,036
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 33.86
Riverdale, UT
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,084
- Livability: 82
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 50.27
Lindale, TX
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,143
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 15.97
Coraopolis, PA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,185
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 12.95
Grand Blanc, MI
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,255
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 9.912
Richmond Heights, MO
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,333
- Livability: 83
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 72.47
Hillsborough, NC
- Monthly Cost of Living: $3,343
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 61.24
Bottom 10 Small Cities
Neptune Beach, FL
- Monthly Cost of Living: $4,823
- Livability: 82
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 13.19
West Miami, FL
- Monthly Cost of Living: $4,921
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 12.58
Bay Harbor Islands, FL
- Monthly Cost of Living: $4,966
- Livability: 87
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 7.795
Hopkinton, MA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,118
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 4.014
Capitola, CA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,258
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 34.05
El Cerrito, CA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,365
- Livability: 80
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 44.71
Duvall, WA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,378
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.151
Hingham, MA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,385
- Livability: 81
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.368
Mountain View, CA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $5,785
- Livability: 85
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 32.37
Kensington, CA
- Monthly Cost of Living: $7,980
- Livability: 84
- Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 21.87
SEE ALSO:
- Gen Zers, Baby Boomers Prefer Southern Living in Retirement
- Top Affluent Cities for Retirees in 2024
- One State Sweeps Top 5 in U.S. News 2024 ‘Best Places to Retire’ Rankings
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with over six years of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. Amanda received her degree in journalism and government and politics at St. John’s University. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado with her partner. In her free time, Amanda enjoys running, cooking, and watching the latest drama show.
