That would be Lancaster, PA!
Don’t everyone say “Florida” at once.
It’s actually Lancaster, Penn., according to U.S. News & World Report, which recently unveiled its top 10 list for 2019.
Ratings were based on how well certain criteria meet the expectations of American retirees. Measurements such as housing affordability, desirability, taxes, job market, health care and overall happiness were all considered.
Fort Myers, FL
Even though it didn’t finish first, the hype about retiring in Florida appears justified. Thanks to modestly priced real estate and high-quality health care facilities, three cities in The Sunshine State were ranked among the top 10. Fort Myers was the highest on the list.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota, known for its arts, culture and one of the state’s largest film festivals, ranked third.
Austin, TX
The only other state mentioned on the list as many times as Florida: Texas. Austin came in fourth for 2019, moving up from No. 9 in 2018 due to its increasing desirability.
“This year, U.S. News increased the weight of the desirability metric from 10 to 15 percent, as it provides a more balanced understanding of the opinions gathered through consumer surveys,” the report noted.
Pittsburgh, PA
Retirees are attracted to Pittsburgh for its low crime rate and low-cost real estate.
Grand Rapids, MI
“Deciding where to retire is a big decision,” Emily Brandon, senior editor for Retirement at U.S. News, said in a statement. “The Best Places to Retire offers a way for future retirees to make a more informed decision based on what matters the most to them. Whether that be housing affordability, access to quality hospitals or the desirability of a place in general, the rankings offer a comprehensive list that can point people in the best direction for their needs.”
Nashville, TN
Four seasons yet mild temperature, no state income tax and reduced tax burden for retirees make Nashville ideal.
San Antonio, TX
A second Texas city, San Antonio, is ranked eighth by U.S. News for 2019. One year earlier it held the No. 14 spot.
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Yet another locale in The Lone Star State, Dallas-Fort Worth is popular among retirees because of its mild weather, plethora of transportation options and low taxes.
Lakeland, FL
The third mention of Florida, the city of Lakeland, rounds out the top 10.
A comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas based on how well they meet the expectations of retirees (including detailed methodology) is available on U.S. News’ website.
Jessa Claeys is a writer, editor and graphic designer.