2020’s 10 Best Places To Retire

Its not too soon to start thinking about retiriement if you’re physically and fiscally fit for it. And if you think you’re not from a financial perspective, think again because the less expensive the retirement destination, the sooner you can enjoy it, according to WalletHub.

Retirement isn’t all about the money, though. Retirees want to live in a place that's safe and has access to good healthcare, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic taking its toll on the U.S. The ideal city will also have ample opportunities for leisure time, along with good weather.

Using 46 relevant metrics graded from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the most favorable conditions for retirement, WalletHub compared 182 U.S. cities across four key dimensions: affordability, activities, quality of life and healthcare. The weighted average was used to rank each city.

Here, in ascending order, are 2020’s top 10 best places to retire.

10. Denver, Colorado

Denver is a tax-friendly place, but retirees to the Mile High City will pay the same tax on wages as everyone else, even if they're seniors. Denver ranks 87^th in affordability; 81^st in healthcare; 46^th in quality of life; and 10^th in activities. Total Score: 56.53.

9. Jackson, Mississippi

With low property taxes and retirement income tax exemptions a-plenty, the City with Soul is kind to a retiree’s bank account. Jackson ranks 100^th in activities; 90^th in quality of life; 31^st in healthcare; and fifth in affordability. Total Score: 56.65.

8. Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you still want to work in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, no worries because Minneapolis ranks fifth with the highest percentage of employed seniors. And that extra income could come in handy because it ranks 153^rd in affordability. Elsewhere, Minneapolis ranks 42^nd in quality of life; 9^th in healthcare; and third in activities. Total Score: 56.89.

7. Casper, Wyoming

Once an oil boomtown, the Oil City is still a hub of cowboy culture, as well as a state-tax-exempt haven for retirees on Social Security. Casper ranks 79^th in healthcare; 69^th in activities; 20^th in affordability; and sixth in quality of life. Total Score: 57.13.

6. Scottsdale, Arizona

You can find plenty of other retirees in Scottsdale, which ranks first with the highest percentage of seniors living there, and the weather’s great, too, ranking fourth overall in the study. Scottsdale ranks 66^th in affordability; 45^th in healthcare; 34^th in activities; and second in quality of life. Total Score: 57.57.

5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A popular retirement destination for decades, Fort Lauderdale offers retirees year-round warm weather and close proximity to the urban excitement of cosmopolitan Miami. Fort Lauderdale ranks 72^nd in quality of life; 53^rd in affordability; 29^th in healthcare; and 15^th in activities. Total Score: 58.31.

4. Miami, Florida

Known as Magic City, Miami offers an abundance of recreational outlets for the young and young-at-heart. The city is tied for first with the most fishing facilities per capita. Miami ranks 106^th in quality of life; 48^th in affordability; 41^st in healthcare; and sixth in activities. Total Score: 58.54.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Since Charleston is tied for first with the most fishing facilities per capita, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to brag about the one that got away. Charleston ranks 59^th in quality of life; 56^th in healthcare; 29^th in affordability; and 18^th in activities. Total Score: 58.99.

2. Tampa, Florida

If you’re age 65 and buy a home in Tampa, you may qualify for a senior exemption on your property taxes, making this city an affordable bet for retirees. Tampa is also tied for first with most fishing facilities per capita. The city ranks 64^th in healthcare 47^th in quality of life; 18^th in affordability; and 14^th in activities. Total Score: 60.17.

1. Orlando, Florida

You’ll be the coolest grandparent in America if you retire to Orlando, the city Walt Disney helped make famous when he opened his namesake theme park here. But there are plenty of other reasons to love Orlando. The city ranks 70^th in quality of life; 49^th in healthcare; 13^th in activities; and sixth in affordability. Total Score: 61.02.