Forbes Announces Best Retirement Places: Which Midwest Towns Are Tops?
🏡 Forbes has spoken – the Midwest is THE place to retire in 2024! Discover affordable homes, top-notch healthcare, and endless activities in these charming cities. 🌟 #FinancialNews #RetirementNews #ForbesNews
Edina, MN – Are you dreaming of retiring somewhere in the heart of America, with friendly neighbors, affordable living, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged? Well, get ready to pack your bags because Forbes has just released its list of the top 25 cities for retirees in 2024, and some of the best spots are right here in the Midwest!
🔍 How Forbes Picked the Winners
To create this list, Forbes looked at more than 800 places across the U.S., comparing factors like housing costs, taxes, healthcare, air quality, crime rates, and even climate change risk. They used hard data from sources like the FBI, the EPA, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to rank each city objectively.
But they didn’t stop there – Forbes also considered quality of life factors like walkability, bikeability, and access to primary care doctors. They even ruled out cities with high crime rates or too few healthcare providers. And for the fifth year in a row, they factored in each area’s risk of natural disasters and vulnerability to climate change.
The result? A comprehensive list of the top 25 cities that offer the perfect balance of affordability, safety, healthcare, and enjoyment for retirees. And lucky for us, some of the best spots are right in our backyard!
🌆 College Towns Offer Plenty of Perks
When you think of retirement, college towns might not be the first places that come to mind. But it turns out, these Midwest cities have a lot to offer retirees! Take Columbia, Missouri, for example. Nestled between St. Louis and Kansas City, this vibrant city is home to the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College.
Imagine strolling through the charming streets, taking in the energy of the students and the beautiful architecture. With a median home price of just $292,000 (26% below the national median!), you can afford to live in the heart of the action. Plus, Columbia boasts a high ratio of primary care doctors per capita, so you can rest easy knowing quality healthcare is just around the corner.
If you’re looking for another college town with a great retirement vibe, check out Iowa City, Iowa. Home to the University of Iowa, this city of 77,000 boasts a very high ratio of primary care physicians per capita, good air quality, and a comfortable climate. It’s also very bikeable and somewhat walkable, so you can ditch the car and explore on two wheels or two feet.
🏥 Prioritize Your Health and Wellbeing
Let’s be real – as we age, healthcare becomes a top priority. And when it comes to finding a retirement destination with top-notch medical facilities, Rochester, Minnesota is hard to beat.
This scenic city is home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, so you know you’ll have access to some of the best doctors and treatments available. Plus, Rochester has an outstanding number of primary care physicians per capita, so you can find a healthcare provider that fits your needs.
But Rochester isn’t just about healthcare – it’s also a great place to enjoy your retirement years. With a median home price of $320,000 (19% below the national median), you can afford to live comfortably and enjoy all the city has to offer.
🚶♂️ Get Out and About in Your Golden Years
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you have to slow down! These Midwest cities offer plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged in your community.
Take Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for instance. This scenic river town boasts an excellent ratio of physicians per capita, so you can stay healthy and active well into your golden years. And with no state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax, you’ll have more money in your pocket to spend on fun activities and hobbies.
Or consider Lincoln, Nebraska. As the state capital and home to the University of Nebraska, this city of 298,000 people has a lot to offer retirees. It’s very bikeable and somewhat walkable, so you can ditch the car and explore on two wheels or two feet. And with a serious crime rate right at the national average, you can feel safe and secure in your new hometown.
If you’re looking for a charming college town with a rich history and plenty of cultural attractions, don’t overlook Lawrence, Kansas. Home to the University of Kansas, this city of 96,000 is just 40 miles west of Kansas City. With a median home price of $302,000 (23% below the national median), an excellent ratio of primary care physicians per capita, and a very bikeable and somewhat walkable layout, Lawrence has a lot to offer retirees.
And let’s not forget about Fargo, North Dakota! This friendly city of 137,000 on the Red River of the North boasts affordable housing (median home price of $291,000, 26% below the national median), a high number of primary care doctors per capita, and a very bikeable and somewhat walkable layout. Plus, with a thriving arts and culture scene and plenty of outdoor activities (yes, even in the winter!), you’ll never run out of things to do.
🌞 Your Perfect Retirement Awaits in the Midwest
Want to read the full Forbes report? Find it here. Retiring in the Midwest means enjoying a high quality of life without breaking the bank. From the charming college towns to the friendly cities and everything in between, these destinations prove that the heartland is a great place to spend your golden years.
So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and get ready to enjoy all that the Midwest has to offer! Who knows – you might just find your new home sweet home. Happy travels.
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🗣 Have you been to any of these cities? Have a question about life in the Midwest? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
