In today's fast-paced world, choosing where to settle down is a crucial decision. U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Retire rankings aim to assist individuals in making well-informed decisions regarding their future homes. The rankings are a result of an intricate evaluation process that involves data from esteemed sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. News' internal resources. The gathered data is categorized into four key indexes: Quality of Life, Value, Desirability, and Job Market. Each index holds its unique weight, and this post provides an in-depth understanding of the methodology used to determine the rankings.
1. Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a mix of farm land, suburbs and city life. When the the weather is decent, families enjoy music Fridays, corn mazes, hiking trails and tractor pulls. Compared to the metro areas Lancaster is affordable and comes in under the national average for home prices at $290,000.
2. Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania's capital is perfect spot if you love outdoors and being on the water. Located on the Susquehanna River, the town has many of its city events on the riverfront. The city is also in driving distance to Amish country, Hersheypark with its amusement park and Gettysburg.
3. Pensacola, FL
White sandy beaches, pretty green water and amazing sunsets are just some of the reasons people fall in love with Pensacola. Beyond the beauty, the cost of living a slightly cheaper than other cities along the panhandle. What makes Florida a reasonable place to live is the no income tax or vehicle property tax.
4. Tampa, FL
Tampa considers itself like being on vacation year round. Residents can enjoy the beach year round and the amenities of a large metropolitan city. Tampa has professional sports teams, a hip social scene and a small community that was once known as the "cigar capital of the world". The cost of living is on par with the national average.
5. York, PA
York may not have a large city skyline but it is rich in history. This town is known for the birth place to the Articles of Confederation and onetime home of the Continental Congress. For a short time it was also the capital of the U.S. Homes in York are bellow the national average and so families working in nearby Maryland take advantage and commute to the next state for work.
6. Naples, FL
Considered a tropical playground for residents for the wealthy, the town is geared for retirees and snow birds. Residents can obtain a sticker allowing them free access to beach parking. Just like most of the country, it I snot cheap to live in this town. The closure to the urban coast you live, the higher the home price tag goes up. With generally high property values the government relies on these homes taxes as a prime revenue source.
7. Daytona Beach, FL
The population swells and diminishes like the tide as snow birds comes to Daytona to warm up from the cold winters elsewhere. Daytona is known for its fishing, golfing and of course race car tracks. the cost of homes here are lower than the national average but then again so are the annual salaries.
8. Ann Arbor, MI
Best known for being the home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has everything that you would think of a small midwest college town. From a main downtown street with gift shops, book stores, restaurants and more the town is a good mix of long time residents and passerby's. Homes here are slighter above the national average they are still in a range that is easily obtainable for most of Americans.
9. Allentown, PA
The third largest metro area in Pennsylvania is down for its rich history in the large amount of historic homes and buildings, and industrial buildings. Allentown is home to the Phillies Triple A team and the Flyers' monic league hockey team. Just like in Daytona, Allentown is below average for home prices but that also has to do with the lower annual income for residents.
10. Reading, PA
Home to the real life reading railroad from Monopoly, Reading Pennsylvania is rich is manufacturing and transportation history. The city and its suburbs are continuing to grow with its low cost of housing and low crime rates. Reading is also a short drive to Philadelphia and early accessible to Lancaster.
Comments