More and more seniors are moving after retirement. According to a report, more than 338,000 retired Americans found new housing in 2023, representing a whopping 44% increase from the previous year. And while Florida continues to be one of the most popular destinations for those 65 and older, states like Ohio, Texasand, more recently, Arizona, have also become popular retirement locations thanks to a lower cost of living, an abundance of recreational activities, and access to excellent health care.
In fact, the Grand Canyon State is home to the best city to retire in 2024, according to the latest rankings from Niche.com. The website took into account factors such as crime rates, housing costs, diversity and demographics – and Scottsdale came first.
The city, located just northeast of Phoenix, is part of Maricopa County and attracts visitors with its stunning desert landscapes and luxury retreats. However, it has much to offer its more than 240,000 full-time residents, especially seniors, who make up more than 25 percent of the population. The large retirement community is great news for newcomers since it encourages an active social life.
In the crime and safety section, Scottsdale earned a B- on Niche.com, but the city's crime level is lower than the national average and keeps falling. He excelled in the weather category, earning a perfect A+. Niche.com considers urban amenities (such as restaurants and sports facilities) when ranking retirement communities, and Scottsdale offers a variety of dining options, cafes, parks and golf courses.
Health care is also important when deciding where to retire, and Scottsdale excels in the health and fitness category. The city ranked 30th overall among the healthiest cities in America out of more than 200 destinations. With the highest concentration of spas per capita in the countrynumerous hiking trails, endless possibilities for outdoor recreationand excellent healthcare facilities, residents can benefit from top-notch care.
However, the city's housing and cost of living remain high, as these are the categories in which it scores the lowest – C+ and C- respectively. According to Zillow, the median list price of homes in Scottsdale is $807,104, more than double the national average. THE the cost of living is also 13 percent higher than the national average and 6.2 percent higher than Arizona's.
Clearwater, a city on Florida's Gulf Coast just west of Tampa, was second among Niche.com's best places to retire in 2024, and Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans in Louisiana, was third. You can view the full ranking on niche.com.
