13 Cities That You Can’t Believe Are Retirement Paradises
When you hear the words “retirement paradise,” the first thing that may come to mind is a warm, tropical island where life is carefree. That’s true in many instances, but other places can easily be considered retirement paradises for their friendly people, community safety, and lower cost of living.
Additionally, people have different ideas about where they want to retire. For some, it may be living on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, while for others, it may be living somewhere ideal for skiing. If either of those places or something in between appeals to you, here are some spots that may not be on your radar.
1. Surprise, Arizona, USA
Approximately 45 minutes away from downtown Phoenix is the city of Surprise. It has a population of 160,273 and is part of the Sonoran Desert. The White Tank Mountain range and Lake Pleasant Regional Park partly surround surprise.
The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but there’s a strong infrastructure of community services for senior citizens, including those with mobility challenges. Some of the available senior services include activities, enrichment, fitness, and lunch programs.
2. Athens, Greece
Athens is the place you want to be if you’re curious about ancient Greek history. Democracy, the arts, and sciences can be traced back to the city. Athens is also the home of Aeschylus, Euripides, Socrates, Sophocles, and Plato. Sites like the Arch of Hadrian and the Parthenon can also be found in the city.
Athens is more than a history buff’s dream. The climate is also pleasant, with the traditional Mediterranean weather of hot summers and mild temperatures for the rest of the year. Unbelievably, the monthly cost of living there is $1,287, about half of what is in the U.S.
3. Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
North of Albuquerque, near the middle of the state, is the city of Rio Rancho. It’s a medium-sized city with a population of 112,735, including Indigenous and Mexican communities. Rio Rancho’s diversity is found in everything from its food to its art.
The climate in Rio Rancho is typical of the desert Southwest, with a lot of sun and dry heat. It’s a great place for retirees escaping the cold weather. The cost of living is 2 percent below the national average, making it relatively affordable.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Anyone fantasizing about retiring to a tropical paradise will most certainly find what they’re looking for in Bangkok, Thailand. The city is a dynamic, exciting blend of ancient traditions and the modern world.
If you have any affection for our feline friends, you’ll want to visit the very modern Asok Pethouse Cat Cafe and its adoptable cats. If your preferences are more historical, the Grand Palace, built in 1782, is an architectural marvel. Themonthly cost of living in Thailand is $790, so paradise isn’t too hard to find!
5. Hoover, Alabama, USA
Hoover, Alabama, is a retirement paradise most people are probably unfamiliar with. It’s located in the northern part of the state near Birmingham. It’s a small city with a population of less than 93,000, and its 2023 public safety record is impressive.
The cost of living is 13 percent below the national average, which helps to stretch those retirement dollars. To keep its seniors engaged and provide a good quality of life, the city has a senior center with numerous amenities, including a creative arts room and a sunroom that overlooks the city.
6. Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
Like the rest of Georgia, the city of Alpharetta is known for its friendly people, good food, and local attractions. Its cost of living is 4 percent lower than the rest of the country, which is one reason why retirees are attracted to the area.
Another reason why it’s a retirement paradise is the city’s commitment to keeping mature adults active. The Alpharetta Adult Activity Center is for adults aged 50 and older. The center offers activities, from dance classes to pickleball, day trips, and special parties. It’s a terrific opportunity to meet other retirees.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s mild Mediterranean climate is like a siren call to retirees. Who wouldn’t want to live there, especially when the cost of living for one person is almost half of what it is in the U.S.? Seniors wanting an active or more leisurely retirement can find both in Lisbon.
Retirees on the go can go to any number of beaches, stroll around the many museums and monuments, or go sightseeing. Those who want a more calming retirement can bird watch, play a few rounds of golf, or take a river cruise.
8. Joliet, Illinois, USA
Illinois may not be the first place that comes to mind as a retirement paradise, but the city has much to offer its mature adult population. Its cost of living is 3 percent under the national average, and the crime rate is dropping dramatically, making it a safer place to live.
Adults aged 60 and older can join Will County Senior Services. They’re committed to helping mature adults stay active and independent. A few of the activities and services they provide include day trips, fitness classes, and health screenings.
9. Barcelona, Spain
To the east of Portugal is its next-door neighbor, Spain. Like Portugal, the warm Mediterranean climate and lower cost of living ($1,383 a month), attract more than its share of working and retired American expats.
Barcelona is an ancient city, and while remnants of its history are easily accessible to the public, it’s also a thoroughly modern city with all the amenities and attractions you can think of, like Michelin-star restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor activities.
10. Roswell, Georgia, USA
Not to be confused with the same-named city in New Mexico, Roswell, Georgia, is north of Atlanta and close to Alpharetta. The cost of living is equal to the national average, and the crime rate is lower than the national average. Roswell is a former mill town with much of its historic architecture impeccably preserved and open to visitors.
There are many things to do and places to see in Roswell, but one of its strengths is the support it provides to older community members. Fulton County has senior centers throughout the state, including Roswell, and these centers offer a companionship program, home-delivered meals, and transportation.
11. Hyde Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Named as one of the safest places in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Hyde Park is an ideal place for retirees to live. Adding to that is the cost of living, which is 13.9 percent lower than the national average. Based on these criteria alone, you should consider moving there.
The town of Hyde Park shouldn’t be confused with the community of Hyde Park, located in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County. If you’re not a fan of winter weather, that’s the one downside of living in Pennsylvania.
12. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Even if you’ve never visited Myrtle Beach, you probably already know it’s one of the more prominent beach cities on the East Coast, if not the entire U.S. With 60 miles of beach, there’s enough sand for residents and visitors alike.
If you prefer spending your free time perfecting your golf swing, Myrtle Beach has more than 90 championship-level golf courses. The best parts of that beach and golf life? The cost of living is 7 percent lower than the national average, and the crime rate is dropping.
13. Montpelier, Vermont
We’re going from one of the most popular beaches in the country to one of the best sledding places, Montpelier, Vermont. It may not be tropical, but it’s no less of a retirement paradise. It’s the classic New England town with activities like festivals, an Art Walk, fireworks, and skiing.
The cost of living is 5.8 percent below the national average, and it’s considered a safe city, qualities retirees look for. The city also looks out for its mature population through the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. Anyone aged 50 and older can participate in drop-in groups and academic classes, among other activities.
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