Affordable Retirement Havens

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Finding affordable homes in places where a large retiree population resides is essential for those on a fixed income. Living costs can rapidly affect your finances and lifestyle. If you’ve been dwelling in an expensive area like Miami or Phoenix, you know cheaper alternatives exist — and they could offer thriving retiree communities adept at budget living.

A special study by GOBankingRates highlights affordable cities across the U.S. where retirees flourish. These locations not only offer affordable living but also robust communities of like-minded peers who appreciate saving strategies.

Affordable Cities for Retirees

Highlighted Communities

Below are some cities where residents aged 65 and over make up a significant percentage of the population, combined with manageable living costs.

12. Timber Pines, Florida

• Total population: 4,790
• 65+ population: 84.5%
• Home value: $302,494
• Annual cost of living: $45,061
• Livability: 67

11. Green Valley, Arizona

• Total population: 21,581
• 65+ population: 79.8%
• Home value: $316,570
• Annual cost of living: $43,970
• Livability: 58

See Also: Retirement Age Comparison: US vs. China

10. Weaverville, California

• Total population: 3,198
• 65+ population: 42.5%
• Home value: $278,531
• Annual cost of living: $43,910
• Livability: 55

9. Welton, Arizona

• Total population: 2,470
• 65+ population: 52.6%
• Home value: $267,486
• Annual cost of living: $43,801
• Livability: 68

8. Wildwood, Florida

• Total population: 16,739
• 65+ population: 42.6%
• Home value: $296,813
• Annual cost of living: $43,188
• Livability: 69

Other Noteworthy Locations

Explore More Retiree-Friendly Areas

7. Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

• Total population: 16,509
• 65+ population: 59.9%
• Home value: $298,405
• Annual cost of living: $43,025
• Livability: 66

6. Crystal River, Florida

• Total population: 3,443
• 65+ population: 46.1%
• Home value: $284,381
• Annual cost of living: $42,388
• Livability: 66

5. Golden Valley, Arizona

• Total population: 7,999
• 65+ population: 42.2%
• Home value: $241,580
• Annual cost of living: $41,546
• Livability: 56

4. Micco, Florida

• Total population: 9,053
• 65+ population: 56.9%
• Home value: $233,770
• Annual cost of living: $38,919
• Livability: 65

3. Quartzsite, Arizona

• Total population: 1,805
• 65+ population: 64.4%
• Home value: $202,460
• Annual cost of living: $38,102
• Livability: 62

2. The Plains, Ohio

• Total population: 2,584
• 65+ population: 41.4%
• Home value: $167,390
• Annual cost of living: $32,725
• Livability: 74

1. Fairfield Bay, Arkansas

• Total population: 2,247
• 65+ population: 60.7%
• Home value: $146,591
• Annual cost of living: $30,784
• Livability: 61

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This study used data from the US Census Survey to identify cities with substantial retiree populations. Costs were sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces and evaluated using metrics like grocery and healthcare costs.

Nicole Spector provided additional reporting for this article.