The 12 Best U.S. Cities for Retirees in 2019

If you are a baby boomer, chances are good that you are retired — or will be soon. And boomers approaching their golden years who live in Pittsburgh or Birmingham, Alabama, should count their blessings, based on a recent analysis.

Lower taxes, widely available health care and a large population of people born between the years 1946 and 1964 make these two cities the best places for baby boomers to live, according to a recent analysis by Homes.com.

In Pittsburgh, 19.3% of the population is baby boomers, and there are about 425 doctors for every 100,000 people. The Steel City is also among the most tax-friendly for retirees.

Indeed, as we recently reported in “How All 50 States Tax Your Retirement Income,” Pennsylvania does not tax retirement income after age 59 ½.

In Birmingham, 21.3% of the population is baby boomers, and there are about 376 doctors for every 100,000 people. The city is also a tax-friendly location for retirees.

The top 12 cities on Homes.com’s list for baby boomers — all of which earned total scores of at least 15 out of 25 — are:

• Pittsburgh — total score of 19 out of 25
• Birmingham, Alabama — 19
• Miami — 18
• Cleveland — 18
• New Orleans — 17
• Las Vegas — 16
• Richmond, Virginia — 16
• St. Louis — 16
• Jacksonville, Florida — 15
• Tampa, Florida — 15
• Baltimore — 15
• Boston — 15

Homes.com points out that a city’s appeal depends largely on an individual’s age:

“Some places have certain attributes that make it a paradise for some, yet not a great fit for others. Personal preferences aside, where you are in your life impacts where you should live, as each generation has different needs when it comes to local amenities. What’s best for Millennials isn’t always what’s best for Baby Boomers.”

The top three cities for people in other generations are:

Millennials — based on median home price, number of entry level jobs and share of the local population:

• Orlando, Florida
• Minneapolis
• Salt Lake City

Generation X — based on school quality, number of management-level jobs and share of the local population:

• Miami
• Atlanta
• San Francisco

Finding the right home for you

If none of the above cities appeals to you — or if you simply can’t make up your mind — consider relocating to a city that will pay you to become part of its community.

As we reported in “7 States, Counties and Towns That Will Pay You to Relocate,” a handful of places want you so much that they offer a slew of enticements just to have you join their ranks. The only catch is that most of these perks are based on your willingness to continue working.

For example, Vermont’s 2019 Remote Worker Grant Program is aimed at full-time professionals who work primarily from home. If accepted, you may receive a grant of up to $5,000 for qualifying expenses.

If you are determined to say “sayonara” to work, you may want to look beyond the U.S. and to other countries that offer a more affordable lifestyle. Intrigued? Check out “The Best Place to Retire Abroad in 2019 Is Downright Affordable.”