We want retirement to be one of the best periods of our lives. Work-free, comfortable and fun. Settling down in a spot that isn’t a good match certainly doesn’t fit into that equation.
So, we have some suggestions to steer you in the right direction.
The online bank SoFi recently released an analysis of the happiest metropolitan areas to retire in. It ranked the 200 largest U.S. metropolitan statistical areas on 13 factors relating to social life, finances and health. The information SoFi used to rank these areas came from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, Walk Score and Sperling’s Best Places.
Let’s see which metros landed themselves in the top spots.
10. Boulder, Colorado
Total score: 61.49 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 6th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 138th
- Health category: 9th
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado Boulder. Its downtown is a lively area full of restaurants, craft breweries and street performers. During the warmer months, it also has a twice-weekly farmers market.
Nature lovers are likely to feel right at home with such a backdrop of natural beauty. Boulder County has 40,000 acres open to the public with more than 60 parks and 155 miles of hiking trails. Boulder Canyon is a popular place for scenic drives, fishing, rock climbing and, of course, winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
9. Washington, D.C.
Total score: 61.88 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 2nd out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 173rd
- Health category: 11th
Our nation’s capital has plenty to keep any retiree entertained year-round, including outdoor festivals, museums, monuments, a well-rounded restaurant scene, free activities and much more.
8. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Total score: 62.13 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 80th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 124th
- Health category: 2nd
Ann Arbor houses the University of Michigan and has a growing tech scene, but it’s also an artistic hub with three major annual art fairs that draw half a million visitors annually — including the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair that began in 1960.
There’s also a scene for book lovers, with bookstores offering rare and vintage volumes. When locals aren’t taking in the arts, they also enjoy Michigan’s nature through its accessible forests, kayaking and fishing.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Total score: 62.41 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 7th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 84th
- Health category: 14th
You’ll find plenty to do in Asheville, like strolling through the Biltmore Estate and its gardens or spending afternoons browsing galleries in the River Arts District.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic drives. Rounding out the mountain-town charm are free summertime outdoor concerts at Shindig on the Green and the classics performed by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Total score: 62.57 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 25th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 38th
- Health category: 13th
Minneapolis has a reputation as a bone-chilling place where residents suffer through brutal winters. So, perhaps it’s a little surprising that the city has more golfers per capita than any other in the U.S.
Downtown Minneapolis is home to three sports stadiums and many theaters and music venues.
Nicollet Avenue runs through the heart of downtown, with plenty of options for entertainment, dining and shopping.
5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Total score: 62.68 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 32nd out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 1st
- Health category: 64th
Don’t quite have the “scratch” to take a vacation to Italy? Book a trip to Sioux Falls instead.
A full-size replica of the statue of David stands proudly in downtown Sioux Falls. It is one of only a few bronze castings from the original, which was famously sculpted by Michelangelo.
4. Manchester, New Hampshire
Total score: 62.86 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 5th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 4th
- Health category: 77th
Manchester pairs city culture with easy retiree living. You can spend afternoons at the Currier Museum of Art and see live shows at the historic Palace Theatre.
The SEE Science Center and Millyard Museum offer opportunities to explore local history. It’s under an hour from Boston and the White Mountains for day trips.
3. Appleton, Wisconsin
Total score: 63.23 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 19th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 2nd
- Health category: 61st
Appleton has a low-key charm and plenty to keep you occupied. Explore history and the arts at the History Museum at the Castle and the Trout Museum of Art, and take in shows and concerts at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
The Fox River Trail offers paths for walking and biking. Each fall, Appleton’s Octoberfest fills downtown with music and food.
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Total score: 64.08 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 13th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 27th
- Health category: 10th
Madison has a vibrant cultural scene that embraces the arts, food, beer and sports. Some annual events that celebrate these aspects of the town include Art Fair on the Square and Great Taste of the Midwest.
1. Portland, Maine
Total score: 69.31 out of 100 possible points
Rank in the:
- Social category: 4th out of 200 metro areas
- Financial category: 21st
- Health category: 4th
From lighthouses to the cobblestone streets of Old Port, Portland oozes New England charm. You will also find more than 700 acres of open space and public parks in Portland, which is the largest city in the state of Maine.
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