The Nation’s 10 Healthiest Cities for an Affordable Retirement

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A stable retirement is about more than a good-sized nest egg.

It’s also about good health — one of the biggest factors for baby boomers preparing for retirement, according to the Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement:

Good physical health means retirees can lead more active lives and reduce their medical expenses. But health is more than notes on a doctor’s chart. Economic health, emotional and mental health, and social health all have roles to play in a truly healthy retirement.

So the Center for a Secure Retirement, which is Bankers Life’s research and consumer education program, analyzed the 60 largest metropolitan areas in the country to determine which offer retirees the best combination of healthy and affordable living.

The analysis, conducted by research firm Sperling’s Best Places, was based on how cities were rated in eight weighted categories:

  • Healthcare (weighted more heavily)
  • Economy and affordability (weighted more heavily)
  • Social
  • Wellness
  • Activities
  • Environment
  • Transportation (weighted less heavily)
  • Crime (weighted less heavily)

Washington’s largest city came out on top:

While it’s one of the more expensive cities on our list, Seattle boasts natural beauty, a moderate climate and a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities — from the nearby Olympic National Park to the recently expanded Seattle Art Museum — all of which make it the ideal locale for active retirees.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

  • Seattle
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Denver
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Hartford, Connecticut
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Baltimore
  • Pittsburgh
  • Cleveland
  • Salt Lake City

For the rankings of all 60 cities analyzed, see the full report.

Are you surprised by the cities that ranked as healthiest? Let us know what you think below or on Facebook.

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