Get to know seven of the most beautiful U.S. towns to retire in
The state of Pennsylvania leads the way according to a survey from US News & World Report.
A recent study from US News has carried out an in depth survey to identify the best places to retire in the United States.
The outlet looked at 150 largest metropolitan areas in the nation to assess how well they meet Americans’ retirement needs and expectations with a series of criteria being used including: happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and health care quality.
The state of Pennsylvania comes out strongly with seven of the Top 10 cities in the study coming from the ‘Keystone State’.
Looking to explore Independence Hall, experience @GettysburgNMP, stroll through @longwoodgardens, or study at one of nearly 300 U.S. colleges and universities? Set your sights on Pennsylvania!
— EducationUSA Guatemala (@EducationUSA_GT) May 9, 2024
Experience The Keystone State, #Pennsylvania ➡️ https://t.co/lyvNDZVfN5. pic.twitter.com/UpAdMe8yNx
US News: Best Places to Live Index Methodology
Affordability Index – 25%
Happiness Index – 22%
Health Care Quality Index – 16%
Retiree Taxes Index – 16%
Desirability Index – 13%
Job Market Index – 8%
US News then surveyed those possibly nearing retirement age (45-59) and those of retirement age (60 or older) for guidance on what matters most to them with these target audiences instrumental in the survey of deciding the ideal places to start planning for retirement.
Half of America’s 10 most educated states are in the Northeast, though high rates of educational attainment span from coast to coast and to every other region in the country. https://t.co/uJOfrkE6ZV
— U.S. News & World Report (@usnews) May 7, 2024
No: 1 - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The State capital tops the ranking with Harrisburg boasting a population of just over 79,000. The city is also close to the likes of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C and has stunning scenery by the Susquehanna River on the trails of Riverfront Park. Residents also enjoy hiking the famous Appalachian Trail or camping and mountain biking in the many nearby state parks and forests.
The city may not be automatically considered as affluent, but it does have a more affordable housing market and a lower cost of living than many of the East Coast’s larger metropolitan areas.
No. 2 - Reading, Pennsylvania
With a median home sale price in Reading proper lower than the state average, the city is steeped in innovation and boasts a truly diverse community.
Still, the Reading metro area, particularly suburban communities like Wyomissing, continues to attract new residents with its low cost of living and low crime rates and Reading is also close to neighbouring Philadelphia with residents easily able to access Lancaster and Amish country.
No. 3 - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
With a population of just over 50,000, Lancaster, Pennsylvania completes the podium and the city offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate as farmland and suburbs intertwine to lead to a bustling city.
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The city has a community which includes farmers, families, college students and young professionals and with the likes of church communities to the indie coffee shop scene, Lancaster holds a broad appeal.
The city is rich in arts and has a vibrant local music scene and is also home to a local Kellogg’s plant, Mars Chocolate North America and the world’s largest chicken barbecue add their own aromas to the mix.
2024 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. (Top 10)
1: Harrisburg, PA
2: Reading, PA
3: Lancaster, PA
4: Scranton, PA
5: Allentown, PA
6: New York City, NY
7: York, PA
8: Daytona Beach, FL
9: Youngstown, OH
10: Pittsburgh, PA