To compile its recently released 10 Affordable Cities for Retirement list, AARP considered climate and cultural activities in conjunction with tax rates, median house prices and cost of living indexes. Eastern seaboard states take the top honors, while distinct geographic regions are represented by Winchester, Virginia (number 1), Portland, Maine (2), and Gainesville, Georgia (3).
Winchester won top honors thanks to a reasonable median house price of $151,500, coupled with no tax on Social Security benefits and many historic, rustic recreation areas. Portland and Gainesville have similar economic indicators as Winchester, though Maine will appeal to those looking to relocate to a brisker climate and Gainesville is a warmer option.
At number four, Wenatchee, Washington, is the only West Coast town on AARP's list. Tulsa, Oklahoma (5), Cheyenne, Wyoming (6), and Midland, Texas (10), represent the West, while Columbus, Indiana (7), is the list's Midwest outpost. Ithaca, New York (8), and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (9), round out the list.
Retired people living in Winchester who want to be close to their grandchildren might extoll the virtues of nearby Washington, D.C., recently named the best city to raise a family by Parenting Magazine.
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