Safest Cities to Retire 2018
Posted on February 13, 2018
Retirement might have you wondering if you have enough money saved up,
when you should start taking social security or how to plan for medical
expenses. However, something people don’t often think about where they should
retire – and more specifically, where the safest place to retire is.
Security Choice® is here to help you determine that. We’ve analyzed 495
cities or major metro areas in the United States. Then, we ranked the top 100
safest cities to retire using multiple criteria to find the safest cities to
retire.
Key Takeaways:
Midwest is Best?: The Midwest isn’t a common choice for retirement, but
11 of the top 20 safest cities to retire (and 42 of the top 100) came from the
Midwest in our rankings. Read more below and find out why the region ranked so
well.
Low Population is Key Factor: The average population of the cities we
studied is 181,958; but the average population of the top 100 safest cities is
just 85,116. Even lower is the average population of our top 20 (77,929).
Florida is a Popular – and Safe – Choice: 4 of the top 20 (and 9 of the
top 100) safest cities to retire come from the Sunshine state. Several of these
cities have extremely low crime rates and the highest populations of 65-plus
year old residents in the country.
Who Struggled?: 26 states didn’t have a city in the top 100 – including
California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Washington.
Top 20 Safest Cities to Retire
1. Venice, Florida
Located near Sarasota, more than 52% of this beach paradise’s residents
are age 65 and above, making it a top retirement destination. At a crime rate
of just 1.8%, it’s also one of the top 40 lowest ranking cities for crime in
the U.S. Retiring in Venice means residents can enjoy 31 municipal parks, central
downtown shopping and a very affordable cost of living.
2. Tyler, Texas
Tyler is home to an astoundingly safe community with a crime rate of
just 0.6%, which is the second lowest of all cities we analyzed based on the
2016 FBI Crime Data. With no state income tax and limited sales tax, this
community is also perfect for retirees looking for a low cost of living.
3. Naples, Florida
Naples is on the rise as a retirement community, with a 15% increase in
65-plus year-old residents from 2010 to 2015. Multiple award-winning golf
courses and luxurious beaches draw in retirees to Naples, but a violent crime
rate of just 0.09% – one of the top 25 lowest in the U.S. – means it’s one of
the safest choices as well.
4. Midland, Michigan
Score: 83.96
Midland may not have the warm winters of a Florida or Texas retirement
destination, but its numbers don’t lie: Midland has a crime rate of just 1.3%
and Michigan is tied for first in the nation with an average retirement age of
62 years old. The city even sponsors several senior services, including
counseling, health and fitness, Meals on Wheels and more.
5. Farmington Hills, Michigan
Farmington Hills is another community that benefits from Michigan’s early
retirement age. Plus, both a low violent crime rate at 0.09% and healthy growth
in its 65-plus population in the past five years (+17% from 2010) make
Farmington Hills another strong Michigan retirement destination.
6. Novi, Michigan
Michigan’s third community in the top six is Novi, and it’s also one of
the top 15 safest cities in America in terms of crime rate (1.2%). Its 65-plus
population is on the rise in Novi (+17% from 2010) and the city is home to
several different retirement communities, such as Fox Run, Brookdale and
Waltonwood Twelve Oaks.
7. Prescott, Arizona
Prescott boasts a warm climate and a 34% population of residents age 65
years old and above. Nearby is the Prescott National Forest and several golf
destinations, and the city is among the top 25% safest cities in America in
terms of crime rate.
8. Des Plaines, Illinois Score: 82.29
Des Plaines, Illinois ranks as one of the top 10 cities in the U.S. for
low crime rate at just 1.0%. Since this Chicago suburb has a population of more
than 60,000 residents, there’s a lot for retirees to explore around the city.
It boasts five golf courses, hundreds of restaurants, a theater and a
historical society.
9. Livonia, Michigan
Michigan’s fourth city in the top 10 on our list is Livonia, a suburb
of Detroit. With a crime rate in the lowest 16% of the nation and a 65-plus
population that’s third highest of any Michigan city, Livonia is a safe and
affordable choice to retire.
10. North Port, Florida
With a crime rate of just 1.5%, North Port is in the top 5% of safest
cities in the U.S. And thanks to its 22% of residents that are 65 years old and
above, the city is yet another popular destination to retire. Housing costs are
extremely affordable as well, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the
beaches.
11. Henderson, Nevada
Nevada is ranked as the top state for prevention laws against elder
abuse. Better yet, Henderson has the lowest crime rate out of any major city in
Nevada. Henderson residents have just a 24-minute drive to some of Las Vegas’s
best casinos – but without any of the traffic or noise. Also, Forbes recently
issued it a Top 25 Suburb to Retire.
12. State College, Pennsylvania
State College makes the list as the top city to retire in Pennsylvania,
and with a crime rate that’s fourth lowest in the United States (0.9%). As one
of the most popular college towns in the U.S., there’s plenty of opportunity
for retirees to enjoy outdoor recreation, as well as a variety of Nittany Lion
sporting events. Since 2010, State College’s 65-plus population has grown by
11%.
13. Waukesha, Wisconsin
The #1 safest city for women, Waukesha, Wisconsin, makes number 13 on
our safest cities to retire list. With a low average retirement age at 63 years
old and a 1.7% crime rate (one of America’s lowest 34 cities), it’s a great
choice for a safe and early retirement.
14. Arlington Heights, Illinois
Score: 81.65
One of the lowest 10 crime rates in the nation helped put Arlington
Heights on the map for safest retirement cities. This Chicago suburb is home to
several of the state’s best retirement communities, such as Church Creek Senior
Living and The Moorings of Arlington Heights.
15. Carmel, Indiana
Score: 81.62
Carmel ranks as Indiana’s safest city to retire with the nation’s
second lowest violent crime rate at just 0.03%. Carmel’s 65-plus population is
on the rise (+23% from 2010), and with a vibrant Art & Design District and
bicycle trails, it’s a strong combination of a safe, cultured and active
community.
16. Cedar Falls, Iowa
Score: 81.61
Cedar Falls is rated as Iowa’s safest city by 2016 FBI Crime Data, and
there’s plenty to do in the community, including snowshoeing, cross-country
skiing and exploring its numerous outdoor trails.
17. West Lafayette, Indiana
Score: 81.59
Indiana’s second city in the top 20 is also one of America’s safest
with a crime rate of just 1.1% – and it’s a cheap option with cost of living
lower than the national average.
18. Troy, Michigan
Score: 81.43
One of America’s lowest violent crime rates at 0.09% makes Troy a safe
option for retirement. Plus, the city’s retirees can get plenty of use out of
special community features, including a 127,000 square-foot community center
and the Troy Family Aquatic Center.
19. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Score: 81.41
Home to spring training for the New York Mets, Port St. Lucie is also
known for its low crime rate (1.5%) and a quick drive to the beach. Renown
attractions such as the PGA Village at Saints Municipal Golf Course make this
community an excellent destination choice to retire if you’re a golf lover.
20. Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Score: 81.39
North Carolina’s safest city, Rocky Mount, has a crime rate of just
2.0% and is one of the state’s top 65-plus populations at 15.8%. If you love
eastern North Carolina’s vinegar-based barbecue and a two-hour drive to the
beach, it’s a perfect – and safe – spot for your retirement.
Top 100 Safest Cities to Retire
Rank City State Final Score
1 Venice FL 87.21
2 Tyler TX 85.15
3 Naples FL 84.63
4 Midland MI 83.96
5 Farmington Hills MI 83.24
6 Novi MI 82.73
7 Prescott AZ 82.50
8 Des Plaines IL 82.29
9 Livonia MI 82.07
10 North Port FL 81.91
11 Henderson NV 81.88
12 State College PA 81.84
13 Waukesha WI 81.74
14 Arlington Heights IL 81.65
15 Carmel IN 81.62
16 Cedar Falls IA 81.61
17 West Lafayette IN 81.59
18 Troy MI 81.43
19 Port St. Lucie FL 81.41
20 Rocky Mount NC 81.39
21 Sebastian FL 81.10
22 Altoona PA 81.07
23 Neenah WI 81.05
24 Appleton WI 81.04
25 Ames IA 80.95
26 Rome NY 80.86
27 Bethlehem PA 80.84
28 Waltham MA 80.82
29 Hoffman Estates IL 80.80
30 East Lansing MI 80.80
31 Newton MA 80.67
32 Eden Prairie MN 80.66
33 Plymouth MN 80.65
34 Nashua NH 80.53
35 Sheboygan WI 80.50
36 Cape Coral FL 80.24
37 Fond du Lac WI 80.14
38 Scottsdale AZ 79.90
39 Oshkosh WI 79.85
40 Wausau WI 79.80
41 Lewiston ME 79.74
42 Ann Arbor MI 79.64
43 Franklin TN 79.63
44 Sugar Land TX 79.58
45 El Paso TX 79.45
46 Staunton VA 79.40
47 Mesa AZ 79.40
48 Palm Bay FL 79.36
49 West Des Moines IA 79.20
50 Iowa City IA 79.16
51 Naperville IL 79.16
52 Green Bay WI 79.02
53 Elgin IL 78.96
54 Erie PA 78.94
55 Lebanon PA 78.93
56 Jupiter FL 78.84
57 Kingston NY 78.80
58 Eagan MN 78.74
59 Waynesboro VA 78.71
60 White Plains NY 78.62
61 Sierra Vista AZ 78.60
62 Warren MI 78.59
63 Denison TX 78.58
64 Portage MI 78.57
65 Rochester MN 78.46
66 St. George UT 78.43
67 Pittsfield MA 78.39
68 Norwich CT 78.35
69 St. Charles MO 78.29
70 Janesville WI 78.29
71 Roswell GA 78.29
72 Taylor MI 78.26
73 Eau Claire WI 78.21
74 Southfield MI 78.19
75 New Braunfels TX 78.17
76 Elizabethtown KY 78.16
77 Richardson TX 78.16
78 Grand Rapids MI 78.16
79 Morgantown WV 78.15
80 Plano TX 78.13
81 Wyoming MI 78.10
82 Auburn AL 78.06
83 Bloomington IL 78.00
84 Mission TX 77.88
85 South Portland ME 77.88
86 Johnstown PA 77.79
87 Wheeling WV 77.77
88 Lynchburg VA 77.66
89 Deerfield Beach FL 77.58
90 Dubuque IA 77.52
91 Denton TX 77.51
92 College Station TX 77.45
93 Midland TX 77.40
94 Danbury CT 77.36
95 Bay City MI 77.34
96 Williamsport PA 77.33
97 Harrisonburg VA 77.22
98 Chambersburg PA 77.19
99 Logan UT 77.18
100 Saginaw MI 77.16
Full Methodology
To establish 2018’s safest cities to retire, we evaluated 495 cities on
six weighted categories. We took city level data from the 2010 Census Data, FBI City Crime Data
in 2016, Average
Retirement Age in State, and States
with Best Elder Abuse Protection Laws, we assigned an overall “Safest City
to Retire” score.
Weight Data Source
50% FBI City Crime Data in
2016
10% Average Retirement Age
in State
10% % of City Age 65+ (2010
Census)
10% Cost of Living in City
(2010 Census)
10% Healthcare Costs / City
(2010 Census)
10% States with Best Elder
Abuse Protection Laws
Each of these metrics were weighted on a 100-point scale, with the
lowest score represented as 0 and highest as 100. If a city wasn’t represented
in any of these data sources, it was excluded from this analysis.
Sources
Thanks for reading,
Ali
Ali H.
Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®,
Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West
Villages Realty LLC
19503 S
West Villages Pkwy
Stes A2
& A11 (by Appt)
Venice,
Florida 34293
Office: 941-460-3179
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