At different stages of life, people have different needs, and this impacts their decision about where to live. Young professionals often want to live in areas where there are employment opportunities and activities for them to enjoy in their leisure time. Those with children may prioritize living in the catchment area of a good school and want to live in a location with family-oriented activities. People’s needs then change again once they have turned 50, as this is often a stage of life when their children have flown the nest, they are thinking ahead to retirement, and they may want to enjoy a slower pace of life. Choosing the right location is particularly important for singles in their 50s, as it is likely that they will want activities to enjoy and opportunities to meet new people. Here are the 20 best places for singles in their 50s to live in the United States.
20. Cleveland, Ohio
The range of activities available in an area can make a significant difference to people’s overall standard of living. For singles in their 50s, having places to go where they can meet people is an important aspect of enjoying life. Atlas Obscura says that there is a diverse range of fun and unusual activities for people to enjoy in Cleveland, including water-based activities on the lakes and more than 130 golf courses. Another important point is that seniors account for approximately 13 percent of Cleveland’s population, so singles in their 50s should have no problems finding people who are a similar age and have similar life experiences with whom they can spend their free time. Also, there is an excellent transit system and outstanding healthcare facilities.
19. Scottsdale, Arizona
Popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, Scottsdale is a wonderful location for senior singles who enjoy an active lifestyle. It will also appeal to those who enjoy golf, as there are more than 150 golf courses in Scottsdale and the surrounding area. The range of activities provides ample opportunities for people in their 50s to get out and about to meet like-minded people. For people who are thinking ahead to their retirement, there is a large population of over 65 and many excellent healthcare facilities.
18. Austin, Texas
Not only is Austin a po0pular place for young people, but it also has one of the fastest-growing 55-plus populations in the United States. There is no shortage of things for people of all ages to enjoy in this city, including bars, restaurants, outdoor spaces, music venues, and historical attractions. Therefore, there is a multitude of activities to keep the over 50s entertained and plenty of opportunities for singles to meet new people. Monster also says that Austin is one of the best places for people in their 50s to work.
17. New York City
Although New York City is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., it arguably offers one of the best lifestyles for people in their 50s who want to live in an urban location. According to AARP, it is one of the top locations for older singles who want to date, as there are so many events, groups, and activities in the city. Other factors in New York City’s favor are the excellent transport links, job opportunities for those who still work, and some of the best healthcare facilities in the U.S.
16. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is home to 623,113, and 24.9 percent of the population falls within the 45 to 65 age range. One of the main upsides to living in Des Moines is the cost of living, which is 9.2 percent below the national average. On the other hand, it is not a tax-friendly location for retirees. Other reasons to consider Des Moines include excellent healthcare facilities, multiple leisure activities, and community diversity. For those who plan to continue working, there are job opportunities across various sectors.
15. Evansville, Indiana
Located in southwest Indiana, Evansville is home to 315,263 people. The cost of living in this city is below the national average, although it is not a tax-friendly location for retirees. It is a cultural hub, so it will appeal to those who enjoy cultural activities. An appealing feature for those who are over 50 is the excellent healthcare facilities in the city. It is estimated that 27.2 percent of the population are aged between 45 and 65.
14. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Champaign-Urbana is in central Illinois, and it has a population of 237,849. The area attracts people of all ages, as it is a university city, but 21.6 percent of the population are between 45 and 65. It is an affordable option as the cost of living is 9.7 percent below the national average. The city will appeal to those who enjoy having leisure options, as there are events and festivals throughout the year, lots of shops, plenty of restaurants, and a wide choice of activities and attractions to enjoy.
13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
According to Senior Advice, Pittsburgh is a fantastic option for single seniors, especially those who want to date. Although the senior population is about average for U.S. cities, there are plenty of activities and groups for seniors to enjoy, and these open opportunities for dating. It also has excellent healthcare facilities, a low cost of living, and employment opportunities for those who want to work.
12. Twin Falls, Idaho
The retired cost of living is 9.3percent below the national average in Twin Falls, which makes it an appealing option for early retirees or those making a long-term move who will retire in the future. 22.6 percent of the residents are aged between 45 and 65. For those who are still working, there are many employment opportunities in the tech sector, and there is a vast array of activities to enjoy.
11. Kapaa, Hawaii
Kapaa, Hawaii, is home to 71,093 people, and 28.3 percent of the population falls within the 45 to 65 age bracket. It is one of the best options for those who want to live somewhere by the water with a fantastic climate. However, it is also a good option economically, as it is a tax-friendly location. The natural beauty of an area and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are two of the most appealing features, and it is a great choice for those who want to live in a town rather than a city.
10. Savannah, Georgia
One of the most tax-friendly places for people to live if they are taking early retirement is Savannah, Georgia. The cost of living is also low, at 9.8 percent below the national average. Approximately 24 percent of the population of this city are between 45 and 65, as the city has a lot to offer this age group. The historic city has stunning architecture, gorgeous riverfront views, and activities such as museums, theaters, and restaurants.
9. Tampa, Florida
When thinking of retirement locations in the United States, Florida is probably close to the top of many people’s lists. The excellent healthcare, amazing climate, and stunning coastline are just some of the reasons that people choose to retire to the state. However, Tampa offers a good middle-ground for people who are not quite ready for retirement, which might explain why 27.3 percent of the population is between 45 and 65. Looking to the future, it is a good city for retirement, but there are many employment opportunities for those who are still working and plenty of leisure activities for people to enjoy if they still want an active lifestyle.
8. Newark, Delaware
Newark is a university town, so it has a young vibe. However, there are features that will appeal to people of all ages, so it is a good option for people in their 50s who still feel young and want to enjoy a busy lifestyle. Approximately 16 percent of Newark’s population is people aged 45 to 65, and it is considered a tax-friendly area for retirement. One of the reasons that people love living in Newark is that there are events and festivals taking place throughout the year.
7. New Milford, Connecticut
New Milford is an excellent option for those who are considering taking early retirement when they reach 50, and its location is one of the main reasons. While New Milford has beautiful surroundings and many natural features to enjoy, such as the Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake, it is also within easy traveling distance of major cities. It is approximately 82 miles from New York City and 150 miles from Boston. New Milford has a small-town charm, with a quaint downtown area with restaurants and shops, and there are many outdoor spaces to enjoy. The range of activities means that singles can easily become part of the community and make new friends.
6. Denver, Colorado
For many people, access to healthcare becomes even more important once they reach the age of 50. If that is important to you, then Denver, Colorado, is a good option. Colorado is fourth in the United Health Foundation’s ranking for senior health and eighth in the rankings for overall health. Furthermore, Denver is the 12th best big city in the United States for successful aging, and this largely due to the active and healthy lifestyles that people lead. Denver is also a good option for those who plan to continue working to retirement age rather than taking early retirement, as the city is economically stable and has many employment opportunities. It is also worth noting that Denver is one of the best places for people over 50 who want to date.
5. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in which to live in the United States, and this is reflected in the retired cost of living, which is 83.3 percent above the national average. However, if you can afford to live in this city, then it is a fantastic option for those aged 50 or over, and 26.8 percent of the current population land within the 45 to 65 age bracket. As there is so much going on in the city, there are plenty of opportunities for people over 50 to date, meet new people, or make friends.
4. Hot Springs, Arkansas
If you want to slow down and enjoy your local area when you reach 50, then there are few better places than Hot Springs, which is home to 97,994 people. Surrounding one end of the city is the famous Hot Springs National Park, while the city offers many relaxing experiences. There are three local lakes, so boating and fishing are popular activities, and the 11 championship golf courses are ideal for golf enthusiasts. 27.1 percent of the population are between 45 and 65, and the retired cost of living is eight percent below the national average.
3. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu City sits on the eastern shore of the lake, and it has a population of 204,691. It is an area that attracts people of all ages, so the community is diverse. Co-eds head to the city on their spring break, while outdoor enthusiasts arrive in the winter for the winter sports. It also attracts those who take early retirement, as it combines cosmopolitan and outdoor lifestyles, and the retired cost of living is below average. It is clear the area works well for people over 50, as 28 percent of the population are aged between 45 and 65.
2. Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is home to 32,434 people, and 33.2 percent of the population are aged between 45 and 65. It is one of the most tax-friendly places to live in the United States, which many people consider a big advantage. However, it is essential to note that the retired cost of living is above the national average, which is something to consider if you are planning a long-term move. Juneau combines a charming downtown with a vast array of outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding area.
1. Huntsville, Alabama
According to Kiplinger, one of the best places for people over 50 to live in the United States is Huntsville, Alabama. There are several factors in this location’s favor, including the statistic that 27.8 percent of the 444,908 population is aged between 45 and 65. Therefore, there are plenty of people in the same age bracket for singles over 50 to meet. For those who are considering early retirement. Huntsville has a retired living cost below the national average, and it is a tax-friendly location for retirees. There are plenty of outdoor activities and cultural attractions for people to enjoy. Other advantages are nice beaches, top golf courses, and a warm climate.
