The 20 Best Place for Singles to Live in Their 50s in the U.S.
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. By contrast, 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.
On that note, people’s needs then change again once they have turned 50. It’s a unique decade, as most people are in the prime of their lives and still ready to have active and exciting experiences. It’s also a stage of life when their children have flown the nest.
Many are even thinking ahead to retirement, and they may want to enjoy a slower pace of life. Others may have spent much of their lives looking for that special someone or recently gotten divorced. Whatever the case, choosing the best places to live for singles in their 50s is an important step.
It’s likely that they will want activities to enjoy and opportunities to meet new people their age with similar interests, energy levels, and experiences. On that note, here are the 20 best places for singles in their 50s to live in the United States based on multiple factors.
We’ll talk about not only the best cities for single women over 50 but also the best places to live for single women over 50. This latter topic is often tough because women in their 50s have different expectations and needs and may have a harder time finding someone who engages them.
Out Methodology
When finding the top 20 best cities for singles over 50, we did a lot of research. These cities weren’t just chosen at random and placed on this list because we liked them. Instead, we use a stringent methodology that combs through each city properly to give you the in-depth information that you need to make an intelligent life decision. Here’s the process we use to help you:
- Read through our most recent article discussing the best cities for people over 50
- Research important information about each of these areas to gauge their value to you
- Use real government-approved sites to verify this information before publication.
- Examine listicle sites to get ideas for new cities (only if necessary)
- Upgrade the site with better and more in-depth data about each city
- Continually upgrade our articles to provide readers with accurate and useful data
The 20 Best Places to Live for Singles in Their 50s
The following cities are the 20 most exciting places for singles in their 50s. Each was carefully researched and chosen wisely. In this way, this is the definitive list of the best places to live for singles in their 50s. If you live in these cities or plan on moving soon, use any information you find here to help improve your life experience and make your life a better and more enjoyable one.
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. Its cost of living is also below average, and the home value is a reasonable $95,839.
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. Though it’s not a very walkable city, it has some public transportation and some bikeability that may appeal to an active 50-year-old who likes riding.
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. Get out your bag and get ready to swing!
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.
It’s definitely a high-earning area, as the median income is close to $100,000. The temperature is also mostly pretty warm, which makes it cozy in winter and slightly hot in the summer. That may not matter if you’re a snowbird looking to meet some new people.
18. Austin, Texas
Not only is Austin a popular 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 are 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, with a median income of $78,965.
Austin is also a dream for walkers and bikers, with scores of 99 and 96, respectively. That means you can easily get to where you want to go on foot. That’s a huge benefit if you want to stay in shape as you near your senior citizen years.
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.
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., along with many unique cultural activities.
It’s also very walkable and bikeable, with strong public transit scores. As a result, it should be easy for you and your dates to get a slice of NYC pizza, check out a Broadway show, and relax in a comfortable park.
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. Home prices are a decent $191,000, which is low in this day and age.
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.
It’s also a great option if you’re into walking and is considered a walker’s paradise. Furthermore, it’s a surprisingly fun city and provides multiple unique and engaging activities that people in your age group will love.
15. Evansville, Indiana
What makes Evansville, home to 315,263 people, one of the best places to live for singles in their 50s? Well, the cost of living in this city is below the national average, although it is not a tax-friendly location for retirees. Keep that in mind if you plan on relocating here.
That said, 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 is aged between 45 and 65.
Though it’s not incredibly walkable, it does have a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. If you enjoy the great outdoors and want to relax with someone special on the beach, Evansville is a great place to live, particularly in the safest Armstrong/Martin sector of town.
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 is 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. That makes this one of the best cities for singles over 50 by itself.
Champaign-Urbana is also pretty safe, and its top neighborhoods should be cozy enough for most 50-year-olds. Like walking and biking? This city highly supports walkers and bikers and is one of the best places to live for single women over 50.
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.
If you’re a football fan, you can take your date to a Steelers game and check them out! Crime isn’t necessarily great in this city, but places like Middle Road Park and Whitehall West are reasonably safe for people in their 50s.
It also has excellent healthcare facilities, a low cost of living, and employment opportunities for those who want to work. Walkability is also fantastic, and there are many great public transportation options, with biking also being strongly supported.
12. Twin Falls, Idaho
The retired cost of living is 9.3 percent 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. There’s golfing throughout the area, as well as various live music events and even kid-friendly events if you still have little ones or grandchildren.
You can also enjoy walking to various shops (Twin Falls has a strong walkability score) as well as go biking along various trails. As an active 50-year-old person, these activities should be more than enjoyable for you and your dates.
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. Outdoor and indoor activities (such as shopping) make it a fun place to date.
However, it is also a good option economically, as it is a tax-friendly location. The cost of living is high, but you’ll be in paradise, so it’s kind of worth it. After all, the natural beauty of an area and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are two of the most appealing features.
Furthermore, its relatively small population size makes it a great choice for those who want to live in a town rather than a city. Crime is also relatively low, and you’ll have beautiful access to the Pacific Ocean, where you can spend time relaxing with dates on the beach.
10. Savannah, Georgia
One of the most tax-friendly places for people to live if they are taking early retirement is Savannah, Georgia. This is largely because Social Security benefits, while withdrawals from pensions and other retirement accounts are only partially taxed. Tools such as Taxcaster are fantastic at helping determine overall tax liability. Beyond that, the cost of living is also low, at 9.8 percent below the national average. Approximately 24 percent of the population of this city is between 45 and 65, and the city has a lot to offer this group.
The historic city has stunning architecture, gorgeous riverfront views, and activities such as museums, theaters, and restaurants. Crime is reasonably low for a city of this size, particularly in the Dean Forest Road and Wilmington Park districts.
Furthermore, it has a great downtown area that’s very walkable and biker-friendly. That makes it easy for you to take a date through the city shopping, try out restaurants, and relax on the Savannah River, which runs right through the city.
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. Comfort is incredibly high in this cozy city.
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. The crime rate is not terrible, particularly near the University of South Florida and New Tampa East.
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. Walkability is strong, which means you can get around the city with ease.
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. The cost of living is above average but not bad if you have a solid retirement plan.
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.
Walkability is fairly strong in this city as well, which should make your dates more enjoyable. The downtown district has multiple restaurants and bars where you can get a bite to eat, enjoy a few drinks, and relax while you get to know someone.
7. New Milford, Connecticut
New Milford is one of the best places to live for singles in their 50s for those who are considering taking early retirement when they reach 50. Its location is one of the main reasons. At the same time, New Milford has beautiful surroundings and many natural features to enjoy.
These include the Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake, which are 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.
There are also many outdoor spaces to enjoy, most of which are very walkable. The range of activities means that singles can easily become part of the community and make new friends. The cost of living is reasonably high but not excessively costly compared to similar cities.
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 is 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.
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. Though the cost of living is high and some areas have rough crime, downtown Denver is a safe and walkable place for your fun dates.
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. So why is it one of the best cities for singles over 50? Well, 26.8 percent of the current population is 45 to 65.
If you’re well off, this city is great because there is so much going on and plenty of opportunities for people over 50 to date, meet new people or make friends. Along the Parkside East and Oceanview areas, crime is low, and it’s very safe to relax on the beach.
Frisco is also one of the best places to live without a car, as it’s a walker’s paradise! There are many public transportation options, as well as safe bike paths. As a result, it’s worth relocating here if you have the money and want to find the best place to live for single women over 50.
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 38,050 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 is between 45 and 65, and the retired cost of living is eight percent below the national average.
These and other amazing activities make Hot Spring a smart place to move if you’re 50 and want to date. If you have a remote job, it’s even better. You can move into the area, settle down, enjoy its great walkability score, and meet many friendly residents.
3. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu City sits on the eastern shore of the lake, and it has a population of 56,510. 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.
So why exactly is it one of the best places for singles over 50? The cost of living is just about average, and the comfort is good, particularly in the winter. Crime is also relatively rare, making it easy for you and your dates to enjoy yourselves. There are also plenty of fun activities for your age group.
That’s why it attracts those who take early retirement. 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. The only knock? Bad walkability.
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.
That’s 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. It’s also surprisingly walkable and even bikeable in most areas.
Note that crime is surprisingly high in this area considering its size, but if you stick to the Back Loop, Douglas, and Evergreen Park areas, you should be safe.
1. Huntsville, Alabama
According to Kiplinger, Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the best places to live for singles in their 50s. 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. The cost of living is also below average.
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. Neighborhoods like Magnolia Park provide a safe date option, though areas like Camelot are not safe.
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. Walkability is also above average, making it one of the best cities for singles over 50.
You can also read:
- The 20 Best Places to Live After College in the U.S.
- The 20 Best Places to Live for The Outdoors in the U.S.
- The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S.
- The 20 Best Places to Live In Your 20s in The U.S.
- The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in the U.S.
