Retirement is a time to enjoy life without worrying about work, stress, or bills. But finding a place to retire that is safe, affordable, and comfortable can be challenging. Many popular retirement destinations in the US are either too expensive, too crowded, or too risky. Fortunately, there are some hidden gems that offer a high quality of life for retirees on a budget. Here are seven of the safest places to retire in the US for under $2,000 a month, based on crime rates, cost of living, health care, and amenities.
Parma Heights, Ohio
Parma Heights is a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with a population of about 20,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 0.8 violent crimes and 9.5 property crimes per 1,000 residents¹. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $123,000 and a median rent of $800². Parma Heights offers a variety of services and activities for seniors, such as a senior center, a library, a golf course, and several parks. The city is also close to Cleveland, where retirees can access world-class health care, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in Wisconsin, with a population of about 105,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 2.4 violent crimes and 16.8 property crimes per 1,000 residents³. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $156,000 and a median rent of $800⁴. Green Bay offers a lot of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for retirees, such as the Fox River, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Green Bay Botanical Garden. The city is also home to the famous Green Bay Packers football team, which attracts many loyal fans and visitors.
Willoughby, Ohio
Willoughby is a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with a population of about 22,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 1.1 violent crimes and 13.4 property crimes per 1,000 residents⁵. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $163,000 and a median rent of $900⁶. Willoughby offers a charming and historic downtown area, with many shops, restaurants, and festivals. The city also has a lakefront park, a museum, a theater, and a golf course. Willoughby is close to Cleveland, where retirees can enjoy more amenities and health care facilities.
Charleston, Illinois
Charleston is a city in Illinois, with a population of about 21,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 1.4 violent crimes and 11.5 property crimes per 1,000 residents⁷. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $108,000 and a median rent of $700⁸. Charleston offers a lot of culture and education for retirees, as it is the home of Eastern Illinois University, which has a library, a planetarium, and a fine arts center. The city also has a historic district, a farmers market, and several parks and trails.
Midland, Michigan
Midland is a city in Michigan, with a population of about 42,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 1.3 violent crimes and 12.9 property crimes per 1,000 residents⁹. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $154,000 and a median rent of $800[^10^]. Midland offers a lot of art and science for retirees, as it is the home of the Dow Chemical Company, which has a museum, a gardens, and a center for the arts. The city also has a riverwalk, a nature center, and a golf course.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln is the capital and second-largest city of Nebraska, with a population of about 289,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 3.1 violent crimes and 22.9 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $186,000 and a median rent of $900. Lincoln offers a lot of history and culture for retirees, as it is the home of the Nebraska State Capitol, the University of Nebraska, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. The city also has a zoo, a botanical garden, and a farmers market.
El Paso, Texas
El Paso is a city in Texas, with a population of about 681,000. It has a low crime rate, with only 3.7 violent crimes and 16.8 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The cost of living is also low, with a median home value of $130,000 and a median rent of $800. El Paso offers a lot of diversity and adventure for retirees, as it is located on the border with Mexico, and has a rich cultural and culinary heritage. The city also has a national park, a museum of art, and a symphony orchestra.
These are just some of the safest places to retire in the US for under $2,000 a month. Of course, there are many other factors to consider when choosing a retirement destination, such as climate, lifestyle, and personal preferences. But if you are looking for a place that is safe, affordable, and enjoyable, you might want to check out these seven options. Happy retirement!.
Source:
(1) Cost Of Living By State Statistics & Trends In 2023 – Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/
(2) Cost of Living in United States – 2024 prices. – Expatistan. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/united-states
(3) Cost of Living in the United States: 2202 cities compared – Livingcost.org. https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states
(4) Cost of Living in United States – Numbeo. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States
(5) US prices rising at 6.2%, fastest rate for three decades – BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59236432
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