This Is the Best U.S. City to Retire for $1,800 or Less a Month

This Is the Best U.S. City to Retire for $1,800 or Less a Month
Image Credit: Getty Images

Retirement is a time to enjoy life without worrying about work or money. But finding a place to retire that offers a high quality of life and a low cost of living can be challenging. Many popular retirement destinations are expensive, crowded, or lack the amenities and services that seniors need.

Fortunately, there is one U.S. city that stands out as the best place to retire for $1,800 or less a month: Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, you read that right. Cleveland, the second most populous city in Ohio and the largest on Lake Erie, has everything you need for a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Why Cleveland?

You might be wondering why Cleveland is such a great place to retire. After all, it’s not known for its sunny weather or glamorous lifestyle. But Cleveland has many advantages that make it an ideal retirement destination. Here are some of them:

  • Affordable housing: Cleveland is one of the most affordable and accessible markets that sits close to a major metropolitan area¹. Homes in Cleveland cost three times less than the national median². The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is only $622 a month², which is much lower than the national average of $1,098³.
  • Low cost of living: Cleveland’s cost of living is 23% lower than the national average⁴. The city offers tremendous savings on groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. The average monthly cost of groceries in Cleveland is $352.27², which is slightly below the national average of $372.70. The average monthly cost of utilities is $154.52², which is 10% lower than the national average of $172.62. The average monthly cost of transportation is $433.60², which is 14% lower than the national average of $508.38. The average monthly cost of healthcare is $537.80², which is 12% lower than the national average of $612.34.
  • Plenty of options of things to do: Cleveland is the largest city on the list of cities to retire on less than $2,500 a month by GoBankingRates.com², and living there would give retirees a lot of options of things to do². The city, which sits at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, is home to about 372,000 residents, 14.6 percent aged 65 or over, according to census data². Because of Lake Erie, the city’s climate is milder than the rest of the state, so Clevelanders enjoy warmer winters and cooler summers². The city has plenty of parks and hiking trails where residents can enjoy the weather and keep active. Cleveland’s Metroparks system boasts 25,000 acres worth of amenities, offering activities like hiking and biking (the area has 325 miles of trails), golf, fishing, and swimming². Sports fans can watch the city’s three major league teams (the Cavaliers, the Browns, and the Guardians) live at world-class sports venues. And music and art fans can always pay a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland’s Art Museum, two of the country’s finest cultural destinations². (Cleveland residents are granted complimentary access to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and general admission at the city’s art museum is free².) Moreover, Playhouse Square, Cleveland theater district, is the second largest in the country after New York City².

How to Retire in Cleveland for $1,800 or Less a Month

If you’re convinced that Cleveland is the best place to retire for $1,800 or less a month, you might be wondering how to make it happen. Here are some tips to help you plan your retirement in Cleveland:

  • Create a budget: The first step to retiring in Cleveland for $1,800 or less a month is to create a realistic budget that reflects your income and expenses. You can use online tools like [this retirement calculator] to estimate how much you need to save and invest for retirement. You can also use [this cost of living calculator] to compare the cost of living in Cleveland with your current location and see how much you can save by moving there.
  • Find a suitable place to live: The next step is to find a suitable place to live in Cleveland that fits your budget and lifestyle. You can use online platforms like [Zillow] or [Trulia] to search for homes or apartments for sale or rent in Cleveland. You can also use [this guide] to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Cleveland for retirees.
  • Take advantage of senior discounts and programs: The final step is to take advantage of the senior discounts and programs that Cleveland offers to its residents. You can use [this website] to find out about the various benefits and services that are available for seniors in Cleveland, such as transportation, health, education, recreation, and social activities. You can also use [this website] to find out about the tax breaks and exemptions that seniors can claim in Ohio.

Conclusion

Cleveland, Ohio, is the best U.S. city to retire for $1,800 or less a month. It offers a high quality of life and a low cost of living, with affordable housing, low taxes, and plenty of options of things to do. If you’re looking for a place to retire that is comfortable, convenient, and fun, Cleveland is the place for you.

Source:
(1) Cleveland, Ohio, Is the Best Place to Retire on a Budget – Travel. https://www.travelandleisure.com/cleveland-ohio-best-place-to-retire-8549135.
(2) Best Cities To Retire on a Budget of $1,800 a Month. https://www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/planning/best-cities-retire-budget-month/

Leave a Comment