It's a stereotype that retired Americans retire often flock to cities in sunny states like California and Florida.
But a growing number of people ages 65 and older say they would rather age in their current communities. A recent AARP survey found that 90% of older adults nationwide want to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
At the same time, US Census data suggests that many neighborhoods are not designed to accommodate the needs of aging Americans. But there are certain characteristics — like affordable healthcare, public spaces for physical activity, and accessible public transit — that can make cities better places for adults to live and age.
The Milkens Institute, a think tank comprised of economists around the US, recently compiled a report on the best cities for growing old. Looking at 100 large metro areas, the researchers analyzed public data across nine categories, including housing costs, income equality, Medicare enrollment, the numbers of hospitals and households with older adults, and volunteer rates for older adults.
Milkens notes that the report doesn't identify metros where older Americans should retire. It instead highlights cities that offer the best quality of life for residents to age in place.
The top 10 cities are below.
10. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California
San Francisco offers many libraries, high rates of philanthropy, a large number of five-star nursing homes, few car crashes per capita, walkable communities, and mild weather.
However, living costs are high, so many Bay Area residents commute long distances to work.
9. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts-New Hampshire
This metro area features many physical therapists, dialysis centers, nurse practitioners, and orthopedic surgeons. There are also low rates of Alzheimer's, numerous 65-plus workers, and strong funding for transit and programs focused on older adults.
But many Boston-area residents also deal with high tax burdens, expensive hospital care, and relatively high rates of depression in Medicare recipients.
8. Jackson, Mississippi
There is a low unemployment rate among older adults, a high number of civic organizations and geriatric facilities in Jackson. Hospital and housing costs are low, too.
At the same time, the city has a high rate of income inequality, slow employment growth, high levels of car crashes and crime, and low levels of Medicare enrollment.
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