Retirees have an opportunity to relocate to a place that better suits their interests and budget. The challenge is finding a place that will meet all of your retirement needs. Here’s a look at the Best Places to Retire in 2019.
1. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster now tops the list of Best Places to Retire due to increases in housing affordability, the overall happiness of its residents and access to health care. This former capital of Pennsylvania is located between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. A variety of health care services are available at Lancaster General Hospital.
2. Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers jumped in the 2019 ranking due to increases in desirability and happiness among residents. There’s no state income tax in Florida, which can benefit retirees with taxable income sources. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is an ideal place for those looking to spend their retirement years fishing, boating or relaxing at the beach.
3. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota fell from the No. 1 spot to No. 3, due to a slight decrease in overall happiness and desirability, according to surveys from U.S. News and Gallup-Healthways. In September 2017, the powerful winds of Hurricane Irma downed trees and upended vegetation, and the area has spent millions on the cleanup effort.
4. Austin, Texas
This state capital city is famous for its live music and carefully cultivated quirky culture. The area has a diverse economy, and is a hub for tech jobs, with major employers including Apple, Dell, IBM and Samsung. Seton Medical Center Austin and St. David’s Medical Center are major health care providers for the area.
5. Pittsburgh
Sports fans can spend their retirement years rooting for the many professional sports teams in Pittsburgh, including the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers. The UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside hospital is rated 15th in the nation, according to the U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings. The area also has several colleges, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, where retirees can take classes or enjoy sporting events.
