Here are the five most livable cities for older adults and seniors

unsplash-image-_iMBEfd1zGk.jpg

As a person ages, there are many factors to consider in determining where to live or retire. Some cities and towns can be very age-friendly, with accessible roads and buildings and frequent activities that appeal to older adults. Some cities and towns, on the other hand, can have many barriers for older adults to live easily,and may not make the best environment for an older adult seeking to move or retire to. 

The AARP defines age-friendly cities as those that “are inclusive and considerate of the perspectives of all residents, of all ages, and all persuasions”. The following are what we have found to be five cities or towns that meet criteria including transportation, community, housing, and overall accessibility to resources for older adults. These are some towns you may consider when looking for a fresh change of scene to retire to and live well.

Coral Gables, FL

Coral Gables offers a historic Mediterranean-themed community with easy access to big-city resources thanks to its proximity to Miami. Filled with beautiful agriculture and endless shopping, this city has even been nicknamed “the City Beautiful”. 

Why this city is good for older adults: Coral Gables offers multiple medical centers and several options for assisted and independent living for older adults, such as Belmont Living and The Palace Coral Gables. There is no end to the available activities for older adults, as well as close proximity to an airport making it easy to travel and visit family. At 50,000 residents, this town is a quiet haven right outside of Miami.

Baton Rouge, LA

A cost-friendly and lively option, Baton Rouge is rich in culture and Southern charm. If you enjoy live music and soul food, Baton Rouge is an expert in these with many Cajun restaurants and live music festivals such as the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and the 3rd Street Songwriters Fest. 

Why this city is good for older adults: Baton Rouge has many options for older adult living, as well as a commitment to public transport and accessible walking routes. The city also offers affordable housing and countless events and festivals for the public, as well as over 30 hospitals and medical centers.

Madison, WI

Often known for being a college town, Madison also has lots to offer for older adults. Almost a third of the population in Madison is over 50, and the city is nicknamed the City of Four Lakes. The surrounding nature makes this the perfect city for someone who likes to get out and see nature but have access to many resources offered by cities. 

Why this city is good for older adults: Madison has 38 retirement communities, free course auditing at University of Wisconsin for adults over 60, and countless outdoor activities to explore. Madison is also ranked highly in public transportation and is home to UW Health, which has been named one of the world’s best hospitals.

Pittsburgh, PA

If you prefer city living, Pittsburgh passes the test of being age-friendly while still providing the feeling of living in a city. Pittsburgh is home to several major sports teams and interesting museums, and has been consistently ranked high for livability.

Why this city is good for older adults: With over 40 hospitals, Pittsburgh has many options for healthcare. Many universities in or near Pittsburgh offer free educational opportunities to older adults, and the city is sprawling with art and culture providing new opportunities for learning and exploring. Pittsburgh is a relatively inexpensive city, and does not tax retirement income. 

Sacramento, CA

The capitol of California, Sacramento is known for good food and good weather. Not far away is San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and wine country, making it easy to explore other parts of Northern California. Locals are passionate about sports, and the city is full of history which you can discover by visiting one of the many museums. 

Why this city is good for older adults: A more affordable city compared to other CA cities, Sacramento offers discounts to older adults for public transportation. Sacramento also hosts several hospitals and lots of available senior centers and assisted living centers.

For more information on age-friendly cities, you can view the WHO Global Guide as well as the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities that have made a commitment to develop more age-friendly communities. The Milken Institute has also collected data and created a guide for the Best Cities for Successful Aging

Missy Roney