50 Best Retirement Cities for the Middle Class

As housing prices and cost of living continue to escalate, retirement stability for the middle class appears to have decreased. Before you begin to worry that your golden years could be unaffordable or strained, take note: GOBankingRates has compiled the 50 best and most affordable retirement cities for the middle class.

To find these cities, GOBankingRates selected locations with populations above 15,000 (with at least 25% of people over age 65) with average home values under $500,000. Scouring those cities, GOBankingRates also calculated the cost of living in each and balanced that against the average annual Social Security benefits and other retirement income.

From that process, GOBankingRates found and ranked 50 American cities that provide middle-class retirees with financial comfort, safety and bright golden years.

• Florida is America’s retirement hot spot: Of the top 50 best retirement cities for the middle class, 26 of them are in The Sunshine State — far more than any other state in the union.
• Arizona is a distant second place: With six cities in the top 50, Arizona is in the very distant No. 2 spot after Florida for the most cities on the list, with only six towns making an appearance. Both states are marked my (mostly) year-round warm weather, perfect for seniors.
• Sun City West, Arizona, is a retirement-age haven: An overwhelming majority of Sun City West’s population (85.8%) is comprised of seniors aged 65 or older.
• Florida boasts the highest (and lowest) retirement incomes: Florida’s Venice boasts the highest average retirement income ($81,001) of any city in the top 50. That’s nearly twice the amount of the next-highest city ($47,355 in The Villages, Florida). Conversely, New Port Richey’s average retirement income is the lowest of the 50, at $17,859.
• Illinois has the priciest city listed: The cost of living in Huntley is $48,184, the highest in the top 50. Compare that to the lowest: $29,333 in yearly expenses to live in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

• % of population 65+: 25%
• Annual cost of living: $29,333
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $22,340
• Average annual retirement income: $21,077
• Average annual mortgage: $10,266
• Livability: 71

Albert Lea is ranked as the best retirement town for the middle class in America, with 42% of the households receiving Social Security benefits and 27% of households receiving retirement income. It’s a beautiful location, surrounded by lakes and numerous outdoor opportunities for active seniors.

• % of population 65+: 79.8%
• Annual cost of living: $38,821
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,087
• Average annual retirement income: $37,858
• Average annual mortgage: $18,413
• Livability: 66

Green Valley has an affordable cost of living nearly equal to its average annual retirement income, and boasts a warm climate without messy seasonal shifts. Further, 68% of the homes there receive retirement income, and 84% receive Social Security benefits.

For You: 50 Cheapest Places To Retire Across America

• % of population 65+: 59.9%
• Annual cost of living: $39,149
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,157
• Average annual retirement income: $38,032
• Average annual mortgage: $18,035
• Livability: 66

Retirement-age citizens make up more than half the population of Hot Springs Village, where 73% of homes are receiving Social Security benefits and retirement income goes to 63% of the households.

• % of population 65+: 62.4%
• Annual cost of living: $41,682
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,504
• Average annual retirement income: $39,295
• Average annual mortgage: $18,701
• Livability: 77

In Sun City Center, a whopping 72% of homes receive Social Security benefits. As far as retirement income goes, 63% receive it. Additionally, Sun City Center is also the first of 26 Florida locations in the 50 most affordable cities for middle-class retirees.

• % of population 65+: 27.7%
• Annual cost of living: $32,686
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,076
• Average annual retirement income: $25,912
• Average annual mortgage: $12,736
• Livability: 72

Hermitage has a rather small retirement population, with only 41% of households there receiving Social Security benefits and just 33% of homes receiving retirement benefits.

• % of population 65+: 25.8%
• Annual cost of living: $33,835
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,198
• Average annual retirement income: $36,334
• Average annual mortgage: $12,664
• Livability: 64

A relatively slim 39% of homes in Godfrey receive Social Security benefits. Similarly, only 35% of homes earn retirement income. The town has a spartan, low-key and suburban feel perfectly suited for low-key retired living.

• % of population 65+: 74.9%
• Annual cost of living: $41,333
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,938
• Average annual retirement income: $27,905
• Average annual mortgage: $19,207
• Livability: 71

Seniors over the age of 65 make up three-quarters of Sun City’s population, making it a retirement haven in The Copper State. That’s why 63% of the households there receive retirement income, and 84% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 85.2%
• Annual cost of living: $45,203
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $31,881
• Average annual retirement income: $47,355
• Average annual mortgage: $23,703
• Livability: 70

Florida has long been known as a prime location for retirees to settle down, so it should come as no surprise that a staggering 90% of households in The Villages receive Social Security benefits, and 77% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 42.6%
• Annual cost of living: $39,700
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,557
• Average annual retirement income: $44,387
• Average annual mortgage: $18,504
• Livability: 69

Roughly half of the households in Florida’s centrally located Wildwood receive some form of retirement aid — 55% Social Security and 49% retirement income. While Wildwood might be landlocked, it offers lake access and numerous golf courses for residents.

• % of population 65+: 28.7%
• Annual cost of living: $36,968
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,325
• Average annual retirement income: $38,439
• Average annual mortgage: $15,691
• Livability: 68

Aiken is the only South Carolina town on this list. Less than 30% of the population is of retirement age; 47% of households receive Social Security and 36% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 59.4%
• Annual cost of living: $42,021
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,195
• Average annual retirement income: $41,086
• Average annual mortgage: $19,924
• Livability: 72

Englewood offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, making it an attractive retirement community. That’s likely why seniors have flocked there, with more than half the population consisting of people age 65 and over. About 69% of homes receive Social Security benefits, and 55% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 47.2%
• Annual cost of living: $41,232
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,722
• Average annual retirement income: $29,540
• Average annual mortgage: $17,236
• Livability: 74

Roughly half of North Fort Myers’ population is of retirement age, which is why 45% of homes receive retirement income. Concurrent to that, 62% of households have Social Security benefits coming in.

• % of population 65+: 25.8%
• Annual cost of living: $36,591
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,705
• Average annual retirement income: $27,905
• Average annual mortgage: $16,903
• Livability: 83

Folks who are of retirement age make up a quarter of Middleburg Heights’ population; 36% of homes receive retirement income, while 37% receive Social Security.

• % of population 65+: 85.8%
• Annual cost of living: $45,199
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,237
• Average annual retirement income: $37,055
• Average annual mortgage: $23,118
• Livability: 62

Sun City West’s population is overwhelmingly of retirement age — nearly 86%, in fact. In keeping with that percentage, 86% of homes receive Social Security, and 74% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 33.1%
• Annual cost of living: $37,387
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,288
• Average annual retirement income: $28,366
• Average annual mortgage: $16,687
• Livability: 64

The coastal city of Port Charlotte is a perfect place to settle down, thanks to its affordable living and lovely views. Despite that, only 33% of the population is over the age of 65, with 39% of homes receiving retirement income and 56% receiving Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 53.5%
• Annual cost of living: $43,111
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,518
• Average annual retirement income: $41,595
• Average annual mortgage: $21,934
• Livability: 76

Punta Gorda is an attractive destination for retirees thanks to its affordable prices and waterfront properties. About 53% of the households receive retirement income, and 64% of homes have Social Security benefits rolling in.

• % of population 65+: 27.0%
• Annual cost of living: $36,712
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,905
• Average annual retirement income: $32,452
• Average annual mortgage: $14,747
• Livability: 65

The retiree population in Lake Wales is fairly low, and just 30% of homes live on retirement income and 45% take Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 25.4%
• Annual cost of living: $36,526
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,037
• Average annual retirement income: $34,143
• Average annual mortgage: $17,039
• Livability: 84

Despite being a retirement-friendly community for the middle class, only one-quarter of its population is over 65, with 37% of homes receiving Social Security benefits and 29% receiving other retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 25.1%
• Annual cost of living: $39,254
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,227
• Average annual retirement income: $29,126
• Average annual mortgage: $16,165
• Livability: 80

One of six Arizona cities in the top 50, Kingmans’ toasty climate is perfect for settling down for your golden years. About 33% of the homes live off retirement income, and 43% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 59.9%
• Annual cost of living: $46,808
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,604
• Average annual retirement income: $81,011
• Average annual mortgage: $24,534
• Livability: 79

Close to the Gulf of Mexico and blessed with a lovely climate, Venice is a perfect place for middle-class retirees to settle down. Nearly 60% of its population is over 65, with 55% of Venice households receiving retirement income and 70% accepting Social Security benefits. The $81,011 average retirement income is the highest among these 50 cities.

• % of population 65+: 27.3%
• Annual cost of living: $40,536
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,154
• Average annual retirement income: $36,390
• Average annual mortgage: $18,363
• Livability: 76

North Port is a fast-growing town with affordable housing and plenty of outdoor activities for active middle-class retirees. Currently, 49% of the homes are receiving Social Security benefits, and about 38% are on retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 38.0%
• Annual cost of living: $41,784
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,278
• Average annual retirement income: $46,259
• Average annual mortgage: $19,249
• Livability: 76

This lakeside locale provides middle-class retirees with beautiful scenery and outdoor activities for a relaxing retirement. While about 38% of the homes there receive retirement income, 57% of them receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 33.0%
• Annual cost of living: $39,403
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,440
• Average annual retirement income: $31,766
• Average annual mortgage: $17,402
• Livability: 72

Known as “The Hospitality City,” Edgewater has a suburban, small-town vibe for potential retirees looking to avoid the big-city hustle and bustle. Of the overall population, 51% of homes receive Social Security benefits and 35% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 52.4%
• Annual cost of living: $42,771
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,661
• Average annual retirement income: $29,507
• Average annual mortgage: $20,296
• Livability: 70

Lady Lake is known for low housing costs and low crime rates, making it a safe and affordable home for middle-class folks ready for retirement. More than half the population is over retirement age, with 44% of households receiving retirement income and 69% accepting Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 35.8%
• Annual cost of living: $42,759
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,900
• Average annual retirement income: $35,786
• Average annual mortgage: $20,618
• Livability: 83

Sebastian has a small-town tropical atmosphere that’s perfect for a retiree’s golden years. Nearly half of the households there receive retirement benefits of some sort — 53% accept Social Security benefits and 43% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 28.9%
• Annual cost of living: $38,567
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,621
• Average annual retirement income: $30,042
• Average annual mortgage: $16,926
• Livability: 64

Exactly 50% of the households in Leesburg receive Social Security benefits — despite less than 30% of the population being over 65 –and 32% receive retirement benefits.

• % of population 65+: 32.7%
• Annual cost of living: $40,593
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $22,429
• Average annual retirement income: $24,367
• Average annual mortgage: $18,245
• Livability: 73

Low-cost housing, warm weather, beautiful views — Zephyrhills has everything a middle-class retiree might want. Retirement benefits go to 34% of the homes in Zephyrhills, with Social Security benefits flowing into 54%.

• % of population 65+: 32.5%
• Annual cost of living: $40,298
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,900
• Average annual retirement income: $34,877
• Average annual mortgage: $18,637
• Livability: 61

Alabama does not tax Social Security benefits, which makes the affordable town of Foley all the more attractive to middle-class retirees. Nearly half the households there — 49.5% — received Social Security benefits that are not taxed by the state, and 38% receive other retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 45.0%
• Annual cost of living: $45,558
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,698
• Average annual retirement income: $40,184
• Average annual mortgage: $24,225
• Livability: 77

One of two towns from The Silver State in the top 50, nearly half of Mesquite is made up of retirement-age seniors, and 49% receive retirement income. A somewhat larger number of households — 65% — get Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 29.9%
• Annual cost of living: $42,536
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,782
• Average annual retirement income: $35,847
• Average annual mortgage: $20,312
• Livability: 69

Thanks to low housing costs and Florida’s homestead exemption and no state taxes, Palm Coast creates a financially comfortable haven for middle-class retirees. About 50% of the homes receive Social Security benefits, and 41% receive other retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 29.9%
• Annual cost of living: $43,410
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,079
• Average annual retirement income: $33,786
• Average annual mortgage: $22,005
• Livability: 73

Murrysville is the second (and last) Pennsylvania town to appear in the 50 best towns for middle-class retirement, and it offers a small-town suburban feel while also providing big-city amenities thanks to its close proximity to Pittsburgh. Of Murrysville’s overall population, 48.5% receive Social Security and 41% receive retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 28.9%
• Annual cost of living: $40,984
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $20,883
• Average annual retirement income: $17,859
• Average annual mortgage: $18,435
• Livability: 80

Close to the coast and to the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, New Port Richey is essentially a poster city for Florida retirement. However, only 29% of the households there receive retirement income, while 48% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 32.2%
• Annual cost of living: $41,609
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,452
• Average annual retirement income: $26,195
• Average annual mortgage: $18,404
• Livability: 64

While not nearly as often as Florida, Arizona pops up frequently in the top 50 due to its dry, warm weather and overall suburban vibes. There’s a sharp gap between household benefits in Bullhead: While 54% of households receive Social Security benefits, only 35% make other retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 31.9%
• Annual cost of living: $42,017
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,402
• Average annual retirement income: $33,688
• Average annual mortgage: $21,042
• Livability: 65

Bella Vista is a small Ozarks community that provides active seniors with plenty of outdoor activities, such as numerous golf courses, nature and biking trails, lakes and parks. The percentage of households in Bella Vista receiving retirement income stands at 39%, and 47% get Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 27.5
• Annual cost of living: $43,170
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,728
• Average annual retirement income: $36,603
• Average annual mortgage: $21,011
• Livability: 79

There’s a gap of about 10% in Westchester between the households receiving Social Security benefits (42%) and retirement income (32%). A western suburb of Chicago, Westchester provides quiet small-town living (with numerous parks and trails) along with close access to The Windy City.

• % of population 65+: 28.1%
• Annual cost of living: $41,447
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,632
• Average annual retirement income: $29,190
• Average annual mortgage: $21,077
• Livability: 81

The first of two Texas appearances in the top 50, Kerrville resides along the Guadalupe River and hosts a thriving arts and tourism scene — a fine mix of culture and community. It’s a place most middle-class retirees would likely be happy to call home; of those homes, 31% receive retirement income and 43% have Social Security benefits coming in.

• % of population 65+: 32.0%
• Annual cost of living: $43,663
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,255
• Average annual retirement income: $32,487
• Average annual mortgage: $21,864
• Livability: 68

Pahrump, despite its rural location nearly an hour from Las Vegas, features plenty to do: a winery, access to national parks and warm desert weather for a number of outdoor activities. While only 32% of its population is of retirement age, 42% receive retirement income, and 58% get Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 33.3%
• Annual cost of living: $44,212
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,979
• Average annual retirement income: $32,115
• Average annual mortgage: $22,382
• Livability: 83

State parks, cultural centers, lovely weather, affordable housing — Ormond Beach provides a rich life for middle-class retirees. Over half (53%) of the households there receive Social Security benefits, and 34% receive retirement income of some sort.

• % of population 65+: 28.4%
• Annual cost of living: $43,861
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,490
• Average annual retirement income: $42,098
• Average annual mortgage: $22,344
• Livability: 79

Vero Beach lives up to its name — there are miles of beaches for a middle-class retiree to relax. The town also boasts botanical gardens, museums and that gorgeous Florida weather that is so inviting to those who want retirement to feel like a prolonged vacation. Currently, 31% of homes receive retirement income, and 44% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 27.6%
• Annual cost of living: $45,297
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,157
• Average annual retirement income: $40,363
• Average annual mortgage: $22,273
• Livability: 66

While Leland’s retirement-age community comprises just 28% of its population, 45% of its households receive retirement income (and 44% receive Social Security benefits). Middle-class retirees looking for physical activity will find plenty to do in Leland, which offers beaches, fishing and numerous golf courses.

• % of population 65+: 25.0%
• Annual cost of living: $45,126
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,589
• Average annual retirement income: $36,458
• Average annual mortgage: $20,815
• Livability: 76

Exactly one-quarter of Cape Coral’s population is retirement age, with 33% of its households pulling in retirement income and 44% receiving Social Security benefits. Those middle-class retirees enjoy Cape Coral’s mild winters and warm summers, as well as water activities such as boating, fishing and other watersports.

• % of population 65+: 33.1%
• Annual cost of living: $46,316
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,908
• Average annual retirement income: $33,204
• Average annual mortgage: $23,479
• Livability: 75

Mount Dora is known for its numerous festivals and vibrant arts scene, providing its retirement community (33% of its population) with plenty to do and celebrate throughout the year. About 40% of retired people have their own income, on top of the 49% who take advantage of Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 33.7%
• Annual cost of living: $43,783
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,689
• Average annual retirement income: $28,974
• Average annual mortgage: $22,176
• Livability: 67

Resting at the base of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction offers stunning desert views to its residents. The town also has several walking and hiking trails for those looking for activity and old-school gunfight reenactments for those looking for entertainment. Of its population, 39% receive retirement income and 52% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 26.8%
• Annual cost of living: $44,415
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $21,510
• Average annual retirement income: $26,288
• Average annual mortgage: $21,674
• Livability: 81

Largo — separate from the island Key Largo — provides its residents with affordable living, great weather, suburban culture and acres of botanical gardens. Basically all of the retired households have income (29%) outside of Social Security, which is paid to 42% of residents.

• % of population 65+: 28.2%
• Annual cost of living: $48,122
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,887
• Average annual retirement income: $46,288
• Average annual mortgage: $25,509
• Livability: 83

Thanks to Georgetown’s proximity to Austin, residents have easy access to big-city culture but can come home to smaller-town living. Of those homes, 37% bring in retirement income, and 44% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 29.6%
• Annual cost of living: $45,797
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,618
• Average annual retirement income: $35,003
• Average annual mortgage: $25,144
• Livability: 84

Ohio makes its lone appearance in the top 50 right at the end with Centerville, which features a number of large senior communities within its city limits. Within those communities, 36% of the households earn retirement income, and 39% receive Social Security benefits.

• % of population 65+: 32.2%
• Annual cost of living: $47,861
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,165
• Average annual retirement income: $33,189
• Average annual mortgage: $25,066
• Livability: 89

Seminole sits on Long Bayou, just northwest of St. Petersburg. It is the fourth most expensive city on this list. About 45% of people get paid Social Security benefits, and 38% pull other income in retirement as well.

• % of population 65+: 35.1%
• Annual cost of living: $48,184
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,188
• Average annual retirement income: $33,918
• Average annual mortgage: $24,926
• Livability: 74

The Village of Huntley, an affluent suburb of Chicago, is the most expensive city on this list. About 52% of households are on Social Security and 44% make added retirement income.

• % of population 65+: 26.9%
• Annual cost of living: $46,138
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,658
• Average annual retirement income: $34,358
• Average annual mortgage: $24,121
• Livability: 82

Bradenton — home to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature — sits on the Manatee River, south of Tampa and north of Sarasota. Its livability score ranks 10th among the cities on this list. About 44% of people qualify for Social Security payouts, and 30% (essentially all of the retired residents) have income beyond Social Security.

• % of population 65+: 35.3%
• Annual cost of living: $48,053
• Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,771
• Average annual retirement income: $38,358
• Average annual mortgage: $26,008
• Livability: 70

About half the households in New Smyrna Beach receive Social Security, and pretty much all of the retirement-age residents (39%) have their own income sources. The cost of living here is in the top three among the cities on this list.

Methodology: To qualify for this study, each city had to have a population of at least 15,000 residents, a population aged 65 and over of at least 25% and average home values under $500,000, as well as having all data points available. GOBankingRates found qualifying cities using the U.S. Census American Community Survey. The cost of living was calculated using Sperling’s BestPlaces, Zillow Home Value Index, Federal Reserve Economic Data. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes. The average mortgage cost was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average expenditure cost was scored and weighted at 1.00, livability was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percentage of households that receive Social Security benefits was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average Social Security benefits received per household that receives them was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percentage of households that receive retirement income was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the average retirement income received per household that receives it was scored and weighted at 1.00. All the scores were summed and sorted to show the best retirement towns for the middle class. All data is current as of Oct. 20, 2025.