8 Safe and More Affordable Cities To Retire in 2026
Written by
Daria Uhlig
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Affordability is one of Americans’ top priorities when deciding where to live in retirement, second only to proximity to family and friends, according to the 25th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey. Low crime also rates high on retirees’ wish list.
Here are eight cities that check both boxes, based on an analysis of FBI crime data, Zillow affordability data and retirement income tax analysis from Fidelity. Each city also has at least one hospital — another priority for retirees.
Read on for details on each city and why they may be a good fit for retirees.
1. Columbus, Indiana
- Income needed for affordable home: $68,948
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 7
With just seven violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbus is one of America’s safest cities. It might also be one of the busiest, with fairs and festivals nearly every month of the year. Art and architecture afficionados will find plenty to do here, as will history buffs — the city boasts seven national historic landmarks.
2. Dalton, Georgia
- Income needed for affordable home: $62,455
- Violent crime per 100 population: 84
Dalton might be known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” but retirees likely recognize the city for its art and theater venues, year-round events schedule and sports facilities offering golf, pickleball, biking and disc golf, to name a few.
3. Eagle Pass, Texas
- Income needed for affordable home: $60,397
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 43
Eagle Pass is a riverfront border city that boasts the state’s only casino, plus conveniences like a mall and a municipal golf course. Cross the International Bridge to sister city Piedras Negras to enjoy old Mexico history, culture and charm.
4. Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Income needed for affordable home: $55,773
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 107
Hattiesburg is nicknamed The Hub City because of its history as an industrial transportation hub, but today the name refers to Hattiesburg’s easy access to destinations like New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches. The city is also a worthy retirement destination, thanks to arts venues, a zoo and outdoor recreation centered around the Leaf and Bouie rivers.
5. Springfield, Ohio
- Income needed for affordable home: $52,782
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 58
The Clark State Performing Arts Center, Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Museum of Art are just a few of the attractions retirees can enjoy in this college town, home to Wittenberg University. The warmer months bring a variety of festivals, but a wealth of fine and performing arts options, plus dining and shopping, give retirees plenty to do all year long.
6. Paducah, Kentucky
- Income needed for affordable home: $48,612
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 72
Located directly on the Ohio River, Paducah is one of just nine U.S. cities to have received a Creative City designation from UNESCO, for its many fine and performing arts venues and events, Paducah also offers a vibrant downtown with excellent shopping and dining, and many outdoor recreational opportunities on and off the water.
7. Saginaw, Michigan
- Income needed for affordable home: $47,225
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 66
Not only is Saginaw safe and affordable, but it also has four hospitals, including a Veterans Affairs medical facility. Although the riverfront city’s center is decidedly urban, with all of the arts and entertainment opportunities that go with it, Saginaw is also home to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Japanese gardens and other outdoor recreation facilities.
8. Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Income needed for affordable home: $44,666
- Violent crime per 100,000 population: 142
Altoona has its roots in the Pennsylvania Railroad, which played a major role in the growth of the community and remains a source of pride today. In addition to sites like the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, the Railroaders National Museum and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona has indoor and outdoor sports venues, two theaters and many parks to keep retirees active and engaged.
Editor’s note: The states listed as most tax-friendly to retirees were sourced from an analysis by Fidelity. FBI crime data was then pulled for each city in those states with populations of at least 25,000. Those with violent crime rates below the national average were then selected. Then, Zillow housing data was used to find the most affordable cities within the tax-friendly states, based on the income needed to purchase a home with 20% down while keeping the housing payment below 30% of monthly income. That data cross-referenced with the crime data to find the most affordable cities with the lowest crime rates, and then it was verified that each city has at least one hospital within 10 miles, per Healthgrades.
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