8 Cities Where Retirement Income Is the Highest — Can Retirees Afford To Live There?

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Retirement is a time when many people’s income significantly drops, even with retirement accounts and Social Security funds. Many retirees make the decision to relocate to make their money last the longest.

Smart Asset recently ranked 344 of the largest U.S. cities to determine where retirement income is the highest (taking into account funds from accounts such as pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs and 403(b)s) and income from Social Security retirement benefits).

Here are the top eight cities where retirement income is the highest. GOBankingRates also looked at the average home value in each city to see which ones retirees are most likely to afford.

The Woodlands, Texas

You might not think of trees when you think of Texas, but that’s what makes the town of The Woodlands special — it was founded in 1974 with 28,000 tree-filled acres. Bordering beautiful Lake Woodlands, this city is rich in outdoor activities, culture and plenty of amenities for retirees. It’s located 28 miles from downtown Houston.

Here, the average annual retirement income clocks in around $79,033, with about $47,281 of that coming from retirement accounts and $31,752 from Social Security. The average home value is the reasonable compared to some on this list at $331,697.

Alexandria, Virginia

Another historic Virginia city on this list is Alexandria, one of the sites of some of the most dramatic moments in early American history. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., the city is rich in amenities, activities and everything a retiree could hope to need, or they can head on in to the Nation’s Capitol instead.

Here the average annual retirement income clocks in around $79,273, with about $53,697 of that coming from retirement accounts and $25,576 from Social Security. The average home value is the reasonable compared to some on this list, at $682,126.

Norman, Oklahoma

Located almost directly in the center of the country, Norman, Oklahoma, not only attracts college-aged students due to the University of Oklahoma, but many retirees, too, due to its affordable cost of living. With a lot of museums, festivals, historical attractions and outdoor activities, it’s a great place for a retiree to call home.

Here the average annual retirement income clocks in around $80,177, with about $55,056 of that coming from retirement accounts and $25,121 from Social Security. The average home value is the most reasonable on this list, at $259,273.

Sugar Land, Texas

A diverse community rich in culture, the Texas town of Sugar Land is situated in eastern Fort Bend County, only 20 miles from downtown Houston, making it a popular destination for retirees.

Here the average annual retirement income clocks in around $80,901, with about $52,946 of that coming from retirement accounts and $27,955 from Social Security. The average home value is a reasonable $459,152, as well.

Arlington, Virginia

Retirees with a hankering for history and culture love the city of Arlington, Virginia (home to the Pentagon). Less than five miles away from the Nation’s capital, and just under 26 square miles itself, it’s both small enough and big enough for a retiree’s needs.

Here, total average annual retirement income is around $82,252 per year, with $55,856 of that from retirement accounts and $26,396 of that from Social Security. With an average home value of $847,094, it’s not exactly cheap to buy a home here, but not as expensive as some others on this list.

Naperville, Illinois

While the Midwest may not offer moderate or temperate weather in key seasons like summer and winter, what it does offer is a lower cost of living. For any retiree who finds Chicago living just a wee bit overwhelming, just 28 miles away, Naperville, Illinois, may be the ticket, with its small-town charm and big-city amenities.

Here the average total annual retirement income is a solid $85,055. About $54,134 of that comes from retirement accounts, and $30,921 from Social Security. The average home value here is around $599,182, too, an affordable possibility for retirees compared to many other locations near big metros.

Bellevue, Washington

For retirees who want more city life, but still enjoy that coastal feel, the city of Bellevue, Washington, offers the best of both worlds, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. The city is a part of the Seattle metro area, offering access to a lot of amenities.

Retirees here, who comprise about 15% of the population, are sitting pretty with an average annual retirement income of $85,061. About $55,346 of that comes from retirement accounts and $29,715 from Social Security. The average home value here, however, is the highest on this list, at $1,585,848.

Carlsbad, California

A quick visit to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce website and you can understand why nearly 20% of the seaside town’s population is aged 65 and older. With temperate weather and great transportation — including a commuter train and bus service, not to mention its own airport — retirees living here are doing well.

The total average annual retirement income in Carlsbad is $85,442, with about $56,685 of that coming from retirement accounts and $28,757 coming from Social Security. However, with an average home value of $1,332,765, there’s a premium for living here, and not many retirees can afford that.

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