10 Cities With Declining Healthcare and Higher Costs
Written by
Sean Fisher, AI Editor
Edited by
Sean Fisher
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Choosing the right city for retirement is crucial, especially when it comes to healthcare access and living costs. As retirees typically have fixed incomes and higher healthcare needs, it’s important to be aware of cities where declining healthcare access and rising costs might affect your quality of life. Here are ten cities that retirees might want to reconsider due to these concerns.
1. San Jose, CA
Average Home Value: $808,000Primary Physicians per 100,000: 83.2Hospital Beds per 100,000: 160Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.301
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, with sky-high property values driven by the tech industry. However, despite a higher number of doctors per capita, the city suffers from a severe shortage of hospital beds. The exorbitant housing costs further exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for retirees to afford comprehensive healthcare.
2. Honolulu, HI
Average Home Value: $672,300Primary Physicians per 100,000: 87.5Hospital Beds per 100,000: 170Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.383
While Honolulu offers a beautiful climate and rich cultural heritage, its isolation leads to higher costs for goods and services, including healthcare. The limited number of hospital beds and high property values make it a challenging location for retirees who may need frequent medical care.
3. Boulder, CO
Average Home Value: $418,700Primary Physicians per 100,000: 92.5Hospital Beds per 100,000: 150Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.579
Boulder is known for its vibrant lifestyle and academic environment. However, the city’s high housing costs and limited hospital capacity present significant challenges for retirees. The shortage of hospital beds is particularly concerning for those with chronic health conditions.
4. Seattle, WA
Average Home Value: $339,900Primary Physicians per 100,000: 91Hospital Beds per 100,000: 160Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.738
Seattle’s high cost of living and relatively low number of hospital beds per capita make it less ideal for retirees. While the city boasts a robust healthcare system in terms of the number of doctors, the limited hospital capacity can be a major drawback for those requiring regular medical attention.
5. Bridgeport, CT
Average Home Value: $364,900Primary Physicians per 100,000: 76.6Hospital Beds per 100,000: 200Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.758
Bridgeport’s status as an insurance hub doesn’t translate into better healthcare access for its residents. The city has fewer hospital beds per capita and high property costs, making it a less attractive option for retirees looking for affordable healthcare and housing.
6. Boston, MA
Average Home Value: $363,200Primary Physicians per 100,000: 98.5Hospital Beds per 100,000: 210Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.849
Despite being home to some of the nation’s top hospitals, Boston’s high property values and limited hospital bed availability reduce its appeal for retirees. The city’s healthcare costs and overall living expenses are high, potentially straining retirees’ fixed incomes.
7. Sacramento, CA
Average Home Value: $255,800Primary Physicians per 100,000: 77Hospital Beds per 100,000: 150Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.887
Sacramento’s healthcare access is hindered by a low number of hospital beds per capita, despite its relatively high number of physicians. The high property values and healthcare costs make it a challenging environment for retirees.
8. New York, NY
Average Home Value: $455,200Primary Physicians per 100,000: 95.6Hospital Beds per 100,000: 310Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.891
While New York City is renowned for its medical facilities, the high cost of living and property values significantly impact retirees. The city’s healthcare system, though extensive, becomes less accessible due to the financial burden on those with fixed incomes.
9. Washington, DC
Average Home Value: $358,900Primary Physicians per 100,000: 102Hospital Beds per 100,000: 230Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.925
The nation’s capital has one of the highest concentrations of physicians but suffers from high property values and fewer hospital beds per capita. These factors contribute to making healthcare access more costly and less convenient for retirees.
10. Portland, OR
Average Home Value: $271,900Primary Physicians per 100,000: 83.5Hospital Beds per 100,000: 170Access to Healthcare per $1,000 of Home Price: 0.932
Portland’s cultural and lifestyle attractions are overshadowed by its high property values and limited hospital capacity. Retirees might find it difficult to access affordable healthcare services in this city, especially with the rising costs of living.
Conclusion
When planning for retirement, it’s essential to consider both the cost of living and access to healthcare. The cities listed above present challenges for retirees due to high housing costs, limited hospital capacity, and higher overall expenses. As you plan your retirement, ensure that your chosen city can provide the healthcare access and financial stability you need for a comfortable and secure life.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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