Many retirees move to other U.S. towns and cities that are the most hospitable to them and their needs, including the cost of living, public safety, and quality of life. Choosing to live in these places is easy. Yet some cities aren’t popular with retirees because they don’t offer the amenities other places have.
This is starting to change. More city leaders recognize the importance of improving the quality of life for its residents and are making strides to do just that. Their ambitious plans for the present and future are something to consider when relocating. Don’t sleep on these cities; they’re poised to be great.
1. Austin
The capital of Texas is experiencing a rebirth as a sustainable city. Oil may still be king in the Lone Star State, but Austin is fast becoming a clean energy model for the rest of the country. This is an impressive feat for any city.
A distinctly urban area, Austin has 10 percent of the land allotted for green spaces, urban forests, and parks. Hydroelectricity, or green energy sourced from water, is partially employed, and much of the new commercial and residential construction is energy efficient.
2. Baltimore
Charm City has fallen on hard times in recent decades, but its leaders are working to turn its fortunes around with several revitalization initiatives. For example, the Clean Corps hires underemployed and unemployed residents to clean and maintain community areas like alleys and vacant lots.
The city is also committed to sustainability. The Baltimore Green Network is committed to designating green spaces throughout the city. Baltimore has partnered with the state of Maryland to make its communities more sustainable.
3. Boston
As one of the most historic cities in the U.S., Boston has been through many changes over the decades, some good, some not so good. The city has a bold reinvigoration plan called Imagine Boston 2030, designed to let everyone know it’s back, despite being written off years ago.
The plan’s goals include more affordable housing, fostering a better quality of life, and improving access to opportunities. Preparing to face the challenge of climate change and increasing green spaces are key parts of the ambitious plan.
4. Indianapolis
Like many Rust Belt cities, Indianapolis saw its manufacturing presence progressively dwindle, but it's making a strong comeback thanks to the mayor’s resiliency strategy. The downtown revitalization plan is only the beginning.
The other elements of the strategy include housing, economic development, infrastructure, and public spaces. By addressing these quality-of-life issues that impact the city’s residents, Indianapolis is poised to reclaim its old glory.
5. Jersey City
In 2022, Jersey City established the Department of Infrastructure, and since then has worked to better the quality of life for its residents. Infrastructure improvements are one of the biggest goals of the city’s overall plan.
This includes the development of almost 25 miles of protected bike lanes, reworking pedestrian walkways to improve safety, and turning concrete areas into green spaces. Also, more than 1,000 trees have been planted, making Jersey City greener.
6. Minneapolis
The hometown of the legendary musician Prince has a vision for the future, known as Destination Transformation 2030. This plan revolves around boosting the tourist economy, which is a major source of revenue.
Some of the goals the city is working to reach by 2030 include attracting 50 million visitors a year, an expansive branding and marketing campaign, and focusing on an increase in hospitality jobs that emphasize social equity.
7. New Orleans
Nearly 20 years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated the region, exposing areas of vulnerability. Since then, there have been invaluable lessons learned, and they are continuously being implemented to avoid other disasters.
New Orleans has multiple projects in the works to address the climate change issues that affect the region and to protect it from future disaster events involving water. There are also development plans to promote the sustainability of its water management.
8. New York City
A few decades ago, New York City’s crime rate was so high, it was considered one of the most dangerous places in America. Since then, the city’s leaders have made investments across the city to improve the transportation infrastructure for its residents.
If you’ve ever traveled to New York City or have watched a television show filmed in NYC, you’ll see that gridlocked traffic and crowded subways are the norm. By upgrading the transportation systems, the quality of life in the city will improve.
9. Philadelphia
For years, the crime rate in Philadelphia was so high, the city was pejoratively called Killadelphia. The city wasn’t safe for visitors and it certainly didn’t instill a sense of security in its citizens. Fortunately, it’s improving its public safety record.
As of this year, Philadelphia has seen a drastic reduction in violent crime throughout the city, thanks in large part to an increased law enforcement presence from the city and federal law enforcement agencies. There’s still work to be done, but Philly is gradually becoming safer.
10. Phoenix
If you can stand the incredible heat, Phoenix is a city that is on the upswing. Its rate of inflation is well below the national average, which means your dollar goes much further than in other places around the country.
The migration of high-income individuals to Phoenix also contributes to the city’s economic health. Retirees who may be looking to re-enter the workforce part-time or full-time will find a strong job market with low unemployment.
11. Sacramento
Five years ago, the city introduced the Sacramento 2040 project, an expansive plan to improve the quality of life for those living in the state’s capital. Housing, sustainability, and equity are the main areas to be addressed by the plan.
Some of the initiatives include the building of more affordable housing units, ensuring underserved populations have access to resources and have a say in community projects, and introducing pedestrian-friendly walkways and dedicated public transit lanes.
12. San Francisco
During the pandemic, San Francisco took a serious downturn, becoming plagued by crime, store closures related to public safety concerns, and an exodus of some of the working population. These were just a few of the issues that had people writing off the city as a lost cause.
Despite all of the predictions about its impending demise, San Francisco is making a comeback. More people are moving back to the city after the pandemic, public safety has improved, and retailers are returning.
13. San Jose
As another California city hit hard by the pandemic, San Jose is starting to return to what it was like before 2020. Small businesses in its downtown area lost a lot of business when offices were shut down and people worked remotely.
Foot traffic during the daytime still needs to be more active, as workers are on hybrid schedules, but its nightlife is booming. The city’s downtown revitalization plan hopes to turn that around and attract more people to shop and dine during the daytime.
14. Albuquerque
The current mayoral administration has developed an initiative called Albuquerque in Action, which tackles the issues affecting the city, including public safety, housing, and economic growth. Under the plan, Albuquerque has made great strides.
The police department has invested in technology and updated how it conducts investigations to enhance public safety. The city has a growing economy that strongly supports small businesses, and it also encourages the building of affordable homes.
15. Seattle
Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan is a cooperative agreement between the city and its partners in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and private sectors. The plan’s goal is to revitalize the city’s downtown region by attracting more residents and visitors.
In reinvigorating the downtown communities, the revenues generated can help make improvements to the rest of Seattle. This includes affordable housing, transit, sustainability, public safety, and accessibility for all residents.
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