The 15 Best Cities in America to Grow Old
Health care: 67th
Wellness: 1st
Financial: 3rd
Living Arrangements: 61st
Employment/education: 3rd
Transportation: 66th
Community engagement: 27th
The takeaway from the survey: “The presence of Brigham Youn General: 15th
Health care: 67th
Wellness: 1st
Financial: 3rd
Living Arrangements: 61st
Employment/education: 3rd
Transportation: 66th
Community engagement: 27th
The takeaway from the survey: “The presence of Brigham Young University, one of the largest private universities in the U.S., and a pro-business environment make Provo the No. 1 city on our list. It also boasts a low incidence of chronic disease, thanks to healthy lifestyles and a focus on wellness. Provo is an excellent location for seniors who are relocating or hoping to age in place.” iStockphoto
Health care: 1st
Wellness: 8th
Financial: 37th
Living Arrangements: 54th
Employment/education: 21st
Transportation: 69th
Community engagement: 6th
The takeaway from the survey: “Home to the respected Univer General: 69th
Health care: 1st
Wellness: 8th
Financial: 37th
Living Arrangements: 54th
Employment/education: 21st
Transportation: 69th
Community engagement: 6th
The takeaway from the survey: “Home to the respected University of Wisconsin, Madison is a hub of innovation and intellectual stimulation. A mid-size city with its own quality health-care system and cultural events, Madison and its residents also benefit from being just 150 miles from Chicago’s amenities, services, and consumer markets.” iStockphoto
Health care: 5tH
Wellness: 54th
Financial: 41st
Living Arrangements: 6th
Employment/education: 5th
Transportation: 50th
Community engagement: 12th
The takeaway from the survey: “The Greater Omaha area hosts General: 25th
Health care: 5tH
Wellness: 54th
Financial: 41st
Living Arrangements: 6th
Employment/education: 5th
Transportation: 50th
Community engagement: 12th
The takeaway from the survey: “The Greater Omaha area hosts the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies, which contribute significantly to the area’s financial well-being and are a testament to its low-cost environment. The metro is becoming a health-care hub for the surrounding area and a popular place for holding conferences.” iStockphoto
Health care: 4th
Wellness: 5th
Financial: 72nd
Living Arrangements: 82nd
Employment/education: 13th
Transportation: 2nd
Community engagement: 15th
The takeaway from the survey: “It almost goes without sayin General: 24th
Health care: 4th
Wellness: 5th
Financial: 72nd
Living Arrangements: 82nd
Employment/education: 13th
Transportation: 2nd
Community engagement: 15th
The takeaway from the survey: “It almost goes without saying: Few places are as innovative or offer as many opportunities for education and retraining as the Greater Boston area, home to more than 100 colleges and universities. For culture vultures, the area is full of theaters, historic places, lively lectures, and music venues.” iStockphoto
Health care: 24th
Wellness: 9th
Financial: 91st
Living Arrangements: 76th
Employment/education: 4th
Transportation: 1st
Community engagement: 33rd
The takeaway from the survey: “Greater New York hosts two o General: 45th
Health care: 24th
Wellness: 9th
Financial: 91st
Living Arrangements: 76th
Employment/education: 4th
Transportation: 1st
Community engagement: 33rd
The takeaway from the survey: “Greater New York hosts two of the top 20 hospitals in the U.S. Despite being the nation’s financial capital, it did poorly in the financial category because of high taxes and many seniors facing financial distress.” Reuters/Gary Hershorn
Health care: 19th
Wellness: 46th
Financial: 9th
Living Arrangements: 10th
Employment/education: 16th
Transportation: 45th
Community engagement: 4th
The takeaway from the survey: “Des Moines has dynamic fina General: 33rd
Health care: 19th
Wellness: 46th
Financial: 9th
Living Arrangements: 10th
Employment/education: 16th
Transportation: 45th
Community engagement: 4th
The takeaway from the survey: “Des Moines has dynamic financial services and insurance industries, and its economic outlook is bright. However, the car is still king in this mid-size Midwestern city, making it difficult for seniors who no longer drive. Des Moines ranks 45th out of 100 in the transportation/convenience indicator.” iStockphoto
Health care: 32nd
Wellness: 12th
Financial: 2nd
Living Arrangements: 94th
Employment/education: 8th
Transportation: 10th
Community engagement: 17th
The takeaway from the survey: “Salt Lake City has a strong General: 92nd
Health care: 32nd
Wellness: 12th
Financial: 2nd
Living Arrangements: 94th
Employment/education: 8th
Transportation: 10th
Community engagement: 17th
The takeaway from the survey: “Salt Lake City has a strong economy with solid financial infrastructure and a well-educated population. It’s a perfect place for someone looking to engage in a second career or start a business, given the atmosphere and ready access to education and retraining. However, safety is a big concern.” Reuters/Jim Urquhart
Health care: 28th
Wellness: 28th
Financial: 28th
Living Arrangements: 2nd
Employment/education: 31st
Transportation: 34th
Community engagement: 23rd
The takeaway from the survey: “Toledo is a safe, affordab General: 36th
Health care: 28th
Wellness: 28th
Financial: 28th
Living Arrangements: 2nd
Employment/education: 31st
Transportation: 34th
Community engagement: 23rd
The takeaway from the survey: “Toledo is a safe, affordable city with excellent health care and recreational facilities. But the economic environment makes it more difficult to find employment or start a new business. And although the metro is proud of its quality hospitals, it lacks specialized medical facilities.” Wikimedia Commons
Health care: 31st
Wellness: 26th
Financial: 31st
Living Arrangements: 98th
Employment/education: 2nd
Transportation 3rd
Community engagement 63rd
The takeaway from the survey: “The Washington, D.C., metro a General: 26th
Health care: 31st
Wellness: 26th
Financial: 31st
Living Arrangements: 98th
Employment/education: 2nd
Transportation 3rd
Community engagement 63rd
The takeaway from the survey: “The Washington, D.C., metro area is a prime spot for seniors who want to work, further their education, or find satisfying volunteer work. But the area is pricy and ranks below the median in community engagement.” Getty Images
Health care: 33rd
Wellness: 25th
Financial: 59th
Living Arrangements: 44th
Employment/education: 6th
Transportation: 13th
Community engagement: 7th
The takeaway from the survey: “Top-tier education and rese General: 22nd
Health care: 33rd
Wellness: 25th
Financial: 59th
Living Arrangements: 44th
Employment/education: 6th
Transportation: 13th
Community engagement: 7th
The takeaway from the survey: “Top-tier education and research centers, museums and libraries, safe and affordable neighborhoods, and significant community engagement make Pittsburgh a suitable place for seniors. Although opportunities for education and retraining are available, this metro lacks mom-and-pop entrepreneurial activities.” Getty Images
Health care: 43rd
Wellness: 6th
Financial: 43rd
Living Arrangements: 73rd
Employment/education: 59th
Transportation: 4th
Community engagement: 54th
The takeaway from the survey: “Beautiful weather, pictures General: 10th
Health care: 43rd
Wellness: 6th
Financial: 43rd
Living Arrangements: 73rd
Employment/education: 59th
Transportation: 4th
Community engagement: 54th
The takeaway from the survey: “Beautiful weather, picturesque landscapes and a lively atmosphere make the metro by the Bay a desirable place to live. Top-notch health care, an innovative business atmosphere, public transit, and active lifestyles only add to its appeal. But the metro area has its flaws: It’s extremely pricy to live in paradise.” Reuters/Robert Galbraith
Health care: 2nd
Wellness: 96th
Financial: 40th
Living Arrangements: 17th
Employment/education: 45th
Transportation: 41st
Community engagement: 80th
The takeaway from the survey: “This city has a strong poo General: 41st
Health care: 2nd
Wellness: 96th
Financial: 40th
Living Arrangements: 17th
Employment/education: 45th
Transportation: 41st
Community engagement: 80th
The takeaway from the survey: “This city has a strong pool of health-care providers and colleges, including the University of Mississippi. However, unhealthy lifestyles suggest residents will need more quality health care in the future. A dearth of cultural enrichment opportunities hurts its ranking in this regard.” iStockphoto
Health care: 6th
Wellness: 19th
Financial: 92nd
Living Arrangements: 62nd
Employment/education: 20th
Transportation: 14th
Community engagement: 24th
The takeaway from the survey: “Greater Baltimore enjoys t General: 59th
Health care: 6th
Wellness: 19th
Financial: 92nd
Living Arrangements: 62nd
Employment/education: 20th
Transportation: 14th
Community engagement: 24th
The takeaway from the survey: “Greater Baltimore enjoys the benefits of Johns Hopkins University and its proximity to Washington, D.C., offering residents opportunities in education, retraining, and cultural fulfillment. However, living arrangements are expensive, and small-business growth is sluggish.” Reuters/Stringer
Health care: 62nd
Wellness: 62nd
Financial: 1st
Living Arrangements: 60th
Employment/education: 66th
Transportation: 20th
Community engagement: 94th
The takeaway from the survey: “Baton Rouge enjoys a thriv General: 35th
Health care: 62nd
Wellness: 62nd
Financial: 1st
Living Arrangements: 60th
Employment/education: 66th
Transportation: 20th
Community engagement: 94th
The takeaway from the survey: “Baton Rouge enjoys a thriving economy, a great medical school, and its status as the state capital. However, job opportunities for those 65+ are limited, and community engagement is on the low side with few volunteer opportunities and a smaller population of seniors with whom to socialize.” Wikimedia Commons
Health care: 3rd
Wellness: 92nd
Financial: 29th
Living Arrangements: 26th
Employment/education: 28th
Transportation: 64th
Community engagement: 89th
The takeaway from the survey: “This capital city, home of General: 49th
Health care: 3rd
Wellness: 92nd
Financial: 29th
Living Arrangements: 26th
Employment/education: 28th
Transportation: 64th
Community engagement: 89th
The takeaway from the survey: “This capital city, home of the University of Arkansas and its medical school, has great health care, a low cost of living, and a learning environment. But a less active population and unhealthy eating habits breed chronic disease in the metro. High rates of crime and fatal car crashes add to these woes.” Wikimedia Commons
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