Bellingham, WA
Cost of Living: 9 points above national average State Sales Tax: 6.5% If the Pacific Northwest is your dream retirement spot, you could hardly find a better town than Bellingham, WA. Aside from the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean complete with a resident orca whale population, Bellingham boasts above average air quality, low crime, and a high walkability rating. The only downside to this college town is a price with a cost of living 9% above the national average.
Cape Coral, FL
Cost of Living: At national average State Sales Tax: 6% This town may only be 50 years old, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral scores highly for volunteering, has a warm climate, and the cost of living sits right at the national average. Combined with Florida’s 6% state tax there are few reasons not to choose this lovely town to work on your golf game.
Clemson, SC
Cost of Living: At national average State Sales Tax: 6% Clemson is a lively college town with above average air quality, a warm climate, and a cost of living at the national average. With average home prices sitting right around $135,000, you might be able to overlook South Carolina’s state sales tax.
Tuscon, AZ
Cost of Living: 4 points below national average State Sales Tax: 6% Tuscon, or “The Old Pueblo,” is famous for its warm climate but it also has so much more to offer retirees. Scoring high for volunteering and bike-ability, this oasis in the desert also has an abundance of doctors per capita and a cost of living 4% below the national average. The only catch is the 6% Arizona state sales tax.
Boise, ID
Cost of Living: 4 points above national average State Sales Tax: 6% With high rankings for volunteering, walkability, and cycling combined with an average home price around $168,000, Boise is one of the most retirement friendly state capitals around. The dry climate keeps winters manageable, although the cost of living is 4% above the national average.
Fredricksburg, TX
Cost of Living: 5 points below national average State Sales Tax: 6.25% Come to Fredricksburg for the great air quality and warm climate, but stay for the low cost of living and average house price of $138,000. Fredricksburg is also super walkable with a classic small-town main street and has a microscopic crime rate, making it one of the nicest places in the country to stroll around in your ten-gallon hat.
Bowling Green, KY
Cost of Living: 6 points below national average State Sales Tax: 6% With a name like Bowling Green, who could stay away? This quiet Kentucky town isn’t as unassuming as it seems though. Every Chevrolet Corvette you see in your travels began its life here. Because of that, Bowling Green has a stable economy despite its low average house price of $138,000. Throw in a great climate and low crime rate, and this town is pretty much the full package.
Fargo, ND
Cost of Living: 8 points below national average State Sales Tax: 5% If escaping the cold isn’t your number one priority, Fargo might be the place to spend your golden years. Spend some of you leisure time taking in any of Fargo’s 8 museums or the Red River Zoo. With clean air, great volunteering opportunities, and more doctors than you can shake a stick at, Fargo could be your perfect winter wonderland.
Auburn, AL
Cost of Living: 11 points below national average State Sales Tax: 4% If you’re looking to retire to a town with southern charm and nary a snowflake in site, give Auburn a spin. With average house prices at $165,000, low crime, and a great economy, Auburn has a lot to offer. Enjoy the high life at 11% below the national average cost of living.
Ogden, UT
Cost of Living: 12 points below national average State Sales Tax: 4.7% With majestic mountain views, a strong economy, and the lowest average housing price ($124,000) on this list, Ogden scores high in the bang-for-your-buck category. Stroll the historic Main Street or try your hand at curling on the ice sheet used during the 2002 Olympics in your spare time. Utah’s low state sales tax combined with a cost of living 12% below the national average make this mountain town a great place to call home when you decide to leave the working world behind. Featured photo credit: Retirement/401(K) 2012 via flickr.com
