Ranking the 15 Least Friendly Cities for Retirement: When it comes to planning retirement, location matters just as much as savings. The phrase “least friendly cities for retirement” isn’t clickbait — it’s a wake-up call. Many U.S. cities may seem attractive at first glance, but when you crunch the numbers, the high living costs, healthcare access, and quality-of-life challenges can make your golden years feel less than golden. Retirement should be about slowing down, relaxing, and finally enjoying the fruits of your labor — not stressing over rent, taxes, or hospital bills. Yet, across America, some cities make that dream harder than others. This guide breaks down the 15 least friendly cities for retirees in 2025, explains what factors land them there, and offers practical tips to help you make a smarter decision.
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Ranking the 15 Least Friendly Cities for Retirement
The 15 least friendly cities for retirement remind us that not all sunshine and skyscrapers lead to happy golden years. High housing costs, poor healthcare access, and weak community support can turn retirement into a struggle. To find your perfect place, focus on:
- Affordability: Can you live comfortably on fixed income?
- Healthcare: Are hospitals and specialists accessible?
- Quality of life: Do you feel safe and connected?
Your retirement city should work for you — not against you. Do the homework, plan ahead, and make sure the next chapter of your life is defined by comfort, health, and peace of mind.
| What You Need to Know | Why It Matters | Data / Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability is critical | High living costs eat into fixed retirement income | 62% of retirees say “affordability” is their top concern |
| Healthcare access defines comfort | Seniors face rising medical costs | U.S. seniors spend 30% more on healthcare than younger adults |
| Quality of life goes beyond cost | Safety, amenities, and community engagement matter | Retirees in active, social cities live 7 years longer (AARP) |
| Big-name cities often disappoint | Popular cities rank low for retirees | California dominates the bottom rankings |
2025 Snapshot — 15 Least Friendly Cities for Retirement
| Rank | City | State | Key Issue | Median Home Price | Score (/100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Bernardino | CA | Poor healthcare access | $525,000 | 42.7 |
| 2 | Stockton | CA | High crime, cost of living | $470,000 | 43.1 |
| 3 | Rancho Cucamonga | CA | Costly housing & taxes | $650,000 | 44.0 |
| 4 | Detroit | MI | Infrastructure, safety issues | $110,000 | 44.9 |
| 5 | Newark | NJ | High taxes, low recreation | $385,000 | 45.2 |
| 6 | Memphis | TN | Crime, limited amenities | $200,000 | 46.0 |
| 7 | Cleveland | OH | Limited healthcare, jobs | $145,000 | 46.5 |
| 8 | Birmingham | AL | Low healthcare access | $210,000 | 47.3 |
| 9 | Miami | FL | Cost, overcrowding | $550,000 | 48.1 |
| 10 | Baltimore | MD | Safety, affordability | $195,000 | 48.5 |
| 11 | Houston | TX | Flooding, heat, costs | $295,000 | 48.9 |
| 12 | Las Vegas | NV | Healthcare shortages | $415,000 | 49.3 |
| 13 | Riverside | CA | High rent, few hospitals | $560,000 | 49.6 |
| 14 | Bridgeport | CT | High cost of living | $465,000 | 49.9 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | CA | Very high prices | $875,000 | 50.0 |
Why Some Cities Fail Retirees?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s get one thing clear: “least friendly” doesn’t mean “unlivable.” It means these cities don’t stack up well against national averages for key retirement factors like affordability, healthcare, and safety.
1. Cost of Living and Taxes
This is the biggest deal-breaker. When you’re retired, income usually comes from Social Security, pensions, or savings — and it’s often fixed. High property taxes, insurance, and healthcare premiums can drain your budget fast.
Take Los Angeles, for example. While it’s a dream city for entertainment, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers near $2,700 per month (Zillow, 2025). Property taxes average around 1.2%, and groceries are 34% above the national average.
Similarly, Bridgeport, Connecticut, ranks low due to high energy costs and expensive housing — even though it offers proximity to New York City.
2. Weak Healthcare Systems
For retirees, healthcare access is non-negotiable. But in some cities, hospitals are underfunded or too far apart.
For instance, San Bernardino has fewer than two geriatric specialists per 10,000 residents, and local hospitals rank below average in patient satisfaction scores. Birmingham, Alabama, faces similar issues, with healthcare facilities unevenly distributed across the metro area.
Cleveland may have world-class institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, but accessibility remains a problem for lower-income retirees due to transportation barriers and cost.
3. Safety, Infrastructure, and Environment
Feeling safe is essential to well-being. Unfortunately, many of these “least friendly” cities struggle with crime, poor infrastructure, or environmental hazards.
Detroit and Memphis rank among the top U.S. cities for violent crime per capita. Houston and Las Vegas face increasing environmental threats — flooding and extreme heat — both of which pose serious health risks for older adults.
Poor air quality is another growing issue. The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report found that several California metros, including Riverside and Los Angeles, have some of the worst pollution levels in the country — particularly dangerous for seniors with respiratory issues.
4. Quality of Life and Social Connection
Retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about community and connection. Cities like Newark and Baltimore lack accessible public spaces, senior recreation centers, and safe pedestrian areas.
Compare that with top-ranking retirement destinations like Raleigh, NC or Scottsdale, AZ, where city planning emphasizes walkability, parks, and community engagement. Studies from AARP Livable Communities show that retirees who remain socially active have up to 50% lower risk of depression and cognitive decline.
If a city doesn’t support social connection — whether through community events, green spaces, or senior services — it’s not retirement-friendly, no matter how cheap it looks.
15 Least Friendly Cities for Retirement: State-by-State Insights
California
Six California cities appear in the bottom 15. Despite its sunny appeal, California’s property taxes, housing costs, and healthcare access gaps make it one of the hardest states for retirees without substantial savings. Even mid-tier homes cost over $500,000, and utility costs are 25% above average.
Midwest
Cities like Detroit and Cleveland offer affordability but struggle with crime, limited healthcare, and aging infrastructure. However, nearby suburbs such as Ann Arbor, MI, or Akron, OH, provide better healthcare and safer living — a reminder that sometimes the best retirement choice is just outside city limits.
South
Memphis and Birmingham demonstrate that low cost doesn’t always mean low stress. Poor healthcare infrastructure and high crime rates lower overall livability scores, despite cheaper housing.
East Coast
Newark, Bridgeport, and Baltimore remain expensive and congested. Property taxes are high, and transportation systems are less accessible for seniors.
How to Choose a Better Retirement City?
Here’s a simple roadmap for making the right choice.
Step 1: Do the Math
Add up all expected retirement income: Social Security, pensions, and investments.
Step 2: Research Healthcare Options
Look up nearby hospitals on Medicare’s Care Compare Tool. Check the number of physicians per capita in your preferred city and see whether they accept Medicare.
Step 3: Check Climate and Safety
Review local climate data on NOAA.gov and safety ratings on NeighborhoodScout. A warmer climate might sound appealing — until you factor in hurricane or wildfire risk.
Step 4: Visit Before You Commit
Spend a few months in your target city during different seasons. Rent before you buy. Talk to local retirees and community organizations. This “trial run” gives you a firsthand look at traffic, healthcare, and social life.
Step 5: Factor in Taxes
States like Florida, Tennessee, and Nevada have no state income tax, while California, New Jersey, and Connecticut tax pensions and some Social Security benefits.
Real-Life Example: The Smart Relocation
Jim and Linda, both 67, sold their Los Angeles home for $900,000 and moved to Greenville, South Carolina. Their new home cost $320,000, and property taxes were less than a third of what they paid before.
Now they spend weekends walking in parks, attending local concerts, and volunteering. “We never realized how expensive it was just to exist in L.A.,” Linda said. “Here, we live better on less.”
Their move cut living expenses by 40% — proof that sometimes peace of mind starts with a change of zip code.
Expert Perspective
“People often pick retirement spots for climate or scenery, but in the end, affordability and healthcare determine satisfaction,” says Dr. Mark Elder, CFP and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. “The best advice I can give? Test-drive your retirement. Spend time in the place you think you’ll love before you move there permanently.”
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