Most of the 25 cities included in Forbes' list of best places to retire this year are in warmer climates, but all have affordable median home prices and cost of living expenses.
The listing takes a holistic view of retirement value, evaluating potential job opportunities for those who seek part-time employment, and positive and negative quality of life gauges, including crime data and features of healthy, active living. For walkability, Bluffton, S.C. scored highest, as did Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City. When considering bikeability, or the availability of bike lanes and paths, Fargo, N.D., Lincoln, Neb., Colorado Springs, Colo., and Salt Lake City (again) scored best, per Forbes.
With millions of Baby Boomers turning 65 each year, the massive generation is redefining retirement. Since half of boomers tell pollsters they expect to work at least part-time in retirement, the term is no longer synonymous with an end to paid employment. One thing retirement does mean to a large majority of boomers: the freedom to choose where they want to live, without regard to the location of a full-time job or the best school district.
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