{"id":454313,"date":"2026-04-26T06:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T06:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/454313\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T06:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T06:42:14","slug":"8-safe-and-more-affordable-cities-to-retire-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/454313\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Safe and More Affordable Cities To Retire in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Affordability is one of Americans\u2019 top priorities when deciding where to live in retirement, second only to proximity to family and friends, according to the <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.transamericainstitute.org\/docs\/research\/workforce\/retirement-in-the-usa-workforce-outlook-survey-report-2025.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:25th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">25th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey<\/a>. Low crime also rates high on retirees\u2019 wish list.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Discover More: <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/lake-towns-where-you-can-retire-comfortably-on-2500-a-month\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=related_link_1&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=1&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:5 Lake Towns Where You Can Retire Comfortably on $2,500 a Month;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">5 Lake Towns Where You Can Retire Comfortably on $2,500 a Month<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>For You: <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/saving-money\/car\/affordable-car-brands-you-wont-regret-buying\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=related_link_2&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=2&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires \u2014 and How You Can, Too;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires \u2014 and How You Can, Too<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Here are eight cities that check both boxes, based on an analysis of FBI crime data, Zillow affordability data and <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/planning-for-retirement\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_1&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=3&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:retirement;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">retirement<\/a> income tax analysis from <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/best-states-to-retire-for-taxes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Fidelity;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Fidelity<\/a>. Each city also has at least one hospital \u2014 another priority for retirees.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/cities-where-you-can-retire-in-great-weather-for-2000-dollars-a-month\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_2&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=4&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Read on for details on each city and why they may be a good fit for retirees;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Read on for details on each city and why they may be a good fit for retirees<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>1. Columbus, Indiana<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $68,948<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 7<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">With just seven violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbus is one of <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/money\/economy\/the-safest-and-richest-us-cities-to-live-in-2025\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_3&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=5&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:America\u2019s safest cities;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">America\u2019s safest cities<\/a>. It might also be one of the busiest, with fairs and festivals nearly every month of the year. Art and architecture afficionados will find plenty to do here, as will history buffs \u2014 the city boasts seven national historic landmarks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Check Out: <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/cheapest-safest-places-to-live-in-the-us-2026\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-related_link_3_%7C_gobankingrates&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-related_link_3_%7C_gobankingrates\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:50 Most Affordable, Safest Places To Live in the US;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">50 Most Affordable, Safest Places To Live in the US<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>2. Dalton, Georgia<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $62,455<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100 population:<\/strong> 84<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dalton might be known as the \u201cCarpet Capital of the World,\u201d but retirees likely recognize the city for its art and theater venues, year-round events schedule and sports facilities offering golf, pickleball, biking and disc golf, to name a few.<\/p>\n<p>3. Eagle Pass, Texas<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $60,397<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 43<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Eagle Pass is a riverfront border city that boasts the state\u2019s only casino, plus conveniences like a mall and a municipal golf course. Cross the International Bridge to sister city Piedras Negras to enjoy old <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/cheap-places-to-retire-in-mexico-where-you-can-live-like-millionaire\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_4&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=6&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Mexico history, culture and charm;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Mexico history, culture and charm<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>4. Hattiesburg, Mississippi<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $55,773<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 107<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Hattiesburg is nicknamed The Hub City because of its history as an industrial transportation hub, but today the name refers to Hattiesburg\u2019s easy access to destinations like New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches. The city is also a worthy retirement destination, thanks to arts venues, a zoo and outdoor recreation centered around the Leaf and Bouie rivers.<\/p>\n<p>5. Springfield, Ohio<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $52,782<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 58<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Clark State Performing Arts Center, Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Museum of Art are just a few of the attractions retirees can <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/best-places-to-retire-college-towns\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_5&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=7&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:enjoy in this college town;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">enjoy in this college town<\/a>, home to Wittenberg University. The warmer months bring a variety of festivals, but a wealth of fine and performing arts options, plus dining and shopping, give retirees plenty to do all year long.<\/p>\n<p>6. Paducah, Kentucky<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $48,612<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 72<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Located directly on the Ohio River, Paducah is one of just nine U.S. cities to have received a Creative City designation from UNESCO, for its many fine and performing arts venues and events, Paducah also offers a vibrant downtown with excellent shopping and dining, and many outdoor recreational opportunities on and off the water.<\/p>\n<p>7. Saginaw, Michigan<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $47,225<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 66<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Not only is Saginaw <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/americas-safest-and-wealthiest-retirement-towns\/?hyperlink_type=manual&amp;utm_term=incontent_link_6&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=8&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:safe and affordable;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">safe and affordable<\/a>, but it also has four hospitals, including a Veterans Affairs medical facility. Although the riverfront city\u2019s center is decidedly urban, with all of the arts and entertainment opportunities that go with it, Saginaw is also home to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Japanese gardens and other outdoor recreation facilities.<\/p>\n<p>8. Altoona, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Income needed for affordable home:<\/strong> $44,666<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Violent crime per 100,000 population:<\/strong> 142<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Altoona has its roots in the Pennsylvania Railroad, which played a major role in the growth of the community and remains a source of pride today. In addition to sites like the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, the Railroaders National Museum and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona has indoor and outdoor sports venues, two theaters and many parks to keep retirees active and engaged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Editor\u2019s note: The states listed as most tax-friendly to retirees were sourced from an analysis by <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/best-states-to-retire-for-taxes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Fidelity;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Fidelity<\/a>. FBI crime data was then pulled for each city in those states with populations of at least 25,000. Those with violent crime rates below the national average were then selected. Then, Zillow housing data was used to find the most affordable cities within the tax-friendly states, based on the income needed to purchase a home with 20% down while keeping the housing payment below 30% of monthly income. That data cross-referenced with the crime data to find the most affordable cities with the lowest crime rates, and then it was verified that each city has at least one hospital within 10 miles, per <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/usearch?where=Paducah%2C%20KY&amp;pt=37.085709%2C-88.595848&amp;distances=5&amp;pageNum=1&amp;sort.facility=bestmatch&amp;category=facility&amp;facilityCode=&amp;FacilityType=STAC%2CCHDR&amp;=\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:Healthgrades;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Healthgrades<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Keep Financial Literacy Month going \u2014 <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/web.moneylion.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:learn how the MoneyLion app helps you track, manage and move your money in one place;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>learn how the MoneyLion app helps you track, manage and move your money in one place<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>More From GOBankingRates<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This article originally appeared on <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com?utm_term=bottom_link&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=12&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:GOBankingRates.com;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">GOBankingRates.com<\/a>: <a data-yga=\"{\" ylinkelement=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/lifestyle\/safe-more-affordable-cities-to-retire-2026\/?utm_term=source_link&amp;utm_campaign=1328499&amp;utm_source=yahoo.com&amp;utm_content=13&amp;utm_medium=rss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"elm:link;elmt:article_link;slk:8 Safe and More Affordable Cities To Retire in 2026;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">8 Safe and More Affordable Cities To Retire in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Affordability is one of Americans\u2019 top priorities when deciding where to live in retirement, second only to proximity&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":454314,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[177],"tags":[79,18,200134,19,17,234,235,12421,200133],"class_list":["post-454313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-personal-finance","tag-business","tag-eire","tag-fbi-crime-data","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-personal-finance","tag-personalfinance","tag-population","tag-violent-crime"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/116469651509784407","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=454313"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454313\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/454314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=454313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=454313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=454313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}