U.S. News and World Report ranked the cities based on things like quality of life, overall value, tax rates and the quality of health care.
HOUSTON — Thinking about retiring? If you’re ready for a change of scenery, U.S. News has already done the homework for you, and you may not have to go far.
U.S. News and World Report analyzed data for more than 850 top cities in the U.S. to determine how well they meet retirees’ needs and expectations. They looked at things like quality of life, overall value, tax rates, quality of health care and senior population. Full methodology
Below are the top 20 spots to retire, which includes the four Houston-area communities.
Best places to retire in the U.S.
2. Weirton, West Virginia
3. Homosassa Springs, Florida
4. The Woodlands
The Woodlands, a picturesque, tree-lined Houston suburb, is known, in part, for its waterfront shopping areas, popular outdoor concert venue and golf courses.
Visit The Woodlands describes it as a “destination whose culture and offerings rival the nation’s largest and most vibrant cities.”
It’s also less than 30 miles north of Houston, providing easy access to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
The median household income is $139,696, and the median home value is $474,279. Renters will pay an average $1,449 monthly.
5. Spring
Not far behind The Woodlands is Spring, its neighbor to the south.
Popular destinations there include Historic Old Town Spring for shopping and dining, Mercer Botanic Gardens and the Spring Creek Nature Trail. Splashtown is another option for the young at heart or a fun outing with the grandkids.
The median household income in Spring is $88,359, and homes have a median value of $251,247. Rent averages $1,326 a month.
11. Bismarck, North Dakota
12. Victoria, Texas: Outside of the Houston area, the only other Texas city to make the top 20 is Victoria.
14. Rochester Hills, Michigan
16. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
17. Pearland
Live near big city attractions while enjoying the small-town atmosphere in Pearland. The suburb south of Houston has 540 acres of city parks and offers unique experiences like Froberg Park or the Sri Meenakshi Temple.
The median household income is $115,695 with a median home value of $343,703. Renters will pay an average of $1,499 a month.
20. Conroe
Conroe is a good spot for nature lovers with its 22,000-acre lake and the natural beauty of the Sam Houston National Forest and WG Jones State Forest.
Locals also enjoy festivals, fairs and live music events throughout the year.
The median household income in the Montgomery County suburb is $77,984 with a median home value of $324,894. The median monthly rent is $1,295.
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