Best Places To Retire Near Cities

Charles Longino, a professor of gerontology at Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, N.C., publishes his second edition of "Retirement Migration in America," based on 2000 Census data.

"While retiring in or near a metropolitan area isn't what many consider an ideal retirement, most retirees do stick relatively close to urban centers, unwilling to give up the cultural attractions, proximity to family and friends, and other conveniences that are hard to replicate in more pastoral settings."

Schiller creates two lists: One is the best towns for retirees in the 15 biggest metro areas nationwide, regardless of housing costs; the second list considers housing costs in the list.

Among the top towns in metro areas, if money's no object