Best Places To Retire Near Cities

Charles Longino, a professor of gerontology, identifies the best retiree locales that are close to major metropolitan areas by using FBI and U.S. Justice Department crime statistics and housing costs.

1 minute read

April 26, 2006, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


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

  • In the Boston metro area: New Castle, N.H.
  • In the New York metro area: Point Lookout, N.Y.
  • In the Philadelphia area: Newton Square, Pa.

    Among the top towns that are also a good value:

  • In the Boston metro area: Sandwich, Mass.
  • In the New York metro area: Southbury, Conn.
  • In the Philadelphia area: Jenkintown, Pa.
  • Tuesday, April 25, 2006 in The Wall Street Journal

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