7 Standout Places to Retire

We picked cities across the U.S. that are affordable and offer the amenities retirees value most. Plus, one of them is bound to be close to family.

- By Emma Patch, Kimberly Lankford, Rivan Stinson, E.P., K.l., R.S., David Muhlbaum

The number-one rule in real estate is location, location, location, but that means different things to different people. For young families, the most desirable location is typically a neighborhood that's near good schools and kid-friendly parks and (ideally) isn't far from work. Retirees have different criteria. Their perfect destination is more likely to offer good health care facilities, be close to family and friends, and have a reasonable cost of living-particularly when it comes to home prices.

That last item is a tall order these days, with home prices up nearly 16% in the first quarter of 2022 compared with a year ago. While rising mortgage rates have slowed sales somewhat, a paltry inventory of homes for sale is likely to keep prices elevated for the foreseeable future.

But again, it's all about location. In some parts of the country, home prices are well below the national median of $368,200-a nice bonus for seniors who are downsizing from a high-cost part of the country. And moving to a lower-cost area doesn't mean giving up a great quality of life. Our seven cities offer access to high-quality health care, abundant outdoor activities, and lively downtowns. Three are college towns, which means that when you're not exploring local hiking and biking trails (or skiing, because not everyone hates winter), you'll have plenty of opportunities to keep your mind sharp, too.

VISALIA, CA

Population: 133,100

Cost of living: 100.7

Median home price: