55places.com, an online information resource specific to active adult communities, has identified the most affordable places in the US to retire in 2019.
55places looked at several data points…the cost of living, median home prices, state income taxes, low-cost health care options, public transportation options and the availability of 55-plus communities…to come up with its top five places. Surely you won’t be surprised by the top locations but you may be surprised by which city took the top ranking. Take a look:
- Dayton Beach FL – northeast Florida coast, 1 hour south of St. Augustine
– median home price – $159,000
– sales tax rate – 6.5%
– state income tax rate – 0%
– public transit – bus
– Leisure is king in Daytona…beaches and golf courses abound.
- Jacksonville FL – most populous city in state & hub of 1.6M regional metro
– median home price – $210,900
– sales tax rate – 7%
– state income tax rate – 0%
– public transit – bus, monorail, ferry shuttle
– world class health care, continuing education programs, entertainment, dining
- Lakeland FL – I hour drive SW of Orlando
– median home price – $194,500
– sales tax rate – 7%
– state income tax rate – 0%
– public transit – bus
-38 named lakes with largest being Lake Parker
– 7 historical districts
– hot, humid summers but mild and sunny in other seasons
- Ocala, FL – many homes/structures listed in National Register of Historic Places
– median home price – $184,990
– sales tax rate – 7%
– state income tax rate – 0%
– public transit – bus
– dry season from October – May
– plethora of Victorian architecture
- Sioux Falls SD – colder weather than Florida but a 22% population jump from 2000-2010
– median home price – $224,900
– sales tax rate – 6.5%
– state income tax rate – 0%
– public transit – bus
– affordable
– lots of dining and events venues
– culture
– sports
According to 55places, “The cities named not only offer reasonable housing costs but also provide exciting amenities and healthy living options.”
