This article takes a look at the 5 best cities to retire in the Midwest. If you wish to read our detailed analysis on navigating retirement living in the US, you may go to 15 Best Cities to Retire in the Midwest.
5. Topeka, Kansas
Insider Monkey Score: 57
Average Monthly One-Bedroom Rental: $675
Average Monthly Grocery for One: $339
Livability Score: 69
Median House Price: $164,500
We start off our top five for the best cities to retire in the Midwest with Kansas’ capital city – Topeka. The city holds a suburban feel, perfect for retirees who want a mix of city life and peaceful living. Retirees can brush up on history at the Kansas Museum of History, greet wildlife at the Topeka Zoo, and experience nature at one of Topeka’s many parks – including the Ward Meade Park and the Ted Ensley Gardens.
4. Peoria, Illinois
Insider Monkey Score: 58
Average Monthly One-Bedroom Rental: $769
Average Monthly Grocery for One: $343
Livability Score: 73
Median House Price: $130,000
With one of the lowest median house prices on our list, Peoria in Illinois proves to be a future homeowner’s dream. Senior citizens without millions of dollars in the retirement fund can explore the reality of purchasing a house in Peoria, taking advantage of its low median house price of just $130,000. Located on the Illinois River, Peoria residents can experience the marvels of nature – think Wildlife Prairie Park and the Luthy Botanical Garden – along with a host of indoor activities. All in all, the average retiree will be more than content with a Peoria retirement.
3. Youngstown, Ohio
Insider Monkey Score: 60
Average Monthly One-Bedroom Rental: $625
Average Monthly Grocery for One: $355
Livability Score: 81
Median House Price: $131,500
Located in Mahoning County, Youngstown is a popular retirement destination in the Midwest. Its low cost of living and median house price are just two of it’s attractive factors. Youngstown’s state, Ohio, exempts Social Security payments from taxation, benefiting retirees who survive on a low monthly budget. The cherry on top is the city’s host of leisure activities including the Fellows Riverside Gardens and The Butler Institute of American Art.
2. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Insider Monkey Score: 62
Average Monthly One-Bedroom Rental: $800
Average Monthly Grocery for One: $313
Livability Score: 84
Median House Price: $191,000
Ranking at number two is Fort Wayne in Indiana. A college town, Fort Wayne is home to a host of higher learning institutes including the University of St. Francis, Concordia Theological Seminary, and the Indiana Institute of Technology. Fort Wayne lives up to its reputation as a college town by offering a mix of diversity and a cost of living that is on the lower side. Retirees can easily survive in the city on a Social Security check, and those with a bit of savings in the bank can also look into purchasing their own home for under $200,000.
1. Dubuque, Iowa
Insider Monkey Score: 62
Average Monthly One-Bedroom Rental: $725
Average Monthly Grocery for One: $358
Livability Score: 87
Median House Price: $215,000
The title of the best city to retire in the Midwest goes to the Iowa state city of Dubuque. Set on the Mississippi River, Dubuque takes pride in its riverside setting. Residents can immerse themselves in life along the river with a visit to The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. They can also relax at the Stone Cliff Winery and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for a change of scenery. To top it off, the city’s reasonable rent and grocery figures make life easy for the financially struggling retiree, allowing them to spend their retirement years peacefully.
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