12 Most Affordable U.S. Cities Where You’ll Really Want to Retire

March 10, 2021 · Retirement Life

Modern luxury high-rise apartments in Oakland. — Sleek glass skyscrapers and luxury penthouses highlight the soaring costs that make retiring in Oakland a challenge.

Don’t retire In Oakland, California

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is not for those with a low budget. You might have dreamt of retiring to Oakland for the access to healthcare and entertainment, but the prices here have gone rampant. Take, for example, the median list price of $650,000. Throw in the six figures average cost of living of senior citizens, and you’ve got the main reasons to stay away from Oakland in your golden years.

A senior woman painting in her cozy home studio. — A smiling retiree paints in her sun-drenched studio, surrounded by lush greenery and warm, natural light.

Instead, opt for Modesto, California

If you want to get more bang for your buck, choose the inland city of Modesto in the detriment of the larger Oakland. This cute city is every nature lover’s dream as it is only a short drive away from both the mountains and the beach.

The median list price in Modesto is around $300,000, less than half of what you’d have to pay in Oakland, while the average cost of living for people aged 65 and older is a bit over $60,000. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll be happy to know that Modesto is George Lucas’ hometown and the place where the movie “American Graffiti” starring Harrison Ford and Ron Howard was filmed.