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

March 10, 2021 · Retirement Life

A busy urban intersection in Santa Ana. — Crowded city streets and heavy traffic under hazy skies create a hectic environment that many retirees avoid.

Don’t retire in Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana might be familiar to you because of the Santa Ana winds, but it is also a place where many retirees choose to spend their golden years. However, compared to other cities in the region, living there is not for every retiree’s budget.

With a median list price of over a half of million dollars, $100,000 higher than the national average, and an average annual expenditure of $79,267 for senior citizens, Santa Ana will blow your budget faster than its winds.

A senior man relaxing in a hammock in a quiet backyard. — A man relaxes in a backyard hammock with a book, enjoying the serenity of an inland community.

Instead, opt for Henderson, Nevada

Just across the border, in Nevada, you can find the cheaper alternative of Santa Ana, namely Henderson. It provides all the amenities you could also find in Las Vegas but at a much more affordable price. The median housing price is $363,000, about $200,000 less than what you’d pay for a home in Santa Ana. That’s quite the saving!

In terms of annual expenditures, the average amount that senior citizens have to pay is $15,000 a year lower. You get to save some money from this category too!