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Do you have a dream retirement location? Maybe a sandy beach, senior-friendly suburb, or a city with everything a city has to offer?

More and more baby boomers these days are opting for the city life, and spending their golden years in urban areas that have walkability, great restaurants, culture, good public transportation, and decent prices.

As the largest generation ever to retire, around 74 million people – 10,000 per day hitting age 65 – they are having major effects on many of the hottest neighborhoods of many U.S. cities. Which locations are feeling the strongest effects of the silver tsunami?

Tuscon, AZ – With 286 days of sun a year and reasonable cost of living, AZ is a perennial favorite among retirees. The desert city of Tuscon offers a surplus of 65+ retirement communities as well as a vibrant downtown, extensive bike paths, gorgeous hiking trails, and an award-winning Sun Tran bus system.
St Louis, MO – With ultralow prices, a thriving restaurant scene (St Louis took home the #5 spot on Food & Wine magazine’s list of best food cities to visit in 2019), and cultural cornerstones makes St Louis a great option.
Tampa, FL – Florida has a killer combo of sun, shoreline, and beneficial tax law that make it a home run for boomers. There are plenty of cultural and recreational activities – not to mention the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches are some of the nicest in the country.
Denver, CO – Denver has over 300 days of sunshine a year, easy access to outdoor adventures like fly fishing, skiing, rock climbing, and hiking trails. Basically, you can do just about anything here!
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta has lots of cool neighborhoods, although gentrification is an issue in this vibrant and diverse community. The Beltline, a former railway that connects 45 neighborhoods, is 33 miles of multi-use trails and many new properties along the Beltline are within walking distance of new breweries, restaurants, and shops.
Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas isn’t just for bachelorette weekends, the desert metropolis has an abundance of all inclusive, 55+ communities within the city limits. Sun City Summerlin, the largest active-adult community in Nevada, sits right at the base of the Spring Mountain Range and has nearly 7,800 properties spread across 2,400 acres.
Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque has a relaxed vibe, dry climate, and breathtaking landscape appeal to folks who are looking to slow down but stay active. Boomers who move to the Land of Enchantment are often outdoorsy types who love all of the options the high desert offers. The Sandia Mountains, directly to the east of the city, are great for hiking and biking. The Rio Grande flows right through town, offering kayakers easy access to the water and providing walkers and cyclist miles of trails that wind through its wooded banks.
Portland, OR – Eight seasons of the show “Portlandia” gave the world a satirical, but oh-so-accurate glimpse at the type of people who live in this crunchy city of bearded hipsters, quirky entrepreneurs, feminist bookstore owners, and yes, older couples navigating retired life. “Portland is a top destination for boomers because of its proximity to a range of outdoor splendors, many walkable neighborhoods, thriving food and drink scene, public transportation, and relative affordability,” says Lance Marrs, a local real estate broker at Living Room Realty.
Sacramento, CA – California’s capital city has long been known as the state’s sleepier alternative to San Francisco. But young professionals – as well as aging boomers – are changing that. Drawn by the ultra-low prices, they’re transforming the city.
New Orleans, LA – Boomers in search of a city bursting with beautiful architecture, culture, Cajun grub, and Mardi Gras have been heading south to the Big Easy. While often thought of as a party town for millennials, the city’s world-class festivals, warm weather, low cost of living, and affordable public transportation for seniors are particularly appealing for retirees.