Top Ten Places to Retire

Dreamfedjob.com

In a recent Forbes article, the magazine identified 16 top retirement cities based on such factors as overall living costs, taxes, weather, serious crime, availability of doctors, driving conditions and free opportunities to stay active doing volunteer work and enjoying local bicycle/walking paths.

We've listed the top ten places for you.

1. PORTLAND FAST FACT:
Home to scores of small breweries
PROS: Low crime, no state sales tax, good climate, lots of physicians
CONS: Other taxes high, higher cost of living

2. SALT LAKE CITY FAST FACT:
Most residents aren't Mormons
PROS: Low living costs, low taxes, great mountain scenery, bracing but appealing climate
CONS: Crime rate

3. COLORADO SPRINGS FAST FACT:
Unofficial nonprofit capital of America
PROS: Affordable housing, low cost of living, safe streets, lots of volunteer opportunities
CONS: Cold winters, a bit light on doctors

4. ALBUQUERQUE FAST FACT:
Home of world's largest hot-air-balloon event
PROS: Terrific weather, low taxes, lots of doctors, modest cost of living
CONS: Crime, difficult environment for driving

5. TUCSON FAST FACT:
Vacation spot in 1930s for on-the-lam bank robber John Dillinger
PROS: Good weather, low taxes, cheap housing and living, plenty of doctors
CONS: Crime rate

6. FARGO FAST FACT:
Named for a Wells Fargo cofounder
PROS: Lowest crime rate on list, inexpensive living, numerous doctors, opportunities for staying active
CONS: Cold, snowy winters, floods

7. OMAHA FAST FACT:
Warren Buffett's hometown
PROS: Inexpensive living, safe, well doctored
CONS: Really high taxes, rough winters

8. KANSAS CITY FAST FACT:
World's unofficial barbecue capital
PROS: Extremely affordable, good driving environment, conducive to active retirements
CONS: Crime, not enough doctors

9. INDIANAPOLIS FAST FACT:
Hometown of writer Kurt Vonnegut
PROS: Very affordable housing, encouragement for active seniors, robust medical establishment
CONS: Cold winters, crime

10. LEXINGTON FAST FACT:
Birthplace of actor George Clooney
PROS: Inexpensive living, cultural amenities of college town, low taxes (especially for retirees), low crime
CONS: Hot, humid summers