If you’re an urban lover who has always dreamed of living in a major city, then retiring there is probably high on your list of priorities. But with the majority of affordable housing catering to the older population, finding that perfect spot to call home after you quit your day job can be tricky. If you’ve spent most of your life in smaller towns or suburbs and don’t want to live there again once you retire, city-centric retirement communities are the perfect solution.
These kinds of senior housing options provide all the comforts and conveniences of living in a bustling metropolis without having to deal with rent or mortgage payments. The best part? Most of these locations are much cheaper than buying or renting a place as an independent adult.
Here are 10 amazing cities for retirees who love the big city:
1) Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is a city replete with natural beauty and has thriving art, culture, and urban scene that will appeal to artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs of any age. The warm climate and outdoor lifestyle also make Vancouver a great choice for active retirees who like to keep fit. If you’re a nature lover, Vancouver’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains makes it an ideal place to explore and appreciate the great outdoors.
Beyond that, the city also features plenty of museums and cultural attractions, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Vancouver Public Library. Vancouver also has a vibrant Asian-Canadian community and is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
2) Toronto, ON
Retirees who want a vibrant arts scene, plenty of cultural attractions, and easy access to nature, but who don’t want to deal with the harsh Canadian winters, will find Toronto a perfect retirement destination. The city also has plenty of events and activities year-round to keep retirees busy.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and home to many high-profile museums and cultural institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Bata Shoe Museum, and the Canadian National Exhibition, which hosts an annual exhibition.
If you’re a music lover, Toronto also boasts plenty of live music venues and festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Concert Series at Drake’s Place.
3) San Francisco, CA
If you’re a nature lover who wants to live in a city with warm weather, a thriving arts scene, and easy access to a wealth of cultural sites, a retirement in San Francisco is the perfect solution. The city is also a cultural melting pot, meaning retirees of all ethnicities and backgrounds will feel at home.
As the closest coastal city to the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is an ideal destination for retirees who want to spend time outdoors exploring nature and hiking the many impressive trails and landmarks in the area. To satisfy retirees with a more urban mindset, the city is host to an impressive array of museums and cultural attractions, including the Asian Art Museum, the Exploratorium, the Cartoon Art Museum, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
4) Chicago, IL
Chicago is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in North America, making it a perfect destination for retirees who appreciate art and design. The city also has plenty of cultural sites and events, making it easy to stay busy and engaged even in retirement. Retirees who appreciate architecture will love walking and exploring the city, where many of the buildings are architectural masterpieces.
Chicago has a vibrant cultural life and a wide variety of museums and art galleries, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and the Chicago Cultural Center. The city also hosts a wide range of annual events, from art festivals to sports competitions.
5) Boston, MA
If you’re a history buff who dreams of living in a city rich in culture and steeped in art and architecture, Boston is the perfect city for you. The city also boasts plenty of cultural events and activities to keep retirees busy. Boston is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its rich history and cultural significance make it a fascinating place to visit and explore.
The city has a wide variety of museums and art galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Edward M. Kennedy Museum, and the Museum of Science. Boston also hosts several annual cultural events, from Shakespeare festivals to art exhibitions and concerts.
6) Washington DC
Retirees who enjoy keeping busy and are drawn to the political and social side of life will find a perfect home in Washington, DC. The city is renowned for its museums and cultural events, including the Smithsonian Institution, which is home to many of the most famous museums in the world.
DC is home to the most highly-regarded museums in the country, including the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. Retirees who enjoy history and politics will love exploring the capital and visiting the many iconic landmarks and museums, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Capitol Building.
7) New York City, NY
If you’re a culture vulture who loves to be surrounded by art and culture, New York is an obvious choice. The city is also renowned for its architectural beauty and is a great destination for retirees who appreciate design and architecture.
New York City is one of the most culturally significant cities in the world, and its museums and art galleries are some of the most famous attractions in North America. Retirees will find plenty of places to indulge their love of the arts, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Frick Collection.
8) Honolulu, HI
If you’re a nature lover who also loves to live in a warm, sunny climate all year round, Honolulu is your perfect retirement destination. The city has a variety of museums, cultural events, and activities to keep retirees busy. Honolulu has a rich cultural life, and its museums and art galleries are both plentiful and impressive.
Some of the most notable attractions include the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Bishop Museum, and the Contemporary Museum. The city also hosts several annual cultural events, from art exhibitions to music festivals, including the Honolulu Festival, the Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Festival, and the Honolulu International Film Festival.
9) Singapore
Retirees who want to live in a modern city but don’t want to deal with the cultural and architectural beauty will find Singapore a great choice for retirement. The city is also a hub for business and finance, meaning that retirees have plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. Singapore is a modern city with an incredibly diverse cultural life, making it a great destination for retirees who want to experience Asian culture.
The city has a wide variety of museums and art galleries, such as the Asian Civilizations Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, and the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Singapore also hosts several annual cultural events, including the Singapore Literature Festival, the Singapore Food Festival, and the Singapore Arts Festival.