Preserving Your Wealth: The Best U.S. Cities for Retirement

Once a hypothetical scenario, retirement is closer by the day. You might picture what you want to do with your extra time: fish, paint, play with the grandkids, take up golf.

But, no matter what you do, the question often becomes where will you do it? The United States is full of charming, cost-effective options that will have you packing your bags and settling in comfortably. We’ve researched five cities with median incomes—ranging from $44,000 to $85,000—that will help to meet your needs without depleting your retirement fund.

1. Tampa, Florida

(Photo Credit: Joe on Flickr)

Population: 385,430

Median Household Income: $44,000

 A thriving city on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is full of life and history. Retirees can enjoy zoos, museums, and historic districts along with authentic Cuban and Spanish food. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens theme park and a great location for lively days out and quiet nights in.

2. Augusta, Georgia

Population: 201,800

Median Household Income: $48,500

Recognized as one of AARP’s age-friendly communities, Augusta, Georgia is full of parks, live music, and festivals. The city’s retired population enjoys the area attractions, including art and history museums and nature reserves.

3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

(Photo Credit: Tim Kiser CC BY-SA 2.5)

Population: 75,240

Median Household Income: $51,880

For those looking for a smaller location to retire, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a quiet college town with lively festivals and a picturesque downtown. Bethlehem is filled to the brim with history museums and is home to several festivals throughout the year. From bourbon and barbeque to sangria and tacos, this town loves to celebrate.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Population: 464,474

Median Household Income: $54,228

With an airport and beautiful scenery, Colorado Springs, Colorado has become one of the top cities to retire in the U.S. Those who love outdoor adventure will love this location. The city touts its spectacular rock formations and hiking trails.

5. Torrance, California

Population: 146,758

Median Household Income: $85,000

For those who want California living without the outrageous price tag, Torrance, California is a beach town with lovely piers, parks, and nature reserves. Torrance’s farmer’s market and antique shops make it the perfect place for leisurely living.

All over the country, there are cost-friendly retirement cities with a wide range of populations, landscapes, and activities. Choose a city that fits your retirement budget, while also giving you the post-work life of your dreams.

Contact Southwestern Investment Group today to start the planning process for retirement, so that you can best be prepared for a potential move.

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

CFP®, CLU, CHFC

President, SageSpring | Financial Advisor, RJFS 
615-861-6102

Jeffrey T. Dobyns

President, SageSpring | Financial Advisor, RJFS

Beyond crunching numbers and investment strategies, at SageSpring, we’re about building relationships. When you encounter Founder & President of SageSpring, Jeff Dobyns, it’s easy to understand why this is at the very heart of who we are as a firm. You won’t find stuffy formalities with Jeff; instead, you can expect to find him sharing a warm smile, communicating a compelling vision, or patiently untangling life’s complex challenges with clients. He believes in truly getting to know clients, understanding their aspirations and priorities, and navigating their financial plans with a tailored, comprehensive approach. Our team members have often been caught taking notes on Jeff’s effortless relationship skills from a distance, and we admire them for striving to learn from one of the best. 

Jeff’s financial expertise and wisdom are the perfect match to his innate people skills. Jeff holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChLU®) designations, and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. 

His dedication extends beyond the office to the boardroom and the local community, where Jeff is passionate about giving back. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. Jeff also serves on the board of Send Musicians to Prison, which shares hope, healing and restoration with the imprisoned through musicians & artists. Jeff actively supports other initiatives in the community by sitting on the board of The Signatry of Middle Tennessee and the Halftime Institute of Nashville. 

Witnessing his four children, Gracyn, Hunter, Tanner, and Logan, excel on the field is almost just as rewarding, if not more, than celebrating the victories of seeing his clients overcome obstacles and build wealth. Spending weekends boating on the lake, hiking mountain trails, and fishing with his family are the moments Jeff cherishes most. It’s this grounded perspective that reveals the true meaning of wealth for Jeff: not just numbers on a page, but the freedom to create experiences that enrich your life and the lives of those you love. When you choose the Dobyns McMillin Wealth Team, you choose more than financial expertise. You choose a partner who champions your dreams, celebrates your victories, and walks besides you on the path to achieving your unique goals.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.