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Dave Ramsey has been in the personal finance space for a long time. On his show, The Ramsey Show, he preaches debt relief strategies like the snowball method.
He doesn’t just give advice about getting rid of debt but also the best places to retire. With such a big country, it’s hard to decide where to go, which is both affordable and fun. If you’re searching for the best US cities for soon-to-be retirees, his recommendations can help you find the perfect spot.
In this piece, we’ve highlighted ten US cities for soon-to-be retirees chosen by Dave Ramsey as the best places to retire in the U.S. His original article listed fourteen towns. Do you agree with any of these? Let us know in the comments.
Pensacola, Florida
Florida is now one of the most expensive states in the country. The cost of living has risen faster than wages, but retirees still flock to this sunny state. According to Dave Ramsey, Pensacola, Florida, is a great place for retirees.
I understand why. It’s one of the more affordable areas in the state. The median rent, for instance, is $1,515 for 1,026 sq. ft. If you can afford it, it’s not a bad spot.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Not all retiree spots are in Florida. Pennsylvania is also a popular choice for retirees looking to witness all four seasons. Pennsylvania has a significant aging population. According to the Pennsylvania government website, about 2.5 million of the 13 million residents in the state are 65 years or older.
Lancaster is an especially popular spot. It’s a great city for nature lovers and provides plenty of conveniences. The median rent in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is $1,579, but you can find more affordable 55+ communities.
Sarasota, Florida
Another city Dave Ramsey recommends retiring is Sarasota, and can you blame him? Although not the most affordable city, it feels like heaven on earth.
This lovely beach city has a little bit of something for everyone. You can spend mornings at the beach, afternoons in recreation centers, and nights stargazing by the water.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee, is also a popular spot for retirees. It’s a vibrant city with plenty to do, including nature trails, shopping, and a lively music scene.
While Nashville has gotten more expensive over the years, retirees still call it home. But how pricey has it gotten? The average rent in Nashville is $1,744.
Ocala, Florida
I was excited to see Ocala on Dave Ramsey’s list of the best cities for retirees. Ocala is just a drive away from where I live, and it’s filled with greenery, including the Ocala National Forest and Silver Springs State Park.
Ocala is one of the more affordable Florida cities, like Pensacola. The median rent in this Central Florida city is $1,443.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is home to about 50,000 people. This city, the capital of Pennsylvania, was ranked as the number one best place to retire in 2024.
But why? Well, healthcare is readily available. The cost of living in the city is also low, perfect for retirees living on a set budget. The median rent in the city is $1,311.
Melbourne, Florida
Unsurprisingly, another Florida city was on Dave Ramsey’s list. Personally, I think this needs to be updated, as Florida’s prices have increased a lot. But still, Dave Ramsey lists Melbourne, Florida, as a great place to retire.
So, how much do you need to retire in Melbourne? Well, the good thing is you won’t need to worry about state taxes, but the median rent is $1,560.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Did you expect to see Michigan mentioned? Ann Arbor, Michigan, is another great place for soon-to-be retirees to consider, as Ramsey mentioned. This lovely city is near Detroit and offers something to do for all ages. You can explore botanical gardens, shop till you drop, or take a quick trip to the water.
While this location made it on Dave Ramsey’s list for soon-to-be retirees, it’s not a cheap city. The median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,993.
Charleston, South Carolina
As a Floridian, I think Florida is overrated. Plenty of people retire in the Sunshine State due to the weather, but it’s pricey. Instead, you may want to turn your head to Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston is a charming city right on the water. It has a lot of history and is a place you won’t get bored of quickly. However, it is also a pricey city with a median rent of nearly $2,000.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Last but not least is Daytona Beach, Florida. This Central Florida coastal city is about an hour or less from Orlando. It’s a quiet city with plenty to do for both young and old crowds. As the name suggests, Daytona Beach is home to the world-famous coastline of beautiful beaches.
Rent is a little steep in Daytona but affordable compared to other beach cities. The median rent is $1,497.
16 Coolest Small Towns in the U.S. You’ve Never Heard Of
One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.
16 Things That Are So Expensive That People Now Do Without
The cost of living in the United States has skyrocketed in the last four years. So, what happens when the cost of living goes up? We stop buying certain things. I can think of many items and luxuries I’ve let go of because they’ve gotten so expensive.
Honestly, with the increasing prices, it’s not worth it. Maybe you’re experiencing the same dilemma. It’s hard to decide how to buy the things we need without breaking the bank. To help with those tough decisions, we curated these things based on luxuries and wants instead of needs.
Some may be more difficult than others to let go. However, in the end, we think it makes sense. What about you?
