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Top 5 Housing Markets for Retirees

shutterstock_347178830.jpgAfter working a lifetime to finally reach the lazy days of retirement, a homeowner is more than likely looking to downsize and move somewhere more suitable to their new lifestyle.

To help retirees looking for their next place to call home, Zumper, a company specializing in apartment and home rentals, recently published a study revealing the best locations to retire in the U.S.

The report evaluates 117 U.S. metropolitan areas to determine how well the locations serve the needs of the nation’s growing population of retirees. According to Zumper, the data evaluates factors that are important for retirees. This includes the percentage of the population that is at least 65-years-old, weather, crime and safety, healthcare, and access to affordable housing.

So which cities ranked above average?

Earning the top metropolitan area across the country was Tucson, Arizona. With the city’s low cost of living, the percentage of retirees overall in the total population at 95 percent, and temperate weather conditions, this is the best market for retirees to consider.

For retirees that are looking for a city with almost constant sunshine, Redding, California is a market to look into. According to the data, this metropolitan area averages 88 percent of sunny days a year, and the average median rent for two bedroom units is $930. With its great weather and affordable options, it isn’t surprising this area ranked second on the list.

Coming in third is Tampa, Florida’s metropolitan area. Readily available healthcare is the greatest advantage of this top ranking market for retirees to consider homebuying. In fact, the accessibility to doctors is about 60 percent higher in the area compared to the nationwide average.

Completing the top five locations for retirees are the metro areas of Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona, and Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida.

To see the full data for all of the ranking metropolitan areas, click here.

About Author: Nicole Casperson

Nicole Casperson is the Associate Editor of DS News and MReport. She graduated from Texas Tech University where she received her M.A. in Mass Communications and her B.A. in Journalism. Casperson previously worked as a graduate teaching instructor at Texas Tech's College of Media and Communications. To contact Casperson, e-mail: [email protected].
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