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% of population 65+: 79.8%
Annual cost of living: $38,821
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,087
Average annual retirement income: $37,858
Average annual mortgage: $18,413
Livability: 66
Green Valley has an affordable cost of living nearly equal to its average annual retirement income, and boasts a warm climate without messy seasonal shifts. Further, 68% of the homes there receive retirement income, and 84% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 59.9%
Annual cost of living: $39,149
Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,157
Average annual retirement income: $38,032
Average annual mortgage: $18,035
Livability: 66
Retirement-age citizens make up more than half the population of Hot Springs Village, where 73% of homes are receiving Social Security benefits and retirement income goes to 63% of the households.
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% of population 65+: 62.4%
Annual cost of living: $41,682
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,504
Average annual retirement income: $39,295
Average annual mortgage: $18,701
Livability: 77
In Sun City Center, a whopping 72% of homes receive Social Security benefits. As far as retirement income goes, 63% receive it. Additionally, Sun City Center is also the first of 26 Florida locations in the 50 most affordable cities for middle-class retirees.
% of population 65+: 27.7%
Annual cost of living: $32,686
Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,076
Average annual retirement income: $25,912
Average annual mortgage: $12,736
Livability: 72
Hermitage has a rather small retirement population, with only 41% of households there receiving Social Security benefits and just 33% of homes receiving retirement benefits.
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% of population 65+: 25.8%
Annual cost of living: $33,835
Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,198
Average annual retirement income: $36,334
Average annual mortgage: $12,664
Livability: 64
A relatively slim 39% of homes in Godfrey receive Social Security benefits. Similarly, only 35% of homes earn retirement income. The town has a spartan, low-key and suburban feel perfectly suited for low-key retired living.
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% of population 65+: 74.9%
Annual cost of living: $41,333
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,938
Average annual retirement income: $27,905
Average annual mortgage: $19,207
Livability: 71
Seniors over the age of 65 make up three-quarters of Sun City’s population, making it a retirement haven in The Copper State. That’s why 63% of the households there receive retirement income, and 84% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 85.2%
Annual cost of living: $45,203
Average annual Social Security benefits: $31,881
Average annual retirement income: $47,355
Average annual mortgage: $23,703
Livability: 70
Florida has long been known as a prime location for retirees to settle down, so it should come as no surprise that a staggering 90% of households in The Villages receive Social Security benefits, and 77% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 42.6%
Annual cost of living: $39,700
Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,557
Average annual retirement income: $44,387
Average annual mortgage: $18,504
Livability: 69
Roughly half of the households in Florida’s centrally located Wildwood receive some form of retirement aid — 55% Social Security and 49% retirement income. While Wildwood might be landlocked, it offers lake access and numerous golf courses for residents.
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% of population 65+: 28.7%
Annual cost of living: $36,968
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,325
Average annual retirement income: $38,439
Average annual mortgage: $15,691
Livability: 68
Aiken is the only South Carolina town on this list. Less than 30% of the population is of retirement age; 47% of households receive Social Security and 36% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 59.4%
Annual cost of living: $42,021
Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,195
Average annual retirement income: $41,086
Average annual mortgage: $19,924
Livability: 72
Englewood offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, making it an attractive retirement community. That’s likely why seniors have flocked there, with more than half the population consisting of people age 65 and over. About 69% of homes receive Social Security benefits, and 55% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 47.2%
Annual cost of living: $41,232
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,722
Average annual retirement income: $29,540
Average annual mortgage: $17,236
Livability: 74
Roughly half of North Fort Myers’ population is of retirement age, which is why 45% of homes receive retirement income. Concurrent to that, 62% of households have Social Security benefits coming in.
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% of population 65+: 25.8%
Annual cost of living: $36,591
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,705
Average annual retirement income: $27,905
Average annual mortgage: $16,903
Livability: 83
Folks who are of retirement age make up a quarter of Middleburg Heights’ population; 36% of homes receive retirement income, while 37% receive Social Security.
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% of population 65+: 85.8%
Annual cost of living: $45,199
Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,237
Average annual retirement income: $37,055
Average annual mortgage: $23,118
Livability: 62
Sun City West’s population is overwhelmingly of retirement age — nearly 86%, in fact. In keeping with that percentage, 86% of homes receive Social Security, and 74% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 33.1%
Annual cost of living: $37,387
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,288
Average annual retirement income: $28,366
Average annual mortgage: $16,687
Livability: 64
The coastal city of Port Charlotte is a perfect place to settle down, thanks to its affordable living and lovely views. Despite that, only 33% of the population is over the age of 65, with 39% of homes receiving retirement income and 56% receiving Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 53.5%
Annual cost of living: $43,111
Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,518
Average annual retirement income: $41,595
Average annual mortgage: $21,934
Livability: 76
Punta Gorda is an attractive destination for retirees thanks to its affordable prices and waterfront properties. About 53% of the households receive retirement income, and 64% of homes have Social Security benefits rolling in.
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% of population 65+: 27.0%
Annual cost of living: $36,712
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,905
Average annual retirement income: $32,452
Average annual mortgage: $14,747
Livability: 65
The retiree population in Lake Wales is fairly low, and just 30% of homes live on retirement income and 45% take Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 25.4%
Annual cost of living: $36,526
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,037
Average annual retirement income: $34,143
Average annual mortgage: $17,039
Livability: 84
Despite being a retirement-friendly community for the middle class, only one-quarter of its population is over 65, with 37% of homes receiving Social Security benefits and 29% receiving other retirement income.
% of population 65+: 25.1%
Annual cost of living: $39,254
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,227
Average annual retirement income: $29,126
Average annual mortgage: $16,165
Livability: 80
One of six Arizona cities in the top 50, Kingmans’ toasty climate is perfect for settling down for your golden years. About 33% of the homes live off retirement income, and 43% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 59.9%
Annual cost of living: $46,808
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,604
Average annual retirement income: $81,011
Average annual mortgage: $24,534
Livability: 79
Close to the Gulf of Mexico and blessed with a lovely climate, Venice is a perfect place for middle-class retirees to settle down. Nearly 60% of its population is over 65, with 55% of Venice households receiving retirement income and 70% accepting Social Security benefits. The $81,011 average retirement income is the highest among these 50 cities.
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% of population 65+: 27.3%
Annual cost of living: $40,536
Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,154
Average annual retirement income: $36,390
Average annual mortgage: $18,363
Livability: 76
North Port is a fast-growing town with affordable housing and plenty of outdoor activities for active middle-class retirees. Currently, 49% of the homes are receiving Social Security benefits, and about 38% are on retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 38.0%
Annual cost of living: $41,784
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,278
Average annual retirement income: $46,259
Average annual mortgage: $19,249
Livability: 76
This lakeside locale provides middle-class retirees with beautiful scenery and outdoor activities for a relaxing retirement. While about 38% of the homes there receive retirement income, 57% of them receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 33.0%
Annual cost of living: $39,403
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,440
Average annual retirement income: $31,766
Average annual mortgage: $17,402
Livability: 72
Known as “The Hospitality City,” Edgewater has a suburban, small-town vibe for potential retirees looking to avoid the big-city hustle and bustle. Of the overall population, 51% of homes receive Social Security benefits and 35% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 52.4%
Annual cost of living: $42,771
Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,661
Average annual retirement income: $29,507
Average annual mortgage: $20,296
Livability: 70
Lady Lake is known for low housing costs and low crime rates, making it a safe and affordable home for middle-class folks ready for retirement. More than half the population is over retirement age, with 44% of households receiving retirement income and 69% accepting Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 35.8%
Annual cost of living: $42,759
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,900
Average annual retirement income: $35,786
Average annual mortgage: $20,618
Livability: 83
Sebastian has a small-town tropical atmosphere that’s perfect for a retiree’s golden years. Nearly half of the households there receive retirement benefits of some sort — 53% accept Social Security benefits and 43% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 28.9%
Annual cost of living: $38,567
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,621
Average annual retirement income: $30,042
Average annual mortgage: $16,926
Livability: 64
Exactly 50% of the households in Leesburg receive Social Security benefits — despite less than 30% of the population being over 65 –and 32% receive retirement benefits.
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% of population 65+: 32.7%
Annual cost of living: $40,593
Average annual Social Security benefits: $22,429
Average annual retirement income: $24,367
Average annual mortgage: $18,245
Livability: 73
Low-cost housing, warm weather, beautiful views — Zephyrhills has everything a middle-class retiree might want. Retirement benefits go to 34% of the homes in Zephyrhills, with Social Security benefits flowing into 54%.
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% of population 65+: 32.5%
Annual cost of living: $40,298
Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,900
Average annual retirement income: $34,877
Average annual mortgage: $18,637
Livability: 61
Alabama does not tax Social Security benefits, which makes the affordable town of Foley all the more attractive to middle-class retirees. Nearly half the households there — 49.5% — received Social Security benefits that are not taxed by the state, and 38% receive other retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 45.0%
Annual cost of living: $45,558
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,698
Average annual retirement income: $40,184
Average annual mortgage: $24,225
Livability: 77
One of two towns from The Silver State in the top 50, nearly half of Mesquite is made up of retirement-age seniors, and 49% receive retirement income. A somewhat larger number of households — 65% — get Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 29.9%
Annual cost of living: $42,536
Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,782
Average annual retirement income: $35,847
Average annual mortgage: $20,312
Livability: 69
Thanks to low housing costs and Florida’s homestead exemption and no state taxes, Palm Coast creates a financially comfortable haven for middle-class retirees. About 50% of the homes receive Social Security benefits, and 41% receive other retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 29.9%
Annual cost of living: $43,410
Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,079
Average annual retirement income: $33,786
Average annual mortgage: $22,005
Livability: 73
Murrysville is the second (and last) Pennsylvania town to appear in the 50 best towns for middle-class retirement, and it offers a small-town suburban feel while also providing big-city amenities thanks to its close proximity to Pittsburgh. Of Murrysville’s overall population, 48.5% receive Social Security and 41% receive retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 28.9%
Annual cost of living: $40,984
Average annual Social Security benefits: $20,883
Average annual retirement income: $17,859
Average annual mortgage: $18,435
Livability: 80
Close to the coast and to the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, New Port Richey is essentially a poster city for Florida retirement. However, only 29% of the households there receive retirement income, while 48% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 32.2%
Annual cost of living: $41,609
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,452
Average annual retirement income: $26,195
Average annual mortgage: $18,404
Livability: 64
While not nearly as often as Florida, Arizona pops up frequently in the top 50 due to its dry, warm weather and overall suburban vibes. There’s a sharp gap between household benefits in Bullhead: While 54% of households receive Social Security benefits, only 35% make other retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 31.9%
Annual cost of living: $42,017
Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,402
Average annual retirement income: $33,688
Average annual mortgage: $21,042
Livability: 65
Bella Vista is a small Ozarks community that provides active seniors with plenty of outdoor activities, such as numerous golf courses, nature and biking trails, lakes and parks. The percentage of households in Bella Vista receiving retirement income stands at 39%, and 47% get Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 27.5
Annual cost of living: $43,170
Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,728
Average annual retirement income: $36,603
Average annual mortgage: $21,011
Livability: 79
There’s a gap of about 10% in Westchester between the households receiving Social Security benefits (42%) and retirement income (32%). A western suburb of Chicago, Westchester provides quiet small-town living (with numerous parks and trails) along with close access to The Windy City.
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% of population 65+: 28.1%
Annual cost of living: $41,447
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,632
Average annual retirement income: $29,190
Average annual mortgage: $21,077
Livability: 81
The first of two Texas appearances in the top 50, Kerrville resides along the Guadalupe River and hosts a thriving arts and tourism scene — a fine mix of culture and community. It’s a place most middle-class retirees would likely be happy to call home; of those homes, 31% receive retirement income and 43% have Social Security benefits coming in.
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% of population 65+: 32.0%
Annual cost of living: $43,663
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,255
Average annual retirement income: $32,487
Average annual mortgage: $21,864
Livability: 68
Pahrump, despite its rural location nearly an hour from Las Vegas, features plenty to do: a winery, access to national parks and warm desert weather for a number of outdoor activities. While only 32% of its population is of retirement age, 42% receive retirement income, and 58% get Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 33.3%
Annual cost of living: $44,212
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,979
Average annual retirement income: $32,115
Average annual mortgage: $22,382
Livability: 83
State parks, cultural centers, lovely weather, affordable housing — Ormond Beach provides a rich life for middle-class retirees. Over half (53%) of the households there receive Social Security benefits, and 34% receive retirement income of some sort.
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% of population 65+: 28.4%
Annual cost of living: $43,861
Average annual Social Security benefits: $27,490
Average annual retirement income: $42,098
Average annual mortgage: $22,344
Livability: 79
Vero Beach lives up to its name — there are miles of beaches for a middle-class retiree to relax. The town also boasts botanical gardens, museums and that gorgeous Florida weather that is so inviting to those who want retirement to feel like a prolonged vacation. Currently, 31% of homes receive retirement income, and 44% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 27.6%
Annual cost of living: $45,297
Average annual Social Security benefits: $30,157
Average annual retirement income: $40,363
Average annual mortgage: $22,273
Livability: 66
While Leland’s retirement-age community comprises just 28% of its population, 45% of its households receive retirement income (and 44% receive Social Security benefits). Middle-class retirees looking for physical activity will find plenty to do in Leland, which offers beaches, fishing and numerous golf courses.
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% of population 65+: 25.0%
Annual cost of living: $45,126
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,589
Average annual retirement income: $36,458
Average annual mortgage: $20,815
Livability: 76
Exactly one-quarter of Cape Coral’s population is retirement age, with 33% of its households pulling in retirement income and 44% receiving Social Security benefits. Those middle-class retirees enjoy Cape Coral’s mild winters and warm summers, as well as water activities such as boating, fishing and other watersports.
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% of population 65+: 33.1%
Annual cost of living: $46,316
Average annual Social Security benefits: $29,908
Average annual retirement income: $33,204
Average annual mortgage: $23,479
Livability: 75
Mount Dora is known for its numerous festivals and vibrant arts scene, providing its retirement community (33% of its population) with plenty to do and celebrate throughout the year. About 40% of retired people have their own income, on top of the 49% who take advantage of Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 33.7%
Annual cost of living: $43,783
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,689
Average annual retirement income: $28,974
Average annual mortgage: $22,176
Livability: 67
Resting at the base of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction offers stunning desert views to its residents. The town also has several walking and hiking trails for those looking for activity and old-school gunfight reenactments for those looking for entertainment. Of its population, 39% receive retirement income and 52% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 26.8%
Annual cost of living: $44,415
Average annual Social Security benefits: $21,510
Average annual retirement income: $26,288
Average annual mortgage: $21,674
Livability: 81
Largo — separate from the island Key Largo — provides its residents with affordable living, great weather, suburban culture and acres of botanical gardens. Basically all of the retired households have income (29%) outside of Social Security, which is paid to 42% of residents.
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% of population 65+: 28.2%
Annual cost of living: $48,122
Average annual Social Security benefits: $28,887
Average annual retirement income: $46,288
Average annual mortgage: $25,509
Livability: 83
Thanks to Georgetown’s proximity to Austin, residents have easy access to big-city culture but can come home to smaller-town living. Of those homes, 37% bring in retirement income, and 44% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 29.6%
Annual cost of living: $45,797
Average annual Social Security benefits: $26,618
Average annual retirement income: $35,003
Average annual mortgage: $25,144
Livability: 84
Ohio makes its lone appearance in the top 50 right at the end with Centerville, which features a number of large senior communities within its city limits. Within those communities, 36% of the households earn retirement income, and 39% receive Social Security benefits.
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% of population 65+: 32.2%
Annual cost of living: $47,861
Average annual Social Security benefits: $24,165
Average annual retirement income: $33,189
Average annual mortgage: $25,066
Livability: 89
Seminole sits on Long Bayou, just northwest of St. Petersburg. It is the fourth most expensive city on this list. About 45% of people get paid Social Security benefits, and 38% pull other income in retirement as well.
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% of population 65+: 35.1%
Annual cost of living: $48,184
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,188
Average annual retirement income: $33,918
Average annual mortgage: $24,926
Livability: 74
The Village of Huntley, an affluent suburb of Chicago, is the most expensive city on this list. About 52% of households are on Social Security and 44% make added retirement income.
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% of population 65+: 26.9%
Annual cost of living: $46,138
Average annual Social Security benefits: $23,658
Average annual retirement income: $34,358
Average annual mortgage: $24,121
Livability: 82
Bradenton — home to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature — sits on the Manatee River, south of Tampa and north of Sarasota. Its livability score ranks 10th among the cities on this list. About 44% of people qualify for Social Security payouts, and 30% (essentially all of the retired residents) have income beyond Social Security.
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% of population 65+: 35.3%
Annual cost of living: $48,053
Average annual Social Security benefits: $25,771
Average annual retirement income: $38,358
Average annual mortgage: $26,008
Livability: 70
About half the households in New Smyrna Beach receive Social Security, and pretty much all of the retirement-age residents (39%) have their own income sources. The cost of living here is in the top three among the cities on this list.
Methodology: To qualify for this study, each city had to have a population of at least 15,000 residents, a population aged 65 and over of at least 25% and average home values under $500,000, as well as having all data points available. GOBankingRates found qualifying cities using the U.S. Census American Community Survey. The cost of living was calculated using Sperling’s BestPlaces, Zillow Home Value Index, Federal Reserve Economic Data. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes. The average mortgage cost was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average expenditure cost was scored and weighted at 1.00, livability was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percentage of households that receive Social Security benefits was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average Social Security benefits received per household that receives them was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percentage of households that receive retirement income was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the average retirement income received per household that receives it was scored and weighted at 1.00. All the scores were summed and sorted to show the best retirement towns for the middle class. All data is current as of Oct. 20, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Best Retirement Cities for the Middle Class