Cold-Weather Cities Top Retirement List (Free Money Finance)

When most people think of moving during retirement they think of going to Florida, Arizona, Texas or some other warm-weather climate. And who can blame them? After over a decade living in Michigan, I'm ready for a bit of heat myself!

Not so fast says US News. They list the top 10 US cities (based on research from Sperling's Best Places) with the highest quality of life for seniors based on health, economic, and other quality-of-life measures. In other words, the cities that are best at taking care of seniors. And guess what? Most of them are cold-weather towns. The list:

1. Minneapolis
2. Boston
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cleveland
5. Denver
6. Milwaukee
7. San Francisco
8. Portland, Ore.
9. Kansas City, Mo.
10. Newark, N.J.

I see a lot of cold-weather cites there. ;-)

I've been to every one of these places but haven't spent much time in most of them. Anyway, here's my take on the list:

1. Minneapolis -- I'm cold just thinking about this place, though I did almost move here once and my cousin lived there for years (and she loved it!)

2. Boston -- Very historical but too pricey for me.

3. Pittsburgh -- I lived here for five years and have family in the 'burgh. I'd move back with no problem, but I think I'd prefer a warmer (or at least sunnier) city.

4. Cleveland -- Do you know what people who live or have lived in Pittsburgh think of Cleveland? ;-) Seriously, we have friends and some family in Cleveland and they like it there.

5. Denver -- I haven't spent much time in Denver but have always heard good things about it.

6. Milwaukee -- I get to Milwaukee quite often on business. Looks like a decent place to be from and outsider's perspective.

7. San Francisco -- Great city, great weather, too expensive.

8. Portland, Ore. -- I have only been to Portland briefly, but again have heard great things about it.

9. Kansas City, Mo. -- I grew up in the Midwest, so moving back wouldn't be a problem for me. KC was a "big city" where I came from. ;-)

10. Newark, N.J. -- I've only been to the Newark airport, so I can't really comment on it.

I have no idea where we'll end up in retirement. We could remain living in Michigan, move to a place closer to our kids (depending on where they end up), or pick and entirely different location (Caribbean anyone?)

How about you? Does anyone like any of the places above? Or do you plan on moving at all when you retire?

Source: http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2011/12/cold-weather-cities-top-retirement-list.html

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