Top 10 safest cities for Boomers to retire in

Americans approaching retirement age might prioritize happiness when looking for a new home — but safety is also high on the list.

Kathryn Ellen Barrett of Ridgeland, MS, tells Realtor.com® that she is on the brink of retirement and is starting to think about relocating.

“When searching for a place to live, safety is at the top of my list,” says Barrett, who is 62 and single. “My life involves a great deal of outdoor activities such as jogging and walking my dog—and it’s of vital importance that I be safe and secure.”

Barrett keeps an eye on the local news for crime updates and always takes safety precautions.

Yet, she wants to reside in an area where she won’t be fearful to go shopping alone or run errands at night.

Take your safe space to the next level

Even if you live in a safe city, there are steps you can take to improve your safety.

Safety is a top priority for boomers choosing a new city to move to for retirement, according to Realtor. Lumos sp – stock.adobe.com

According to security expert Erik G. Schneider, of Richmond, VA, retirees should “look for properties with good lighting, security systems, cameras, gated access, or on-site security personnel.”

Once you move in, Schneider recommends installing home security systems, motion-sensor lights, video doorbells, and high-quality locks on doors and windows to add a layer of safety.

Safest spots for boomers to retire in

Barrett and other retirees with similar safety concerns should explore U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Safest Places To Live in the US.

The rankings were based on crime rates, using 2022 data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports.

Experts recommend retirees to take precautions to ensure their safety — even in a safe city. Mladen – stock.adobe.com

Here are the 10 safest cities in America—all of which have a lower crime rate than similarly sized metro areas:

1. Augusta, GA

  • Median home price: $199,500
  • USNWR crime index: 9.5/10 (with 10 being best and 1 being worst)
  • Violent crime rate: 54.2/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 322.5/100,000

2. Montgomery, AL

  • Median home price: $199,900
  • USNWR crime index: 9.5/10
  • Violent crime rate: 62/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 196.3/100,000

3. South Bend, IN

  • Median home price: $194,900
  • USNWR crime index: 9.5/10
  • Violent crime rate: 66.9/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 151.2/100,000
Pensacola ranked fourth on Realtor’s list of safest cities for retirement. Gregg Pachkowski/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

4. Pensacola, FL

  • Median home price: $308,000
  • USNWR crime index: 9.4/10
  • Violent crime rate: 50.9/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 324.5/100,000

5. Port St. Lucie, FL

  • Median home price: $439,900
  • USNWR crime index: 9.2/10
  • Violent crime rate: 116.7/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 761.6/100,000

6. San Juan, PR

  • Median home price: $795,000
  • USNWR crime index: 9.2/10
  • Violent crime rate: 17.8/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 314.4/100,000

7. Des Moines, IA

  • Median home price: $235,000
  • USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
  • Violent crime rate: 121.6/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 1198.7/100,000

8. Jackson, MS

  • Median home price: $119,999
  • USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
  • Violent crime rate: 136.1/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 1091.5/100,000

9. Melbourne, FL

  • Median home price: $410,000
  • USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
  • Violent crime rate: 189.4/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 970.3/100,000

10. Lakeland, FL

  • Median home price: $343,010
  • USNWR crime index: 9/10
  • Violent crime rate: 262.3/100,000
  • Property crime rate: 725.8/100,000

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