If you’re prepping for your golden years, these are the most overrated retirement cities in the US!
Retirement is an ideal time to take a step back, relax, and enjoy life to the fullest. With more time available, you can do everything you want, but choosing the wrong city for fun could turn your dream retirement into an expensive mistake.
While some places seem like a fabulous paradise on paper, expectations can be different from reality. From sky-high living costs and crowded places to unbearable traffic and overcrowded healthcare systems, there are a few overrated retirement cities you should stay away from.
Of course, places like San Francisco, New York City, or Boston might seem like a wonderful idea, but have you thought of the hidden downsides? Unbearable summer heat, rising taxes, high cost of living, and an overwhelming number of tourists can quickly eat the charm out of these retirement havens.
So, before you pack your bags and decide to make a huge move, take a closer look at these overrated retirement cities that might not be as fabulous as they seem on social media. Whether you change your mind or not about them, it’s important to know both the good and the bad of a potential new city to call home. Here they are:
1. New York City
We start our list of overrated retirement cities with the Big Apple. As gorgeous as this place is, it might not be the ideal choice for retirees. According to people living there, the city is incredibly expensive and crowded, which can deplete golden years savings fast.
While public transportation is impressive and convenient for those who don’t want to drive, the cost of healthcare, taxes, housing, and groceries—along with almost everything else—is quite high.
Not to mention, the city is highly polluted and not particularly safe, so that’s something to consider. Some say NYC can be tough, but if you don’t mind paying extra and weaving through tourists on a regular Tuesday morning, those walks through Central Park might just be worth it.
2. San Francisco
Real estate agents say that beautiful San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area have become crazy expensive in the last couple of years. Unless you already have a place to stay in this American city, chances are it’s too expensive to spend your golden years there.
Besides the high cost of living that’s present in all these overrated retirement cities, another thing that makes San Francisco a bad idea for seniors is its steep roads. They can be pretty difficult for retirees to walk on, drive on, or park on.
Not to mention, residents say the city has a pretty high crime rate in some neighborhoods, and the large homeless population won’t make you feel particularly safe either. We can’t deny that San Francisco has a wonderful culture and gorgeous landscapes, but the taxes are high, and the cost of living is outrageous.
Moreover, as financial advisors say, California has one of the highest state income taxes in America, and if you’re living on a fixed income, this could be hard for you. And let’s not forget that the housing market can be quite pricey these days!
While it’s great that the state doesn’t tax Social Security retirement benefits, keep in mind that other types of retirement income are still taxed at regular rates.
3. Boston
If you’re not a big fan of cold weather, Boston could be one of the overrated retirement cities for you. While this place is rich in culture and history, the high cost of living and the long, rash winter make it far from an ideal golden years destination.
From costly housing and everyday expenses to freezing temperatures and traffic congestion, this city could be difficult to live in. While healthcare is excellent, medical costs are steep. And let’s not forget that this city is home to many universities, so students make Boston’s lifestyle more fast-paced. If you seek adventure and youthfulness, you’ll probably love it here.
But for those who want a peaceful retirement, comfort, affordability, and mild weather, Boston is likely one of the most overrated retirement cities in the US.
4. Miami
Undoubtedly, Miami seems like a golden years paradise on paper, but it also comes with significant downsides. Sky-high living costs, especially for housing, can be difficult for a retiree living on a fixed income.
And if the high costs aren’t bad enough for someone who loves warm weather, culture, beaches, and entertainment, here’s more: traffic congestion, limited public transportation, extreme heat, humidity, and hurricane threats only add to the cons list.
Even though Miami doesn’t have a state income tax, insurance costs and property taxes are steep. If you’re someone who’s looking for peace, quiet, and relaxation, Miami could be another one of the overrated retirement places in the US, as its vibrant tourism scene and nightlife can make it feel overwhelming.
The last thing to consider before packing your bags is that healthcare access can be highly competitive due to high demand—so don’t expect it to be affordable either.
5. Las Vegas
The stunning Las Vegas is known for being a wonderful place where adults can have fun, but is it that great for retirees? Probably not. Scorching desert heat can be pretty difficult to deal with, and the summer temperatures exceeding 100°F won’t be pleasant either, especially if you’re an outdoorsy person.
Even though housing prices are more affordable than in other big American cities, people who are looking for a relaxing oasis are disappointed by the fact that there’s a lack of green spaces and limited outdoor options.
Moreover, keep in mind that there isn’t a substantial culture or community besides the party life, and the city’s high tourism and noise level might not allow you the rest you crave. Last but not least, although there’s no state income tax, utilities, and property taxes can easily add up, making Las Vegas another one of these popular but overrated retirement cities.
6. Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey, might seem like a convenient choice if you want to be close to the Big Apple, but it’s not the ideal place to spend your golden years. According to experts, high crime rates and an overall lack of safety can be major concerns for seniors looking for peace.
One thing to consider is the increasing cost of living, especially for property taxes and housing. If you love spending time outdoors, the harsh winters with their bitter cold and heavy snowfall might not be your favorite.
On the bright side, being close to New York City is a big plus! Just keep in mind that limited green space and traffic congestion can make things a bit tricky.
…What are your thoughts on this one? Is Newark, New Jersey, another one of these overrated retirement cities, or is it an actual jam? Let us know in the comments below!
7. Kahului, Hawaii
Even though Kahului, Hawaii, might sound like a tropical dream, it might not be a paradise for seniors. The beautiful city offers incredible weather year-round, making it a lovely spot for many, but let’s not forget that the cost of living can be steep, especially for groceries and housing.
In case you need healthcare, keep in mind that the limited healthcare options on the island might be a concern. Besides that, you might not have a plethora of options for entertainment and activities since you’re on an island. But if you only want to soak in the sun and swim in the ocean, you’ll be just fine.
Last but not least, high insurance rates and property taxes are also things to consider when thinking about moving to Hawaii, especially if you don’t have an additional source of income. But don’t worry, there’s an ideal retirement place for everyone, and you’ll soon find yours!
What are your thoughts on these overrated retirement cities? Do you agree with these or believe they are worth moving to? We would love to know more, so leave a comment below, and let’s chat!
If you’re thinking about moving to any of these places, we recommend packing your bags and staying there for a week so you can get familiar with the locals, places, prices, and everything the city has to offer.
Until next time, here’s another useful post from Retirement in USA you won’t want to miss: 5 Best Places for a Sunny Retirement in 2025
