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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022
| Contributor Information
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
If you're nearing retirement, chances are you've been thinking about where you might want to live. You may be dreaming about warmer weather and sandy beaches or living near mountains and skiing in the winter.
To find out what doctors think is an ideal place to retire to, we asked Medscape readers what was important to them. Physicians said that their priorities are pleasant weather/climate, outdoor recreational activities and cultural attractions, affordability (housing and taxes), and proximity to quality healthcare.
The criteria informed our selection of 20 best places for doctors to retire across the United States. The geographic diversity of the cities and towns may facilitate another priority for physician respondents — being near family.
Note: In all slides, population is based on 2020 US Census data, and median home prices are based on the median of all home sales in the past year. States may vary by the amount they tax a person.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Tampa, Florida
Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa gets high marks for its affordable housing compared with more expensive Naples and Sarasota; no state income tax, including on retirement income; a warm year-round climate; and stunning white sand beaches where retirees can swim, boat, and enjoy other water sports. Tampa escaped the worst damage during Hurricane Ian, but the city still experienced a lot of destruction.
Diverse neighborhoods range from bohemian Seminole Heights to historic Cuban Ybor City. The Tampa Bay area boasts at least 10 museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum — home of his largest collection of works.
Tampa is also a convenient home base from which to travel in retirement and has an international airport and a port for cruise ships.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Visalia, California
Visalia lies in the heart of California's Central Valley and stands out for its sunny climate, outdoor recreation, and food scene. The natural beauty of nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks is hard to beat, with more than 800 miles of hiking trails.
Foodies won't be disappointed with Visalia's downtown farm-to-table sidewalk cafés, farmer's market, culinary tastings, and an annual Taste the Arts Festival. Music lovers will enjoy the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra.
Compared with larger cities in California, Visalia's housing market is affordable. Although Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state, all other retirement income is taxed from 1% to 13.3%.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is a paradise for year-round outdoor recreation. Nearby is the Colorado National Monument, with 20,000 acres of stunning natural beauty and 14 hiking trails, and Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain with more than 300 lakes. Downhill skiers will enjoy the less crowded Western Slope.
The city also has a vibrant art scene, with dozens of art galleries and the Art Center of Western Colorado.
Colorado taxes income at a flat rate of 4.55%. Taxpayers age 65 or older exclude retirement income up to $24,000; those age 55-64 can exclude up to $20,000.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma's second-largest city offers a blend of urban and outdoor attractions, and historic Route 66 runs through it. Hike or bike around the scenic 300-acre Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, visit the Philbrook Museum of Art, and enjoy Art Deco architecture in the downtown Deco District.
Music lovers can stop in Cain's Ballroom or Tulsa Theater for live shows, or visit the recently opened Bob Dylan Center.
Housing is affordable in Tulsa, and retirees pay no state taxes on Social Security income. Up to $10,000 of retirement income is not taxed.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Melbourne, Florida
If watching spacecraft launch from Cape Canaveral thrills you, you will enjoy living on the Space Coast of Florida.
Melbourne has down-to-earth attractions too. The Eau Gallie Arts District features a blend of museums and galleries, while the historic downtown area features a mixture of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Water is nearby. Try surfing, kayaking, boating, and fishing on the 155-mile long Indian River Lagoon, which separates the Space Coast from the Atlantic Ocean. Melbourne experienced beach damage during Hurricane Ian, which will undergo renovation.
Melbourne also gets high marks for affordability, with low housing costs and low property taxes. And there's no state income tax, including on retirement income.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Scranton, Pennsylvania
The low cost of living and low crime rate makes Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania an affordable, safe city. The state income tax rate is 3.07%, but retirement income is excluded.
Stay active with many recreational parks and trails, historical attractions, festivals, and cultural events.
The University of Scranton hosts performing art series and concerts. Downtown Scranton offers regular events such as First Friday Scranton, a free art walk at galleries and businesses, and the annual Scranton Jazz Festival.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Retiring in Fort Wayne and Allen County is affordable, with a cost of living at 19.4% below the national average and no Social Security tax.
Nature lovers will enjoy the 100 miles of biking, hiking, and kayaking trails; meandering rivers; and peaceful forests. Art lovers can explore the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail, which features more than 150 pieces of art in and around the city's downtown. Farmers markets, breweries, and a recently revitalized downtown all add to Fort Wayne's attraction.
If you're 60 or older, you can audit classes at the Fort Wayne campus of Purdue University for free through its Senior Scholars program.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is best known as the home of the University of Michigan. Visit its charming, historic main street lined with bookstores, gift shops, and taverns. Enjoy renowned galleries, museums, and arts nonprofits, as well as performances by theatrical and musical organizations.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor No. 17 among its best hospitals this year.
Although the cost of living is 10.7% above the national average, Michigan's income tax rate is 4.25% and the state doesn't tax Social Security income.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
College Station, Texas
This college town is home to Texas A&M University and offers many cultural and recreational attractions. Attend regular concerts, lectures, and plays at the university. Bike around town and enjoy the many parks and gardens. If you miss the big city, Houston is just 85 miles away.
The cost of living in College Station is 7% below the national average, and there is no state income tax, including on retirement income. That, together with good air quality and a low crime rate, makes this city a desirable place to live.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo fits the bill for affordability, with a cost of living slightly below the national average and no taxes on Social Security benefits. That, combined with a 1% tax on other retirement income under $445,000, makes North Dakota one of the best states to retire to.
Retirees can take advantage of the many amenities offered by North Dakota State University in Fargo and several area colleges, including sporting events and cultural attractions, such as musical and theater performances.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Asheville, North Carolina
This small mountain city has been called the "Paris of the South," perhaps because the city is adorned with Art Deco features and has an excellent locally produced food scene.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
The cost of living is 6% above the national average, but Social Security income is not taxed and federal, state, and local government retirement plans may be exempt.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Nashville, Tennessee
Music is a major pastime in Nashville — catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry or visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum, to name a few popular venues.
But there's more to Nashville than music. The city is a jumping-off point to explore historical attractions, including Civil War sites and numerous hiking trails.
Kiplinger rates Tennessee as very tax-friendly for retirees. The state has no income tax, and Social Security and other retirement income is exempt from taxes.
Nashville is also home to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which U.S. News & World Report ranked 19th among its best hospitals.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a beach lover's paradise, with nearly 60 miles of shoreline that run along the Grand Strand. Spend the warm days swimming, fishing, boating, or sunbathing, or enjoy hiking in two state parks. Golfers have plenty of courses to choose from.
Residents can enjoy a variety of locally owned restaurants, local music, and shows at the Market Common.
The cost of living is about 15% below the national average, and South Carolina exempts Social Security benefits from taxes and up to $10,000 in other retirement income at age 65 or older.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Flagstaff, Arizona
At an elevation of 7000 feet, this mountain town has plenty to offer retirees by way of outdoor activities, top-tier dining, volunteer opportunities, and seasonable weather.
Flagstaff is a gateway to the San Francisco Peaks, home to Arizona's tallest mountain (Humphreys Peak) and the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. Enjoy events at Northern Arizona University and dining at more than 200 restaurants.
The cost of living is 18.7% above the national average, but Arizona's income tax is only 2.55%-2.98%. In addition, the state imposes no taxes on Social Security income.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is steeped in the history of the nation's founding. Visit the homes of former presidents and founding fathers Thomas Jefferson (Monticello), James Madison (Montpelier), and James Monroe (Highland).
Charlottesville is also home to the University of Virginia, which Jefferson and Madison founded. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also nearby, providing many recreational opportunities.
Retirees pay no Social Security tax, and state income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Palm Desert, California
Located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and Orange County, this western retirement destination has warm, sunny California weather and many fun things to do.
Golfers will delight in the more than 100 courses in the area. Foodies will enjoy the city's more than 150 restaurants and El Paseo, which boasts a mile of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
The cost of living in Palm Desert is 23.5% above the US average. Although Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state, all other retirement income is taxed from 1% to 13.3%.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Milford, Delaware
This small inland city straddles the Mispillion River, which features a river walk and park. The downtown area is lined with restaurants and boutiques.
Milford's location is convenient to the state's popular beach towns as well as to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, DC.
Milford also has affordable housing, and retirees will benefit from no tax on Social Security income, no sales tax, low property taxes, and no estate taxes. Income tax rates range from 2.2% to 6.6%. Retirement income is excluded up to $2000 for taxpayers under age 60 and up to $12,500 for taxpayers aged 60 or older.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Missoula, Montana
If you want to retire out west with easy access to the outdoors, Missoula is surrounded by mountains and national forest land with thousands of acres of parks and forests to explore. A river runs through the town, and those who love to fly fish can access blue-ribbon trout fishing streams. The city has three shopping districts, a great choice of restaurants, and an emerging arts scene.
Missoula is home to the University of Montana, with many events. And when it comes to healthcare, WalletHub ranked the city 13th among 182 cities.
Income tax rates range from 1% to 6.75%, and Social Security benefits are not taxed.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Boise, Idaho
The capital of Idaho offers retirees many outdoor and indoor amenities. Walk or hike the 25 miles of trails along the Boise River, with a tree-lined pathway and wildlife habitat. The vast nearby Boise National Forest offers plenty of hiking, camping, and skiing options.
Downtown's Boise Art Museum, housed in an Art Deco building, has contemporary works and an outdoor sculpture garden. Dining options abound, with over 100 restaurants to choose from, and numerous events are held at Boise State University.
The cost of living in Boise is more expensive than other places - it's 16.5% higher than the national average. However, the state doesn't tax Social Security benefits, and income tax rates range from 1% to 6%.
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20 Best Places for Doctors to Retire
Christine Lehmann, MA | November 4, 2022 | Contributor Information
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland is a cultural destination that draws thousands to the annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Nature lovers will enjoy Lithia Park, which surrounds Ashland Creek and features trails, duck ponds, and a rose garden. The town has charming Victorian houses, bungalows, and Craftsman homes on tree-shaded streets.
Residents pay more to live in Ashland, with a cost of living that is 20.9% above the national average. Retirees do not pay taxes on Social Security benefits, and state income taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%.
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Christine Lehmann, MA
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