By Stewart Willis, AP Wealth and Tax
According to the Pew Research Center, just over a third of people 65 and older are single – they don’t have a live-in partner or other romantic relationship. While the way you date might change as you age, by no means does retirement mark the end of your dating years. For many, 65 is the new 40. You’re free to get back out there and find someone to share your life with.
We started with the cities with the largest senior populations. Then, we used 14 categories important to single seniors, awarding up to 14 “chili peppers” based on how well they meet the needs of single retirees: proximity to cruise lines; golf courses; weather (sunny days); safety; air quality; theaters; pickleball courts; walkability; physician group practices for healthcare; parks; casinos; religious groups/churches; museums; senior centers.
Related: 8 Tips for Finding Love and Romance in your 60s
The Top Five Best Cities for Single Retirees
The Villages, Florida: 10 Peppers / 14
The Villages is one of the best places to retire for singles because of its walkable communities, recreational opportunities (including golf, multiple parks, theaters, and casinos), proximity to cruise lines, year-round good weather, and no state income tax (a nice bonus for tax season). It’s also one of the safest cities and has much less air pollution. As a bonus, roughly 86% of the population are 65 or older.
Seattle, WA: 9 Peppers / 14
Seattle is lively, culturally diverse, and walkable. It also boasts some stunningly temperate summertime weather. And nearly 13% of its population is 65+, many of whom are single. It’s also great for socially active retirees thanks to its many golf courses, pickleball courts, museums, theaters, parks, and churches. Plus, there’s no state income tax.
New Orleans, LA: 8 Peppers / 14
New Orleans is a charming, culture-rich city that’s home to casinos, historical museums like The Cabildo, and theaters where seniors can catch a show. For seniors who prefer to spend their time outdoors, the city is also quite walkable. Recreational opportunities abound, too, with cruise lines and golf courses. And more than 16% of the population is 65 or older.
Philadelphia, PA: 8 Peppers / 14
Philadelphia is known for its extensive healthcare services, lively senior centers (like the Philadelphia Senior Center), and indoor and outdoor recreational activities. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Walnut Street Theatre to the exclusive Bala Golf Club, there’s plenty to do.
Sarasota, FL: 8 Peppers / 14
Nearly 1 in 3 Sarasota residents are 65 or older. Sarasota has idyllic weather, clean air, and senior-friendly recreational activities like golf, pickleball, casinos, and cruises. Plus, Florida has a high concentration of physician group practices for healthcare.
The Remaining Top Cities for Single Seniors
You are unique. What you’re looking for in retirement might differ from the next person. Maybe you want an active lifestyle with a bustling community and plenty of attractions and amenities to keep you busy. Or maybe you’re hoping for a quieter, small-town feel without the noise. We compiled 60+ more cities that could be a good fit for single seniors.
Each location gets between two and three chili peppers, depending on its amenities and other key features like weather, safety, proximity to cruise lines, healthcare services, and senior population. Three of them are in Florida: Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa. Read the full story at https://www.apsitaxes.com/blog/best-places-for-single-senior-retirement.
