Senior citizens, often miles away from their school days, have surprisingly found a new haven in college towns. As detailed by MarketWatch, the older demographic in the United States is increasingly drawn to these cities due to their charm, affordable living, walkable streets, and abundant cultural and educational offerings. The constant influx of students and academicians keeps these towns dynamic, offering retirees fresh opportunities to expand their social circles and earn extra income through part-time work.
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To determine the best college towns for retirees, GOBankingRates has holistically evaluated various factors such as livability scores, the proportion of the population aged 65 and older, monthly living costs, and housing expenses. After a meticulous analysis, the following 25 college towns have emerged as the cream of the crop for retirees.
1. Huntington, West Virginia
- Livability score: 81
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 17.2%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,951
- Average mortgage: $707
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2. Lexington, Kentucky
- Livability score: 86
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 13.5%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,775
- Average mortgage: $1,783
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3. Stevens Point, Wisconsin
- Livability score: 85
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 12.7%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,691
- Average mortgage: $1,491
Pictured: University of Wisconsin Madison
4. Ames, Iowa
- Livability score: 90
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 10.5%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,863
- Average mortgage: $1,886
5. Lawrence, Kansas
- Livability score: 88
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 11.6%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,882
- Average mortgage: $1,829
6. Normal, Illinois
- Livability score: 87
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 11%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,816
- Average mortgage: $1,424
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7. Winona, Minnesota
- Livability score: 77
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 16.9%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,618
- Average mortgage: $1,357
8. Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
- Livability score: 79
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 17%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,926
- Average mortgage: $1,796
9. Norman, Oklahoma
- Livability score: 84
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 12.7%
- Monthly expenditure costs: Mentioned $1,748
- Average mortgage: $1,317
Best 10 Cities for Budget-Friendly Retirement in the US
Friendly retirement destinations
- Livability score: 82
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 13.3%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,702
- Average mortgage: $1,571
Rich history and serenity
- Livability score: 83
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 16.4%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,931
- Average mortgage: $3,319
Vibrant and affordable living
- Livability score: 85
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 13.5%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,927
- Average mortgage: $2,767
The hidden gem
- Livability score: 86
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 11.2%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,826
- Average mortgage: $2,210
A perfect blend of comfort and convenience
- Livability score: 88
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 12%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,784
- Average mortgage: $3,200
Affordable and welcoming
- Livability score: 79
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 14.4%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,740
- Average mortgage: $1,789
Rich cultural heritage and tranquility
- Livability score: 83
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 10.6%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,808
- Average mortgage: $1,245
Historical charm and economic vitality
- Livability score: 84
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 11%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,758
- Average mortgage: $1,935
Quaint and budget-friendly
- Livability score: 75
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 16.8%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,766
- Average mortgage: $1,791
Charming and cost-effective
- Livability score: 79
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 12.6%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,966
- Average mortgage: $1,069
Peaceful and budget-conscious living
- Livability score: 90
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 6.7%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,699
- Average mortgage: $2,055
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Newark, Delaware: A Quaint Haven with a Vibrant Pulse
- Livability score: 83
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 12.1%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $2,000
- Average mortgage: $2,071
22. Eugene, Oregon
- Livability score: 78
- Percentage of the population ages 65 and older: 16.5%
- Monthly expenditure costs: $1,755
- Average mortgage: $2,907
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 25 College Towns That Are Perfect for Retirees
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