19. Pensacola, Florida
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Pensacola, Florida, is one of the best places to live in the country. It has beautiful beaches, a walkable downtown area, and a low cost of living. Besides enjoying the beach in the summertime, they have the Pensacola Saenger Theater and the Pensacola Museum of Art, which features pieces by world-famous artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. They also have a summer seafood festival, concerts in the park, and plenty of places to go shopping. Florida has long been a haven for retirees, so the state has ample programs for seniors and retirees, making it a healthy retirement choice as well.
In case you didn’t know, Florida does not have a state income tax. So anything you receive from social security, a part-time retirement job, or withdrawing investments can be done totally tax-free. On average, houses cost just $140,000. Browsing through apartment listings, the average rent hovers somewhere between $800 to $1,500 depending on the number of bedrooms and location. The low cost of living will leave money for a fishing boat or other high-end outdoor entertainment options if you’re so inclined. Florida has countless options for enriching outdoor or indoor entertainment including Miami’s hotspots and the Everglades.