Top 10 Medium Sized Cities in America for Seniors

For seniors today, finding the right city with the right features to settle down in is very important. There are many seniors who are looking for medium sized cities that offer all of the amenities they need while still maintaining a warm sense of community. We took a look at cities ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 residents to find the best mid-size towns in America for senior livability.

When it comes to finding the perfect senior-friendly city, there are a number of factors that come into play. Health and safety, recreation and leisure, finances, and overall quality of life are all factors that the SeniorScore™ resource uses to rank cities, and to evaluate which are best equipped to provide seniors with their ideal retirement life.

Below is our list of the top 10 medium sized cities in America for seniors:

1. McLean, VA

Virginia ranks highly on the SeniorScore™ overall listing of most senior-friendly states, which is why it should come as no surprise that a city in Virginia is at the top of this list. McLean scores highly when it comes to health and safety features with a large number of home healthcare providers, Medicare physicians and hospitals in the area. This is perhaps why seniors in this town tend to have a longer life expectancy than the national average.

When it is time for seniors to relax and unwind in McLean, there are plenty of amenities ranging from golf courses to movie theaters, but what is perhaps most exciting is the town's proximity to Washington, D.C. Seniors here are just a public transportation-ride away from all that the nation's capital has to offer, meaning there is never any shortage on fun things to do. There are also 38 different shopping malls in the area, including popular high-end destinations such as Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria.

Low property taxes, income taxes and sales taxes all make McLean a relatively affordable place to call home, while those living in the city make much more on average than the typical American household. In addition to these affordable features, seniors can expect to enjoy budget-friendly senior living costs. Assisted living costs, nursing home costs and adult daycare costs are much lower in McLean than in the rest of the country, while home healthcare is only around $36,608 per year, much lower than the national average. With a unique balance of features such as this, it is easy to see why McLean has topped our list of best medium cities for seniors to call home.

For full details on the McLean, Virginia score, click McLean SeniorScore™.

2. Vienna, VA

Seniors who are looking for recreation options when they enter into their golden years will find that Vienna is a quiet community with plenty to do. Golf courses, parks, gyms and local attractions are sure to keep seniors busy. Vienna has a small town feel with all the conveniences one would expect from a large city.

There are also numerous home healthcare providers and senior living communities in the area. The great thing about these senior living options is that they are not just prevalent in the area, but affordable as well. The average nursing home, home healthcare costs and adult daycare expenses are lower than the national average costs. Seniors looking for assisted living options can plan on spending much lower than the national average, with the typical facility costing under $30,000 per year.

In addition to being an affordable place to retire, Vienna offers no shortage of fun. Located near Washington D.C., all seniors need to do is hop on their local Metro stop to head to the heart of the city. This community is also home to the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and was home to several major battles during the Civil War, meaning there is always something for seniors to do when living in this charming Virginia town.

Find more information on Vienna, Virginia senior living.

3. Chesterfield, MO

Chesterfield, Missouri may be located right outside of St. Louis, but this mid-sized city is more than just a suburb, it has a life and feeling of its own. Seniors who decide to call Chesterfield home will find that there are plenty of golf courses and parks in the area, and that they are a short drive or train ride down to all that St. Louis has to offer. There is plenty to do in Chesterfield, yet the cost of living for seniors is relatively affordable. In fact, nursing home care is generally under $70,000 per year for Chesterfield residents, which is much lower than the national average.

The city is home to several major malls and shopping centers; the Chesterfield Mall is one of the biggest in the area. The community is also home to its own casino, which offers perks for serious gamblers or people who just want to be in a social environment. Avid sports fans have plenty to do with the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals playing just a few minutes away.

For seniors who are worried about health and safety, they will find that charming Chesterfield has a very low crime rate, and is home to a number of Medicare registered physicians and more than 12 major area hospitals within short range.

Learn more about senior living in Chesterfield.

4. Richardson, TX

Richardson, Texas is one of the most welcoming communities in the Lone Star state and it provides seniors with a safe place they can call home. With very low property and violent crime ratings yet convenient access to the heart of Dallas, there is plenty to love about life in Richardson. Plus, with a very high number of Medicare doctors and 26 hospitals in the area, seniors can rest assured all of their health needs will be met.

Richardson is also home to the North Texas Automotive Museum, which has rotating exhibits that are sure to keep any car lover enthused and the wildly popular Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, one of the top rated orchestras in the state. For those interested in senior living options, there are a very high number of home healthcare providers in Richardson, as well as more than 260 senior living facilities, all with relatively low annual pricing.

For seniors more concerned with recreation and leisure, they will find that Texas' warm climate lends to plenty of outdoor opportunities including access to 91 golf courses and 27 parks, including the Spring Creek Forest Park Preserve. Seniors interested in settling down and becoming part of the community will find Richardson has hundreds of churches as well as other social opportunities in and around the town.

Get all the details about senior care in Richardson, TX.

5. Scottsdale, AZ

Sunny Scottsdale, Arizona has proven to be a haven for seniors looking to settle into life after retirement. Seniors can enjoy warm weather year round and access to plenty of recreational opportunities. Over 100 golf courses and 20 major parks, such as the Arizona Outback Adventures Park, all make Scottsdale a fun place to call home.

This is perhaps why there is such as large percentage of seniors in the area, with 34% of Scottsdale's population being age 65 or older. Scottsdale isn't only fun, it is also well-equipped to handle the needs of senior health concerns, with several major hospitals, plenty of home healthcare providers, and a large number of Medicare registered doctors in the area.

Those interested in senior living options will find there are over 350 senior living facilities in the area, meaning they have plenty of options to choose from. These senior communities aren't just plentiful, they are relatively affordable as well. When seniors aren't taking advantage of all of the amenities in their community, Scottsdale has plenty to offer from premier shopping destinations to the popular McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which is great for grandchildren, or the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a fun destination for all types of art-fanatics.

Read more about Scottsdale senior living.

6. Longwood, FL

Florida is known for being a haven for seniors who want to relax in the sun during their golden years, but throughout the state, very few cities can compare to Longwood. This Florida town is filled with features that are sure to appeal to senior residents. It is located near Orlando, with convenient access to all the city has to offer, and it's in a very low crime area.

Longwood isn't just a safe community, it is one with plenty of opportunities for senior living. There are 86 senior living facilities and more than 29 home healthcare providers in the area. Prices for this care, especially for adult daycare and home healthcare, are actually lower than most cities in America.

These features, paired with an average to low cost of living have made sunny Longwood a popular place for seniors to call home. Seniors can enjoy the warm weather, explore area parks, or even catch a professional sports game with the Orlando Magic. Plus, with convenient access to a very high number of health clubs, movie theaters, grocery stores, malls and markets, navigating life in this Florida community is easy for seniors of all types.

For full details, visit our page on Longwood, FL senior living.

7. Troy, MI

In Troy, Michigan seniors who choose to call this town home will always have access to the healthcare that they need. With an affordable cost of living, a very high number of Medicare physicians, and several hospitals in and around the town, this city is filled with reliable healthcare services.

There are over 300 senior living facilities and a large number of home healthcare providers operating in and around the Michigan town, and it's also a place for fun and social activities. Residents can visit the Troy Museum and take a stroll through the beautiful Historic Village. There are also a few senior centers serving those who want to get out and be social with other people their age.

As for daily life in Troy, seniors can enjoy a very low violent crime and property crime rate, as well as plenty of modern conveniences. Shoppers can visit one of the area's major malls while outdoor enthusiasts can visit one of the 167 nearby golf courses or 30 area parks that make Troy such a fun place to settle down in.

Read more about retirement living in Troy.

8. Overland Park, KS

In Overland Park, Kansas, seniors can enjoy Midwestern hospitality and a convenient location close to nearby Kansas City. Located right outside the hustle and bustle of downtown, Overland Park has plenty of calming green space and 35 parks including the Indian Valley Park.

Seniors looking to find a sense of community in the area can join one of the 100+ gyms or 300+ churches, while enjoying a welcoming community that has low property and violent crime rates.

When it comes to enjoying senior living options, there are countless communities in the area to choose from, with relatively affordable pricing. This is especially true for those looking at assisted living costs which average just $35,700 a year or nursing home costs which are also very low compared to national averages.

When it's time to get out of their senior community and enjoy the area, the Royals Stadium is just a few minutes away, meaning seniors can always enjoy an afternoon out at the ballgame whenever they're looking to have some fun.

For full details on the SeniorScore™ for Overland Park, click here.

9. Bethesda, MD

Situated between Baltimore and Washington D.C., beautiful Bethesda, Maryland offers seniors with convenient access to two of the biggest cities on the east coast. However, there is so much more to Bethesda than a great location.

The city scores high when compared to the rest of the state thanks to the large number of Medicare physicians, and area hospitals that service the community. For seniors interested in assisted living options there are more than 200 communities in the area, along with a large number of home healthcare providers.

There is more than an abundance of healthcare in this city. The community also has over 1,000 churches in the area, meaning seniors can easily find a congregation that meets their needs. When it's time for a little fun, seniors can take public transportation to nearby Washington, D.C. and check out the monuments, or head toward Baltimore where attractions such as the Orioles baseball team, the waterfront inner harbor, and the historic Federal Hill monument all await.

Read more about Bethesda senior living options.

10. Palm Harbor, FL

Palm Harbor is another Florida town that makes the list of more senior-friendly mid-sized cities. The city has a high percentage of seniors, with 37% of the population being 65 or older. In Palm Harbor, seniors can enjoy warm weather year round as well as access to beaches, 10 area parks, and 85 golf courses. In fact, golf courses are one of the biggest attractions in the community, with numerous courses offering specialty prices, features, and lessons for their senior customers.

There are 172 senior living facilities in the area, each with its own unique features to offer senior residents. The average senior in Palm Harbor lives a year longer than the national average. With so many perks, and truly unbeatable weather, it is easy to see why Palm Harbor rounded out this list of best medium-sized cities for today's seniors.

Find out more by clicking senior living in Palm Harbor, FL.