Top 10 Zip Codes in America for Seniors
For seniors today who want to make the most of their post-retirement phase in life, enjoying this time all comes down to finding the right place to live. While some seniors choose to stay in the same spot they have lived in for years, others will choose to make a move and try somewhere new. After all, the right community can make a difference in a senior's quality-of-life.
With that in mind, we have taken a look at different zip codes around the country and assessed their features, curating a list of the top 10 communities for seniors today. By looking at things such as health and safety, recreation and leisure, finances and overall quality of life, we have ranked the top zip codes in the United States based on senior-friendliness to determine which areas of the country are the best for senior residents.
1. 85253, Paradise Valley, AZ
The zip code 85253 which covers the Paradise Valley community of Arizona, scored a perfect 100% on the SeniorScore™ tool. In terms of general quality of life, senior residents can enjoy low crime, warm weather and virtually inexistent winters. Plus, with more than 161 golf courses, 195 health clubs and 25 parks in the area, there is always something for seniors of Paradise Valley to do. Perhaps this is why approximately 41% of the population of this community is made up of seniors and why members of this community have a longer life expectancy than the national average.
In terms of healthcare options, those living in Paradise Valley have unprecedented access to top-notch Medicare doctors, dozens of area hospitals, a large number of home healthcare providers and more than 386 senior living facilities. When it comes to paying for these senior living communities, seniors will be happy to find average pricing for their care that won’t break the bank as they enjoy their retirement in one of Arizona’s most stunning communities.
2. 21056, Gibson Island, Maryland
The zip code of 21056 covers the Gibson Island community of Maryland. This small Maryland town also has a perfect score using the SeniorScore™ tool, thanks in most part to its high marks for health and safety as well as recreation and leisure. Those looking to settle into one of the 51 different senior living facilities can expect fairly average costs when it comes to their senior living expenses.
Beyond just a high SeniorScore ranking, Gibson Island also has so much more to offer its senior residents. This island is located just minutes away from charming Annapolis and close to bustling Baltimore. With a high number of Medicare physicians in the area and four major hospitals nearby, seniors know they can always get the healthcare that they need. The calming and serene Gibson Island area has mild temperatures, a sparsely populated community and plenty of entertainment options. Perhaps this is why more than half of the population is made up of seniors.
While Gibson Island is a relatively small community, there is still plenty for seniors to do in the area. A large number of churches, parks, grocery stores and malls nearby all make Gibson Island an exciting place to call home.
3. 86366, Scottsdale, AZ
Sunny Scottsdale is known for its warm weather, but this Arizona city has so much more to offer its senior residents. This is perhaps why 35% of residents in Scottsdale are seniors age 65 or older. The warm climate may draw many seniors to this zip code, but it is features plenty of parks, walking trails, shopping, museums and countless things to do for any senior no matter what their interests may be, plus senior care is relatively affordable in this notoriously posh community.
Scottsdale isn't just a fun place to enjoy warm weather either, it is also a city filled with amenities and known for being senior friendly. With so much to offer, what more could a senior ask for?
4. 67232, Wichita, Kansas
Midwestern seniors who want to take in the best this area has to offer can find their place in the 67232 zip code of Kansas, which covers part of Wichita. When it comes to health and safety features, the low crime rate, very high number of Medicare physicians and 10 area hospitals all help put this area near the top of the list.
Plus, with 83 senior living facilities in the area and 23 home healthcare providers, seniors who are interested in calling this Kansas community home have plenty of living options. The cost of these living options are relatively low as well. In fact, the average home healthcare costs in this zip code are just $41,756 per year.
In addition to affordable senior living costs, seniors can also enjoy a convenient community with a very high number of health clubs, movie theaters, malls and grocery stores. While seniors who want a little more action in their day can travel to nearby Kansas City for some big city fun.
These features, along with more than 27 golf courses and 40 area parks are just some of the reasons that this zip code has seniors making up more than 37% of their total population.
5. 68520, Lincoln, NE
In the 68520 zip code which covers most of Lincoln, Nebraska, seniors can enjoy a number of great amenities that make this Midwestern town a popular place to reside.
This area ranked high when it comes to recreation and leisure options. Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the links at one of the 24 area golf courses or visit one of the 33 community parks which include places such as Holmes Lake Recreation Area and Taylor Park. Lincoln is also known for being one of the fastest-growing communities in the area with new shops, restaurants and amenities popping up and every corner.
When it comes to health and safety, seniors living in this zip code, tend to have a longer life expectancy than the American average. This may have to do with the high number of Medicare doctors, 7 hospitals, 42 senior living facilities and 8 home healthcare providers. For those looking to take advantage of these senior assisted living services, they can expect affordable pricing with their care. In fact, the average adult daycare in Lincoln is just $11,050 per year, much lower than the national average.
6. 16155, Villa Maria, PA
For the 16155 zip code, which mostly encompasses the greater Villa Maria area, healthcare options help make this a top place for seniors to call home. The town is known for being one of the most exciting historic cities in Pennsylvania with monuments, landmarks and museums around every corner.
Low overall senior assisted living costs, paired with a relatively low overall cost of living, have helped make Villa Maria a very popular place for seniors. As a result, the majority of the population in this specific zip code is actually made up of seniors. For these adults, settling down into life in Villa Maria should be easy with 127 churches, a large number of gyms and grocery stores and 6 area parks all found within this small and welcoming town.
7. 51526, Crescent, IA
This enchanting area of Iowa has more than just small town charm to offer its residents, it has plenty of features that are sure to keep any senior happy well into their golden years. There is a high percentage of seniors living in the area and while the community does have some rural charm there is also a very high number of movie theaters, gyms, malls and grocery stores. In this zip code, being in a smaller town does not mean these seniors don't have access to all of the amenities that they need.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy one of the 52 surrounding golf courses or 39 area parks. However, the real beauty of this community is the natural forests and rolling green hills that make up this part of Iowa. Community-centered seniors who are looking for a congregation can join one of the areas 215 churches.
Seniors who are looking for assisted living services can take advantage of one of the area's 64 communities and 27 home healthcare providers. These services are not only readily available, but affordable as well. The costs of assisted living, nursing home care and adult daycare in this zip code are all below the national average.
8.63073, St. Albans, MD
St. Albans is the second small town in Maryland to make our list, and it has plenty to offer the seniors who choose to call this area home. Golfers will love this quaint area thanks to the 74 golf courses in the community. Residents can enjoy low property taxes and a low cost of living all within an area that has one of the highest average incomes in the country.
Despite being a relatively small community, there are more than 49 senior living facilities in this area, most of which come with low overall costs. Seniors can enjoy the charm of this rural yet historic Maryland town, or they can travel down the road to bigger cities such as Annapolis or Baltimore and take in a little more excitement.
History buffs will love all of the museums and historical homes and landmarks in this community. These features, paired with a very high number of gyms, malls and grocery stores that make everyday life convenient, have made St. Albans a great place for many seniors to call home.
9. 67223, Wichita, KS
In another area of greater Wichita, KS, the 67223 zip code, seniors can enjoy a number of great benefits. In fact, this general area has so much to offer seniors that areas of Wichita appeared on our list twice. Low crime rates, 10 area hospitals and a large number of Medicare doctors all help this community shine when it comes to senior healthcare.
Assisted living costs are low, and the growing city of Wichita has plenty to offer seniors looking to keep busy. From parks and museums to a growing shopping district, and of course, nearby Kansas City, no senior can claim boredom in this Midwestern town. With nearly 40% of the population of this area being seniors, it should come as no surprise that Wichita neighborhoods made two different spots on our list.
10. 22646, Millwood, VA
In the 22646 zip code of Virginia, which includes the Millwood area, seniors can enjoy living in one of the safest areas in northern Virginia. This area of the state is known for its welcoming community members and its close access to Washington D.C. However, Millwood has a charm and a history all of its own.
With a senior population of 35%, those who choose to spend their golden years in this community will always have access to a number of peers. When it comes to taking advantage of senior living services, seniors will find the price of this care relatively affordable. In fact, all types of care, on average are below the national average costs.
Despite being a relatively small area, there are still plenty of amenities in this Virginia town. A very high number of churches, malls, grocery stores and health clubs within this one zip code, means any senior can quickly feel right at home in Millwood.