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Retirement can seem like a far-off fantasy for many, and something only the truly wealthy can ever look forward to achieving. According to a 2024 study by Northwestern Mutual, the average American worker believes they need $1.46 million in the bank to retire comfortably, marking a 53 percent increase in the retirement savings target number from 2020.
However, there are ways to retire for less, including picking a new hometown to live out your golden years in total comfort. And GoBankingRates.com has just the place to move if you fall into the middle class.
In September, the website revealed the findings of its study looking into the perfect place to retire for those in the middle class that offers everything they need. It named The Villages in Florida the best spot for middle-class retirees.
To come to its conclusion, the team gathered data from the U.S. Census and Federal Reserve and analyzed cities across the nation with a minimum population of 10,000 residents where at least 25 percent of that population is aged 65 years and over. It then looked at critical data for those inching toward retirement, including the household median income in each city, as well as the average home value, total annual cost of living, and the average Social Security Benefit.
According to its findings, the famed retirement community just north of Orlando comes with a household median income of $73,415 and has a single-family home average value of $408,342. The annual cost of living here, the report noted, is $48,808, while the average Social Security Benefits are $30,704.
At The Villages, retirees can really live their best life, choosing to golf on one of its nine- or 18-hole courses, hike its extensive trail network, dine in one of its many restaurants, shop its various plazas, and naturally, hang by its plentiful pools.
As for where else middle-class retirees should consider, Green Valley City, Arizona, came in second, thanks to its household median income of $57,785, its single-family home average value of $321,915, its annual cost of living at $41,989, and its average Social Security Benefit of $27,102. Rounding out the top five spots are Sun City West, Arizona; Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; and Venice, Florida.
See the full ranking of all 30 locations at gobankingrates.com.
