Hawaii Reigns Supreme: Pearl City & Honolulu Top WalletHub’s List of Best U.S. Cities for Retirement Quality of Life
Looking for a retirement destination that offers a high quality of life in the U.S.? You might need to hop on a plane. WalletHub’s latest ranking of the best and worst places to retire reveals that Hawaii, not Florida, claims the top two spots for quality of life.
Pearl City takes the crown as the number one retirement destination, followed closely by Honolulu. This comes as a surprise, as WalletHub has previously named Florida home to the two best overall cities for retirees.
Key Takeaways:
- Hawaiian Paradise: Pearl City and Honolulu, both located on the island of Oahu, offer a vibrant retirement experience with warm weather, stunning natural beauty, and a strong sense of community.
- Florida’s Fall: While popular for retirees, Florida cities didn’t crack the top 10 for quality of life.
- Beyond the Rankings: Experts advise visiting potential retirement locations to experience firsthand what life would be like there before making any major moves.
Why Pearl City, Hawaii, Shines for Retirees
Located on the island of Oahu, Pearl City boasts a population of approximately 45,000 with over 25% of residents aged 65 and older.
Pros:
- Paradise Found: Pearl City, like most of Hawaii, enjoys year-round warm weather, typically ranging from the low 70s to low 80s, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The state offers an abundance of natural beauty, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for retirees who enjoy spending time in nature.
- Strong Senior Community: Pearl City tied with Scottsdale, Arizona, for the highest percentage of residents over the age of 65, indicating a robust community of peers for retirees.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living: Living in Hawaii, especially in Pearl City, comes with a hefty price tag. Realtor.com shows a median home listing price of $795,000, and the median selling price at $1.1 million. Renters aren’t spared either, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pearl City reaching $1,856 per month, around 16% higher than the national average.
- Natural Disasters: While Hawaii offers beautiful weather year-round, the islands are susceptible to natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes, and other weather-related events, a factor for retirees to consider.
Beyond the Rankings: Choosing Your Retirement Haven
While rankings like WalletHub’s can be insightful, they should be viewed as a starting point rather than a definitive guide. Ultimately, the ideal retirement destination boils down to your individual priorities.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Family Proximity: Being close to family and loved ones often ranks high on the list for many retirees.
- Healthcare Access: Easy access to quality medical facilities is crucial, especially as health needs may increase in retirement.
- Cost of Living: Budgeting for retirement is essential. Choosing a location with a lower cost of living aligns with your financial goals.
- Community & Lifestyle: Finding a community that aligns with your interests and provides a sense of belonging is vital for a fulfilling retirement.
Beyond research, experience matters. Visiting potential retirement locations at different times of the year offers a more accurate picture of the area’s appeal and allows you to immerse yourself in the local community.
