Why Minneapolis Ranks Among the Top Retirement Destinations
The study’s authors emphasize that retirement isn’t solely about finances. According to WalletHub, “Retirees want to live in a place where they enjoy safety and access to good healthcare, especially in light of significant inflation and economic uncertainty. The ideal city will also have lots of ways to spend leisure time, along with good weather.”
Minneapolis earned high marks for its elderly-friendly labor market, offering many jobs that are accessible even to older residents. Additionally, the city boasts a robust network of nursing homes, recreation centers, and senior centers that cater to retirees’ needs.
- High availability of healthcare resources and senior services
- Active community engagement through numerous activities and recreation options
- One of the most elderly-friendly labor markets in the U.S.
- Strong reputation as a safe and caring city
Regional Strength: Other Upper Midwest Cities Also Rank Highly
Minneapolis’s high ranking is mirrored by several other cities from the Upper Midwest making the top half of the study, including:
- Madison, Wisconsin – 9th place
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota – 13th place
- St. Paul, Minnesota – 21st place
- Bismarck, North Dakota – 22nd place
- Fargo, North Dakota – 25th place
This regional trend highlights the Midwest as a strong contender for retirees looking for a balance of affordability, healthcare, and quality activities.
Top and Bottom Cities for Retirement According to WalletHub
WalletHub ranked cities nationwide based on their livability for retirees. The top 10 retirement cities are as follows:
- Orlando, Florida
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Miami, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Casper, Wyoming
Conversely, the cities that ranked the worst among the 182 evaluated included several in California and other states, such as:
- Bridgeport, Connecticut (173rd)
- Salem, Oregon (174th)
- Pearl City, Hawaii (175th)
- Fontana, California (176th)
- Fresno, California (177th)
- Newark, New Jersey (178th)
- Bakersfield, California (179th)
- Rancho Cucamonga, California (180th)
- Stockton, California (181st)
- San Bernardino, California (182nd)
Looking Forward: What Retirees Should Consider
With the economic uncertainty surrounding social security benefits, retirees must prioritize cities that offer not only financial feasibility but also access to quality healthcare and meaningful engagement opportunities. Minneapolis’s ranking reflects its strong offering in these areas.
“Minneapolis is the third-best place to retire, and it has one of the most elderly-friendly labor markets in the country,” said WalletHub’s study authors. “The city is a caring community with many support facilities for seniors.”
