Great places to retire where rent is under $1,000 a month

Eugene, Oregon

Average housing cost: $801
Population age 65 or older: 12.6 percent
Walkability score: 45
Safety score: 9

Situated on the Willamette River, Eugene, the second-largest city in Oregon, offers a progressive and outdoorsy feel that is enjoyed by college students, families and senior citizens. Those 65 and over make up 12.6 percent of Eugene’s population, which makes the city fourth in this list of cities for senior community.

Eugene, a northwest city, has been able to maintain a lower cost of living, especially compared to San Francisco to the south and Seattle to the north. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $800 per month.

A Walk Score of 45 (fifth on our list) is fitting for a town known as the “running capital of the world.” Eugene is the birthplace of Nike and Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine, who inspired the American running craze in the 1970s. Today, novices and Olympic athletes alike utilize 42 miles of running trails within the city.