Mesa, Arizona
Average housing cost: $805
Population age 65 or older: 14.1
Walkability score: 37
Safety score: 20
Sun lovers, rejoice! Coming in at No. 3 is Mesa, Ariz., a city 20 miles outside of Phoenix that offers plenty of warm weather all year long. Mesa is technically considered a suburb, but it offers plenty of amenities to seniors who are looking to enjoy retirement in an area with low crime — it has the third-highest safety score on this list — and without breaking the bank.
Along with a healthy economy, which is important if you’re considering working part-time in retirement, Mesa has a large senior citizen population (14.1 percent, the second-highest on our list). So if you decide to hang your hat here, you will have plenty of company. Its museums, theater, art galleries, live music, shopping, trendy restaurants and award-winning golf courses will surely keep you busy.