Louisville, Kentucky
Average housing cost: $806
Population age 65 or older: 12.6 percent
Walkability score: 33
Safety score: 6
Louisville is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby every May. However, the city that borders the Ohio River and Indiana is also an affordable city where seniors can spend their golden years while living on a budget. Many do just that, as Louisville is one of the top five cities on our list with an over-65 population.
The city is filled with independent restaurants, boutiques and cultural activities, including music festivals, the ballet, opera and the orchestra. Taking advantage of all the city offers means you’ll need a car as the city is quite spread out. Louisville has an extensive park system — designed by New York Central Park designer, Frederick Law Olmsted — which contains miles of trails suitable for taking a leisurely stroll or going for a bike ride.
There are diverse living options throughout the city in neighborhoods that run from hip and trendy to historical. Healthcare is one of the top employment sectors in Louisville, which means the city is home to numerous state-of-the-art hospitals and health facilities, making it one of the best retirement cities.