Bloomington, Indiana
Average housing cost: $728
Population age 65 or older: 7.9 percent
Walkability score: 41
Safety score: 11
Bloomington is located in the southern region of Indiana. The city combines the friendliness of a small town with the sophistication of a city twice its size. Perfect for retirees, Bloomington has plenty of affordable housing options, top medical care and Indiana University, which is a major research institution with 40,000 students.
Unemployment is low and biotech and pharmaceutical companies are big employers in the area. Bloomington takes its trees and landscaping seriously and has been designated a Tree City USA for the last 30 years. Bloomington also has a thriving culinary scene and plenty of outdoor recreation.