When you think about the dollar amount needed to retire, it’s more than just a social security check. There is very little you can do about social security as it’s solely based on your lifetime earnings. This means it will be a set amount, and you can’t do much to make it rise or fall without getting a raise. However, you can consider smart investing, creating rental income, dividends, pensions, and a 401K.
This amount is what SmartAsset.com considers your “Retirement Account Income.” Over time, growing this money or income ensures you have enough to retire comfortably. Of course, when you want to retire, you also want to know where you should go, which is why Smart Asset has compiled a list of the top 20 cities in descending order where you are most likely to have a high retirement account income.
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20. Bend, Oregon
- Retirement Account Income: $44,663
- Social Security Income: $25,209
- Total Retirement Income: $69,872
Living in Bend, Oregon, won’t be inexpensive for a retiree, but a few parts of the country better promote an active outdoor lifestyle that will keep you young as you finally enjoy life without work.
19. Santa Rosa, California
- Retirement Account Income: $44,849
- Social Security Income: $24,138
- Total Retirement Income: $68,987
Santa Rosa in California offers retirees a lot of nature to enjoy and plenty of wineries for when it’s time to enjoy the indoors as a retiree.
18. San Mateo, California
- Retirement Account Income: $45,278
- Social Security Income: $24,658
- Total Retirement Income: $69,936
Known for its excellent climate and rich history, San Mateo, California, is full of life thanks to its proximity to San Francisco. Those who find work here tend to stay here because of the excellent amenities, including food, shopping, and diversity.
17. Springfield, Illinois
- Retirement Account Income: $45,918
- Social Security Income: $23,812
- Total Retirement Income: $69,730
The capital of Illinois is removed from the urban world of Chicago and offers a more tranquil opportunity to retire in an area full of parks, all while offering a low cost of living.
16. Roseville, California
- Retirement Account Income: $46,433
- Social Security Income: $22,831
- Total Retirement Income: $69,264
Living in Roseville, California, means you’re getting in early on an area showing strong signs of becoming a future hub for retirement. The California sun, as well as the shopping and excellent healthcare, is hard to ignore.
15. Torrance, California
- Retirement Account Income: $46,579
- Social Security Income: $23,448
- Total Retirement Income: $70,027
With over 30 parks around the area, Torrance, California, is setting itself up to be a great place for retirement. Plus, you get no more than 12 inches of rain annually, which means plenty of sunshine.
14. Columbia, Maryland
- Retirement Account Income: $46,841
- Social Security Income: $24,348
- Total Retirement Income: $71,189
Made up of 10 self-contained villages, Columbia, Maryland, is an active area for retirees who are encouraged to have busy social lives and enjoy their golden years as much as possible.
13. Miramar, Florida
- Retirement Account Income: $47,186
- Social Security Income: $18,555
- Total Retirement Income: $65,741
A suburb of Miami, Miramar, Florida, is one of the best cities to choose in Florida for retirement. Over 11% of the population is 65 and over, which has grown significantly since 2010.
12. Irvine, California
- Retirement Account Income: $47,498
- Social Security Income: $24,960
- Total Retirement Income: $72,458
Located outside of Los Angeles, Irvine isn’t an inexpensive retirement area. Still, if you settle here, it’s full of sunshine and plenty to do, including the Irvine Civic Center, which hosts shows throughout the year.
11. Thousand Oaks, California
- Retirement Account Income: $48,096
- Social Security Income: $25,538
- Total Retirement Income: $73,634
Retirees can rarely say no to the California sun, and Thousand Oaks offers you exactly that. This is why the city has 20% of its population aged 65 and older, a number which continues to grow.
10. Naperville, Illinois
- Retirement Account Income: $48,262
- Social Security Income: $26,983
- Total Retirement Income: $75,245
Naperville, Illinois, is growing rapidly thanks to its reputation for safety, schools, and healthcare. It is close enough to Chicago to enjoy but far enough away to miss the big-city craziness.
9. Anchorage, Alaska
- Retirement Account Income: $48,543
- Social Security Income: $21,918
- Total Retirement Income: $70,461
Retiring in Anchorage, Alaska, is only for the right kind of person, but for retirees who want to enjoy more of a quiet life, Anchorage is the way to go.
8. Carlsbad, California
- Retirement Account Income: $49,515
- Social Security Income: $25,538
- Total Retirement Income: $74,345
Home to plenty of golf courses, Carlsbad, California, has long been a popular destination for retirees who want to enjoy the California sun all year long.
7. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
- Retirement Account Income: $50,025
- Social Security Income: $27,433
- Total Retirement Income: $77,458
For retirees who want to enjoy the outdoors, Highlands Ranch offers suburban life with terrific outdoor activities and excellent health and fitness opportunities.
6. Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Retirement Account Income: $51,344
- Social Security Income: $28,219
- Total Retirement Income: $79,563
Some of the best colleges in the area are located nearby, which means there is a ton to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is steadily growing in popularity among retirees.
5. Alexandria, Virginia
- Retirement Account Income: $51,409
- Social Security Income: $26,543
- Total Retirement Income: $77,952
Populated by plenty of U.S. government employees, Alexandria, Virginia, is safe, but its “Old Town” district has boutiques, antique shops, theaters, and all the restaurants a retiree will ever need.
4. The Woodlands, Texas
- Retirement Account Income: $51,878
- Social Security Income: $27,661
- Total Retirement Income: $79,539
Located north of Houston, The Woodlands area of Texas offers plenty of places to visit, enjoy, and eat while setting up for retirement.
3. Washington, District of Columbia
- Retirement Account Income: $54,266
- Social Security Income: $20,822
- Total Retirement Income: $75,088
For those looking to retire in the Washington, D.C., area, there is no shortage of retirees who can guide you on the best places to see and visit. Just under 17% of the population is 65 and over.
2. Berkeley, California
- Retirement Account Income: $55,317
- Social Security Income: $23,632
- Total Retirement Income: $78,949
Berkeley, California, has long been a great place to live. With 15% of the population aged 65 and over, the area offers California sun and more outdoor activities than you could ever hope for. Retirees will love it.
1. Arlington, Virginia
- Retirement Account Income: $65,844
- Social Security Income: $24,296
- Total Retirement Income: $90,140
Arlington, Virginia, ranks number one for both Retirement Account Income and Total Retirement Income, solidifying its position as a fantastic location to enjoy retirement.
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