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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Covering the best way to enjoy your retirement is critical info.
The good news is that 24/7 Wall St. is full of articles discussing 401Ks, stocks, dividends, and smart investing. This makes this website a terrific place to wander around and find articles to help set you on the right path to creating your retirement nest egg. While you should always talk to a financial advisor, reading online can show you where to start with your money.
20. Bend, Oregon
Living in Bend is expensive, but it is worth paying for incredible outdoor living.
- 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
There is real outdoor beauty in living near the Santa Rosa mountains.
- 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
Not only does San Mateo have beautiful views, but also excellent shopping.
- 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
Life in Springfield is relaxed and feels very different than urban life.
- 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
Roseville is growing in popularity as a retirement destination for all the right reasons.
- 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
You can’t go wrong with all of the sunshine in Torrance.
- 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
Living in Columbia, Maryland offers you a quiet life that’s still close to big cities.
- 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
There are many reasons why Miramar, Florida, is growing more popular with retirees.
- 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
Life in Irvine, California, feels very relaxed with all the available sunshine.
- 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
Thousand Oaks is yet another place in California where the sun seemingly shines all year long.
- 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
Naperville is arguably the best city in Illinois for retirees.
- 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
For those who don’t mind the cold, Anchorage is very quiet and away from the world.
- 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
Carlsbad, California, is another city that takes full advantage of the great weather.
- 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
Highlands Ranch offers you plenty of outdoor activities and year-round things to do.
- 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
Life in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is perfect for those who love the New England lifestyle.
- 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
There’s nowhere better to be in Alexandria than “Old Town.”
- 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
The Woodlands, Texas, has many great activities and no state income tax.
- 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
Washington, D.C., is full of life as the capital of the United States.
- 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
Living in Berkeley gives you a laundry list of things you do every day.
- 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
Arlington, Virginia, ranks right at the top as one of the best cities for retirees.
- 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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