ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor was ranked one of the best cities to retire in America by U.S. News & World Report.
The media company released its 2021-2022 Best Places to Retire list on Tuesday and Ann Arbor snagged the No. 9 spot.
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Tree Town fell two spots from last year’s ranking, when it placed seventh.
Read: U.S. News & World Report: Ann Arbor best place to live in Michigan
Here are the top ten best cities to retire right now, according to U.S. News:
- Sarasota, Florida
- Naples, Florida
- Daytona Beach, Florida
- Melbourne, Florida
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Tampa, Florida
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Pensacola, Florida
Ann Arbor and Lancaster, Pennsylvania were the only cities not located in Florida -- and considerably further north -- to make the top ten. According to U.S. News editors, this likely has to do with the fact that most people stayed inside during the pandemic and dreamed about a Florida beach retirement.
However, Ann Arbor has lots going for it -- though you don’t have to tell us that.
“Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts,” reads U.S. News’ website. “It is at once rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech, counterculture and high society. It is best known as the home of the University of Michigan, and locals here enjoy all the trappings of a stereotypical Midwestern college town: a charming, historic main street lined with bookstores, gift shops and taverns; a healthy mix of longtime residents and shorter-term passers-through; and plentiful cultural destinations and events.
“At the same time, its proximity to reenergized Detroit, fast-growing startup scene, international community, spirit of inclusivity and high walkability give ‘Tree Town’ a feel not unlike that of a much larger city. Aside from the university, excellent public schools, an increasingly diverse job market, a robust public parks system and low crime rates make Ann Arbor an attractive place to live for locals of all ages.”
For the list, U.S. News & World Report evaluated the 150 most populous metropolitan areas across the country based on factors like health care, housing affordability and overall happiness.
For more information on how U.S. News determines its rankings and to see the full list, click here.