The Top 10 List Of best U.S. Cities For Retirement In 2014: Springfield, MO Tops

Springfield, Missouri, has ranked No. 1 on 2014 list of best cities in the United States for retirement, according to a new study by Livability analysts that ranks Knoxville, Tennessee at No. 2. Where do you think is the best place for Americans to retire?

How did Springfield, the 3rd largest city in the state of Missouri become a new potential Mecca for retirees? 

What makes Springfield, MO so special?

Ranked behind Knoxville, TN, are Bellevue, Washington, Largo, Fla., and fifth-ranked Wheat Ridge, Colo. Following Honolulu in sixth place is Albuquerque, N.M., Tucson, Ariz., Missoula, Mont., and at No. 10, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The study focused on health care, cost of living, recreational amenities, crime, walkability, taxes, age diversity, and social or emotional support services.

Here is a new list of 10 top U.S. cities for retirement:

1. Springfield, Missouri

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 7% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 14.5%
Sales tax: 7.6%

2. Knoxville, Tennessee

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 2% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 12.6%
Sales tax: 9.25%

3. Bellevue, Washington

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 20% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 13.9%
Sales tax: 9.5%

4. Largo, FL

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 12% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 26%
Sales tax: 7%

5. Wheat Ridge, CO

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 10% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 18.6%
Sales tax: 7.5%

6. Honolulu, HI

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 36% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 15.1%
Sales tax: 4.5%

7. Albuquerque, NM

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 6% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 12.1%
Sales tax: 7%

8. Tucson, AZ

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 5% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 11.9%
Sales tax: 8.1%

9. Missoula, MT

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 4% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 10.7%
Sales tax: 0%

10. Coeur d’Alene, ID

KEY Highlights:
Cost of living: 2% above the national average
Population 65 & over: 14.6%
Sales tax: 6%