Casper, Wyoming, has been named among the most affordable places for Americans to spend their later years.
While Florida may be the preferred retirement destination for seniors who enjoy warm weather and beach escapes, others enjoy snow-capped mountains or fishing trips.
The charming Western town offers just that – and is a good option for those prioritizing affordability in retirement.
That is according to WalletHub’s latest ranking of the best places to retire.
The study ranked 180 US cities across 45 metrics to determine which were the most friendly to retirees, and where they could plan an affordable retirement while maintaining the best quality of life.
Casper, Wyoming, has been named among the most affordable places for Americans to spend their later years
WalletHub considered factors including the cost of living, the weather, the quality of healthcare, and the number of museums a city has to offer or nearby places to fish.
Casper landed in ninth place overall, which was the second highest among Western cities on the list.
It was beaten only by Scottsdale, Arizona, which came in sixth place.
Casper ranked the third best out of all 180 cities for affordability – which took into account factors including the cost of living, tax friendliness, the cost of in-home services, and the cost of adult health care.
Wyoming has some of the lowest taxes in the country, and one of the lowest personal tax burdens per capita, which is a benefit for retirees on a fixed income.
The Equality State does not have an individual income tax – which lets seniors keep more of their earnings – and it does not impose an estate tax or an inheritance tax.
Casper has a population of around 59,000, according to the Census Bureau, approximately 16 percent of whom are aged 65 and over.
The cost of living in the Western city is lower than the national average, as is the price of the average home.
According to Zillow, a typical property in the city costs $290,928 – compared to the national average of $359,892.
Casper residents also have access to quality healthcare thanks to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, which is the largest hospital in the state.
But Casper’s main draw is its potential for outdoor activities.
Casper has a population of around 59,000, according to the Census Bureau, approximately 16 percent of whom are aged 65 and over
Casper ranked the third best out of all 180 cities for affordability – which took into account factors including the cost of living, tax friendliness, the cost of in-home services, and the cost of adult health care
Wyoming has some of the lowest taxes in the country, and one of the lowest personal tax burdens per capita (Pictured: Wyoming State Capitol)
According to Zillow, a typical property in Casper costs $290,928 – compared to the national average of $359,892
The city is dotted with beautiful parks on both banks of the North Platte River and surrounded by stunning landscapes, Travel + Leisure reported.
Casper Mountain is intersected by over 50 miles worth of trails, which keep residents active, and locals can also enjoy camping and archery.
Hogadon Ski Area, located a short ride from downtown, is a family-friendly resort with multiple trails and a lodge where skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can practice their favorite winter sports, the outlet said.
Also in the top ten places to retire, according to WalletHub, are Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg in Florida.
Cincinnati, Ohio, also made the top ten – alongside Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Much like Casper, Minneapolis is among the coldest cities in the US, with particularly harsh winters.
But Minneapolis experiences all seasons, and summers in the city are not excessively hot, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F.
The city’s friendly environment, high-quality hospital system, beautiful surroundings and strong cultural scene meant it landed in third place in the ranking.
