Pearl City Ranks First for Retirees

Pearl City ranks No. 1, followed by Honolulu at No. 2.

Despite Florida’s popularity as a retirement haven, the first Florida town on the list comes in at 17th place. WalletHub ranked the quality of life in 182 highly populated cities according to several factors, including the share of the population over 65, weather, violent crime rate, the availability of activities for seniors, and walkability. The personal finance site analyzed data from various sources, including the Tax Foundation, the Council for Community and Economic Research, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Quality of life metrics focus on aspects like the share of elderly residents, poverty rates among seniors, community support and environmental conditions,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says. “Together, these metrics help identify cities that offer a supportive, enriching environment for retirees.”

Here are the top 10 cities in the U.S. for the highest quality of life in retirement, according to WalletHub:

1. Pearl City, Hawaii
2.

Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Scottsdale, Arizona
4. Columbia, Maryland
5.

Fremont, California
6. Glendale, California
7. Madison, Wisconsin
8.

pearl City’s top retirement allure

San Jose, California
9. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

Pearl City is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, about 11 miles from downtown Honolulu.

It has a population around 45,000, with a little over a quarter of residents over the age of 65, according to the latest available data. Retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors can take advantage of Pearl City’s warm weather year-round, as temperatures typically fluctuate between the low 70s and low 80s. The state offers an abundance of natural beauty, including white sand beaches and crystal-clear water.

However, the weather is also a potential downside, as the islands are susceptible to natural disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes. Another downside is the high cost of living. Homes in Pearl City list for a median price of $795,000 and sell for a median of $1.1 million.

Renters don’t fare much better, with the median rent for a one-bedroom dwelling at $1,856 per month. For retirees who can manage the costs, Pearl City offers a sizable community of peers their own age. It tied with Scottsdale, Arizona, for the highest percentage of residents over the age of 65, per WalletHub’s analysis.

While lists like these can be a helpful starting point when deciding where to retire, it’s ultimately up to you to figure out which features are most important. You may prioritize being close to your family and having easy access to medical facilities, while someone else may prefer a lower cost of living. Many retirement experts recommend visiting your potential retirement destinations at different times of the year.

This allows you to get a sense of what the town is like during various seasons, familiarize yourself with the local community, and begin to understand what it may be like to live there long-term.