If you’re a retiree looking for a warm destination with low taxes and access to amenities, you may find it challenging to find the perfect location if you’re a liberal. Many of the top retirement destinations tend to be in red states. However, don’t worry, as there are still plenty of great options for Democrats looking for a medium-sized city with a low cost of living and a progressive political vibe.
This article has compiled a list of the top ten cities for liberals to retire. These cities have a population of over 50,000 residents and offer a range of amenities and services to make your golden years comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for great weather, cultural attractions, or a thriving arts scene, we’ve got you covered.
These cities offer a mix of progressive politics, cultural amenities, and natural beauty. There’s something for every liberal retiree.
Carlsbad, CA
As a liberal retiree, Carlsbad, CA, is an ideal place for you to settle down. This city, located just outside of San Diego, boasts a population of around 115,000 residents. Being in Southern California, the majority of Carlsbad residents tend to be liberal, with 8.6% more registered Democrats than Republicans in San Diego County.
Carlsbad offers a beautiful coastal paradise with sandy beaches and amazing weather year-round. It’s no wonder that it often tops the list of best places to retire in the US. In addition to natural beauty, the city also provides outdoor amenities and excellent access to healthcare.
While the cost of living in Carlsbad is higher than the national average, it is a great choice for liberal retirees with a higher budget.
Denver, CO
If you are a liberal retiree seeking a healthy lifestyle, breathtaking scenery, and excellent healthcare, Denver, Colorado, might be the perfect place for you. Despite conservative pockets in the state, Denver is a liberal stronghold, with 79.6% of residents voting Democrat in the last presidential election. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, Colorado has lower taxes, including a flat tax on social security income, which can be advantageous for retirees.
Asheville, NC
If you’re a liberal looking for a place to retire, Asheville, NC, might be just the place for you. With its stunning mountain views, charming historic architecture, and affordable cost of living, this medium-sized town in Buncombe County could be the perfect spot to settle down. Although it’s located in a red state, Asheville has a thriving community of artists who tend to be more liberal. In fact, nearly 60% of Buncombe County residents voted Democrat in the last election. Plus, the cost of living is right in line with the national average, making it an attractive option for retirees.
Augusta, GA
If you’re a liberal looking to retire, Augusta, GA, is a great option to consider. The city, located in southern Georgia, has a population of around 200,000 and is known for its affordable housing and healthcare. In fact, Augusta often tops the list of best places to retire in the state, with a cost of living that is 15% lower than the national average. Additionally, there is no state income tax on social security, making it even more appealing for retirees. Despite being located in the deep south, Augusta is known for its liberal views, with 67.9% of residents voting Democrat in the last presidential election.
Des Moines, IA
If you’re a liberal retiree looking for an affordable and high-quality place to retire, Des Moines is a great option. Consumer Affairs ranked it as the fourth best city in the US for retirees based on factors such as affordability, quality of life, climate, and access to green space. With a population of 212,031, 13% of residents are 65 or older. Des Moines features top healthcare facilities, outdoor recreation, and a cost of living that is 7% lower than the national average. Although political leanings are mixed, the city is relatively liberal, with 56.5% of residents voting Democrat in the last election.
Albuquerque, NM
If you’re a liberal looking to retire, Albuquerque is a great option. With its central location and affordable housing, the city has a population of over 560,000 residents, making it the largest in New Mexico. The temperature tends to be milder than neighboring states like Texas and Arizona, and it boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year. While taxes are relatively high, the median home price is only $320,000. Additionally, the city is very liberal, with 61% of residents voting Democrat in the last election.
Pittsburgh, PA
If you’re a liberal retiree seeking gorgeous mountain views and easy access to amenities, Pittsburgh may be the perfect destination for you. With a population of just over 300,000, Pittsburgh boasts a 16% senior population and is ranked by Forbes as one of the best places in the country to retire. This is due to the city’s abundance of doctors, lack of state income tax on social security, and median home prices that are 42% lower than the national average. Despite Pennsylvania being a swing state, 59.4% of Pittsburgh residents voted Democrat in the last election.
Charleston, SC
If you’re a liberal retiree, Charleston, South Carolina, might be the perfect place for you. It’s considered one of the best places for aging residents, thanks to its affordability, amenities, and quality of life. With a population of 151,612, Charleston is home to beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and a bustling downtown full of shops and antique stores. Despite South Carolina’s conservative reputation, Charleston tends to be more liberal, with 55.5% of residents voting Democrat in the last election. Additionally, the cost of living in Charleston is 2% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget.
Green Bay, WI
If you are a liberal looking for a great place to retire, Green Bay, WI may be the perfect spot for you. With a population of just over 100,000 residents, 15% of whom are 65 and up, Green Bay consistently ranks among the best places in the country for quality of life. This is due in part to factors such as low crime rates, walkability, air quality, and the general happiness of residents.
In addition to its high quality of life, Green Bay is also affordable, with a cost of living that is 10% lower than the national average. The median home price in Green Bay is $235,000, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget.
While the city is fairly evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, it currently has a Democratic mayor, and the state of Wisconsin tends to lean liberal. Overall, Green Bay offers a great combination of affordability, quality of life, and liberal-leaning politics, making it an ideal retirement destination for many.
Portland, ME
If you are a liberal retiree seeking a smaller city with a high quality of life, Portland, ME, may be the perfect destination for you. With a population of around 68,000 residents, Portland offers retirees excellent healthcare options, historic architecture, and beautiful coastal views. The median home price is $515,000, which is reasonable considering the city’s high quality of life. In addition to its natural beauty, Portland also offers entertainment options and a large population of liberals, with 66.5% of residents voting Democrat in the last election.
