Where is the Best Affordable Place to Retire in the U.S? It’s in Michigan!

If you are thinking of retirement or close to it, you may also be thinking of where you would like to retire. You would like a great place to live with lots of things to do, scenic, friendly, and most of all affordable.

The website Realtor.com put this question to the test and came out with their top-10 list of the best and most affordable places to retire in the U.S. Guess what? number one on the list turns out to be in Northern Michigan, Traverse City!

Now, you would think you would love to be in Northern Michigan in the Spring, Summer and Fall, but Winter? Even that thinking still made Traverse City as the number one spot. And part of the reason is affordability.

LELAND FISH TOWN

Realtor.com says of course many people want warmth, sunshine, etc., and will always look at Florida, or California, Arizona, and more. But those places are getting priced out of the market, sky high. So, when you net everything down, adding in the arts, amenities, access to quality health care, ease of travel, activities, a stunningly beautiful setting, AND affordability, Traverse City wins!

TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL

Traverse City's median home list price came in at $390,000, and when you compare that to the other potential retirement communities, that's a steal.

If you had unlimited funds you might pick some gorgeous tropical, sunny place with lots to do.

TRAVERSE CITY WINE VINEYARDS

But Realtor.com says Traverse City has near perfect weather from at least June through October and is a great place for an active retirement with so much to offer, not to mention all the vineyards and wines, and food. It has become a true "foodie" destination.

Sure, winters can be tough, and many people do become snowbirds, but even in Wintertime, Michigan and Traverse City, can be beautiful and something to enjoy in retirement.