‘One of the best decisions we’ve made’: 6 reasons city life is underrated in early retirement — even in ultra-expensive San Francisco

The two retired in San Francisco three years ago and thought they would "move after a few years to the Midwest" to save money and live near family.

Instead, like many retirees, they're discovering the benefits of retiring in a major urban center. As Karen writes, "Each new month here leaves us more sure that this is the place for us to be during what some retirees call the 'go-go years.'"

As the U.S. population ages, so do its cities. Cornell research indicates that many cities have improved their ability to support aging in place, with advancements in areas like transportation and opportunities for civic engagement (2).

That doesn't mean the biggest cities are seeing an influx of retirees. In fact, many large cities are experiencing net outflows. But even expensive cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which saw large numbers of retirees leave in 2023, still attracted some new retirees (3). And some relatively large cities — such as Mesa, Ariz., Minneapolis, and Oklahoma City — saw net increases of thousands of retirees.

The pros and cons of urban retirement

One reason retirees leave cities is the higher cost of living, along with congestion and traffic, which can make enjoying retirement more difficult. In San Francisco, high restaurant prices and taxes are particularly challenging, Steve writes in WSJ.

This has long made suburbs and low-cost regions attractive for retirement. San Francisco is now one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S., potentially putting it out of reach for retirees on a modest budget. Fortunately for the these two, they've owned their home for decades.

Still, demographic trends show that more older adults are reconsidering cities, especially those who want to stay active and maintain their independence.

Living in a city comes with plenty of upside, too. For instance, health care is typically more accessible, with more hospitals, better quality care and a greater range of specialists. There are also more options for where to live, such as condos, apartments, townhouses, and retirement residences — often in walkable neighborhoods.

Urban planners promote the concept of a "15-minute city," where most daily needs — such as food, housing, health care, culture, and work — are reachable within 15 minutes by walking, biking, or public transit, which aligns with what retirees often seek.

The Kreider Yoders, for example, live within four blocks of grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and parks. And they're a short bike ride from their church, a hospital, a beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Cities also provide more transportation options, including subways, ride-shares, and bike lanes, which benefit people who no longer drive or have mobility limitations. In rural areas, residents often rely on a car, limiting mobility.

For frequent travelers, proximity to a major international airport is an added benefit. The Kreider Yoders can reach San Francisco International Airport from their front door in as little as 30 minutes.

Culture, community and giving back

Cities also offer more cultural, entertainment, and recreational options such as theatre, concerts, museums, and galleries. Karen notes that, as retirees, they can enjoy these amenities when they're less crowded and are rediscovering a city they were too busy to fully enjoy when they were working.