Lehigh Valley represented in new list from U.S. News of best places to retire

A new ranking revealed the best places to retire in the U.S. and Pennslyvania shows up multiple times in the top 10.

U.S. News & World Report, a leader in rankings, ranked the 2022-2023 Best Places to Retire, based on desirability, healthcare, housing affordability, and overall happiness. The leader in rankings evaluated data from the 150 most populous metropolitan areas within the country. Hence, four new places made it into the top five, and Pennslyvania shows up multiple times in the top 10.

In fact, the state has five cities in the top 10. Reading ranks at no. 10 and Allentown at no. 9. The rest of the cities show up in the top three. York ranks in at no. 5, jumping 12 positions from the last list. Harrisburg now ranks no. 2, rising 11 positions.

“The drastic shift in the housing market, high inflation and concerns of a pending recession have retirees weighing housing affordability more heavily when considering where to retire,” said Emily Brandon, U.S. News senior editor for retirement, in a statement. “Additionally, with COVID still a concern and access to good, affordable health care being of importance to retirees, Pennsylvania dominated the Best Places to Retire ranking’s top positions, taking five of the top 10 spots on the list.”

Lancaster comes at the top spot, rising four positions. The city scored high health care for seniors, retiree tax rates and overall happiness of its residents, according to the press release. Housing affordability is considered the top factor this year.

Below are the top 10 places. Florida also remains a top state for retirement, showing in the top 10 four times.

1. Lancaster, PA

2. Harrisburg, PA

3. Pensacola, FL

4. Tampa, FL

5. York, PA

6. Naples, FL

7. Daytona Beach, FL

8. Ann Arbor, MI

9. Allentown, PA

10. Reading, PA

Check out the ranking here.

Source: Deron Dalton, LehighValleyLive