Dan Seiffert SVP, Accounting | realtors.com
AARP has recently released a ranking of the top 100 American cities for older adults, focusing on those aged 50 and above. The organization evaluated each city based on seven criteria: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity.
Rodney Harrell, AARP's vice president of family, home, and community stated in the report: “This list incorporates the needs of older adults into the concept of what makes a good community.”
The rankings were divided into four groups according to population size. Among cities with populations exceeding 500,000, San Francisco was ranked first for the fifth consecutive time. The city was recognized for its healthcare access, safe transportation options, and opportunities for social engagement.
However, San Francisco faces significant challenges. "We love to celebrate communities that are doing well," Harrell said. "But we also can’t forget that every place has challenges that they should address." San Francisco's ongoing issues include homelessness and housing affordability.
Hannah Jones from Realtor.com® noted: “It ranked as the third least affordable metro among the 50 largest U.S. metros.” She explained that only San Jose and Los Angeles were less affordable than San Francisco in September.
With a median list price of $1,195,000 in September and a median price per square foot of $955, purchasing a home in San Francisco is costly. Assuming a 20% down payment on such a property would result in mortgage payments around $5,000 monthly—more than double the national average.
“This eye-wateringly high mortgage payment would require a minimum annual income of $200,000 to remain within the 30% rule of thumb,” Jones added. Renting remains more feasible with median rents at $2,800.
Other large cities included in AARP's top ten list for those over 50 are Ramsey (MN), Hudson County (NJ), Dane (WI), New York City (NY), Montgomery County (MD), Boston (MA), Seattle (WA), Fairfax (VA), and Hennepin County (MN).
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