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Americans approaching retirement age might prioritize happiness when looking for a new home—but safety is also high on the list.
Kathryn Ellen Barrett of Ridgeland, MS, tells Realtor.com® that she is on the brink of retirement and is starting to think about relocating.
“When searching for a place to live, safety is at the top of my list,” says Barrett, who is 62 and single. “My life involves a great deal of outdoor activities such as jogging and walking my dog—and it’s of vital importance that I be safe and secure.”
Barrett keeps an eye on the local news for crime updates and always takes safety precautions.
Yet, she wants to reside in an area where she won’t be fearful to go shopping alone or run errands at night.
Take your safe space to the next level
Even if you live in a safe city, there are steps you can take to improve your safety.
According to security expert Erik G. Schneider, of Richmond, VA, retirees should “look for properties with good lighting, security systems, cameras, gated access, or on-site security personnel.”
Once you move in, Schneider recommends installing home security systems, motion-sensor lights, video doorbells, and high-quality locks on doors and windows to add a layer of safety.
Safest spots for boomers to retire in
Barrett and other retirees with similar safety concerns should explore U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Safest Places To Live in the U.S.
The rankings were based on crime rates, using 2022 data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports.
Here are the 10 safest cities in America—all of which have a lower crime rate than similarly sized metro areas:
1. Augusta, GA
Median home price: $199,500
USNWR crime index: 9.5/10 (with 10 being best and 1 being worst)
Violent crime rate: 54.2/100,000
Property crime rate: 322.5/100,000
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2. Montgomery, AL
Median home price: $199,900
USNWR crime index: 9.5/10
Violent crime rate: 62/100,000
Property crime rate: 196.3/100,000
3. South Bend, IN
Median home price: $194,900
USNWR crime index: 9.5/10
Violent crime rate: 66.9/100,000
Property crime rate: 151.2/100,000
4. Pensacola, FL
Median home price: $308,000
USNWR crime index: 9.4/10
Violent crime rate: 50.9/100,000
Property crime rate: 324.5/100,000
5. Port St. Lucie, FL
Median home price: $439,900
USNWR crime index: 9.2/10
Violent crime rate: 116.7/100,000
Property crime rate: 761.6/100,000
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6. San Juan, PR
Median home price: $795,000
USNWR crime index: 9.2/10
Violent crime rate: 17.8/100,000
Property crime rate: 314.4/100,000
7. Des Moines, IA
Median home price: $235,000
USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
Violent crime rate: 121.6/100,000
Property crime rate: 1198.7/100,000
8. Jackson, MS
Median home price: $119,999
USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
Violent crime rate: 136.1/100,000
Property crime rate: 1091.5/100,000
9. Melbourne, FL
Median home price: $410,000
USNWR crime index: 9.1/10
Violent crime rate: 189.4/100,000
Property crime rate: 970.3/100,000
10. Lakeland, FL
Median home price: $343,010
USNWR crime index: 9/10
Violent crime rate: 262.3/100,000
Property crime rate: 725.8/100,000
Realtor.com