Retired RN here, retired in 2018 with $1800/ month SS check, very little in savings. I'm currently staying with family as I'm struggling to find anything affordable. I've looked into multiple possibilities but would be lucky to find something for $700/month..plus the neighborhoods in that price range are pretty sketchy, and there are waiting lists, I remember a patient I cared for years ago telling me that she lived in her van. I was shocked at the time but now I understand how that could happen..
Get on a waiting list for low income senior housing. Small towns often have short waiting times, but cities have years long lists. In SE Iowa, there are almost always a few open units in the small towns.
I'm getting 1600 a month and I'm in Ok at an RV Park on Grand lake where I bought a used travel trailer set up for full time living and rent is 300 and I'm on the lake. You can find something that will work for your $ and will make you happy. Don't give up 🙂
Greetings from Muncie, IN. Thanks for pointing out what a nice place it is to live: lots of local amenities, nice people, low cost of living, low rat race, convenient university and health care, parks and trails, a variety of cuisines, easy access to Indianapolis, lovely surrounding farmland, and four-season beauty in flowering trees, herons and bald eagles at Prairie Creek Reservoir, fall color, and snow along the White River. I've been fortunate to travel to many places domestically and abroad, but always am happy to come home.
I lived in Elkhart County for about 4 years. I can say Indiana was a pleasant place -- coming from NoMinn. The NoIN people could be flinty, but the further south, the more relaxed things get. In NoIN there are Amish and Mennonites. Any around Muncie?
I moved here to Muncie Indiana (your number 1 location) 3 years ago and love it here. Paid $40,000 for my house and spent $20,000 to update it. It's a beautiful city and as for crime I haven't seen any. I leave my doors open for fresh air in spring and fall. I live near a park and see police presence throughout the day and night. But haven't seen anything to be concerned about.
Many relatives in Green Bay,Wisconsin. All are obese or overweight due to too much beer, Polish sausages and cheese. Taxes too high for Seniors as is the snow.
I grew up in Appleton, WI until graduating from high school. In my 20-30s, I have worked and lived across the USA (from CA across to MD) and have visited 42 of the 50 states for work and leisure. In my 40s now, guess where I live, yup, Appleton, WI. Nothing beats home sweet home.
Appleton is supposed to be a really nice place. I went up to Green Bay couple times one of my girlfriends up there so that she loved it. There might be a good place for me to go to.
Since American population is growing in general lots of cities/towns will “blow up”. Out if all places mentioned in the video only Appleton really caught my attention. I am far from retiring myself, but as a primary care doctor I like retirees. Would love to check out Appleton.
My wife and I loved Sioux Falls when we were there 30 years ago. We went again prior to COVID and were simply charmed. We would move there if it wasn't so damn cold. And this is coming from someone who is from both Redondo Beach, Calif., and West Des Moines, Iowa. Ankeny used to be a small town of about 3,000. Of course, this was was 50 years ago. It's nice.
If you've lived in Des Moines the Sioux Falls winter weather wouldn't be much different than what you've experienced. What Briggs didn't mention about Sioux Falls was top-notch health care and abundant recreational activities. I'm going out this morning for a 22 mile bicycle ride on the Bike path that follows the river around the city. 22 miles and I'll never have to cross a road or share the path with a vehicle. Yesterday I played golf at one of the city owned golf courses, on which I can play unlimited golf on Monday through Friday for under 700 dollars per year. Brandon is a solid choice as well, but Briggs should amend his spiel about Brandon to say that the "best thing about Brandon is . . . Sioux Falls". My $.02. It is windier than most places, and winter can be quite cold during cold snaps. Also not mentioned, no state income tax.
I live 30 minutes west of Appleton. I live on SS only and it is very affordable. We have a local hospital and healthcare, active arts community, good shopping, active senior center, taxi service, and friendly people. I feel fortunate.
Briggs, some of us are so disturbed from many negative life events that we cannot heal from the stupid loneliness! Many of your productions are geared toward couples! God, I wish I could find a companion in life!😭😭😭😭
@@GypsySoulTheOG yes it is. My son and family lives in CO and I know they help supplement their teachers poor pay by gifting them things or gift cards when needed.
I will always need to be where there is snow and cold! Not everyone hates winter. 😊 And before anyone says “Wait until you’re older”…I am no spring chicken. Not even close.
@@archibaldy1929👋 Hi neighbor! I went over to Taylor's Falls last Friday but I waited a little too long and it wasn't quite the most beautiful colors as many were already fallen.... Still, a beautiful day outside by the river and plenty of colors on the way and back! 😁
West Bend, Wisconsin. Family member moved there with spouse and sent some charming lake and park photos with a variety of cute little wild animals and exotic-looking insects for those who don't mind bugs. The couple has a well kept-up 2-bedroom for $950 a month. They are young, but the town sounds nice for retirees as well.
Been in SD is quite nice. Spent some time here. When you sort out the weather and we have young people who want to work, snow stops as an issue. The same crew will cover your lawn. Additionally, they are polite because it's the culture. Maybe not always nice but always polite.
Thank you for rental info! We really appreciate that! It's best to rent in an area for a bit before buying so you don't accidentally end up in a bad area. 👍
@@MajesticMe429 Right and some places are higher than others. Saying everywhere has crime and that rates don't matter is like saying Syria is just as safe as the US.
@@MajesticMe429 I'm not trolling. Excusing all places as having crime and are equal is top level trolling. I'm stating the obvious. Certain areas are higher crime than others. TN is one of the highest crime states in the country. It's a fact.
I'm doing the same in a few years in your neck of the woods...Northeast Indiana. Amish country with tons of lakes. I already have my house on the lake. I just need to get my youngest out of High School!
@@irmakalember9403 I'm from the deep south and I love it. Wildlife (I ain't talking about N.O. LA..lol), fishing, hunting, waterways and bayous, and birds, pelicans, grey and white, eagles, hawks, bears, gators...well, you get the idea. I was raised in the Midwest though, Illinois, and I loved it as well. Plenty of outdoor things to do, like here, except I loved the winters too. Challenging but fun. Couldn't wait for a blizzard to go wandering across the prairie in snowshoes, or sliding across the frozen lake in my VW bug..yeah I know, dumb..lol. I made some good friends in IL.
Every time I've passed through Nebraska, I've been so impressed with the cleanliness, friendly people, and natural beauty. I'd retire there if I didn't mind the cold.
Nebraska HAS some of the FRIENDLIEST People we have EVER MET!! It DOES get cold at night. NO Social Security State Tax now in Nebraska SO THAT IS GREAT, for those retiring there. Our family member rents A BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW 2 bedroom Apt. for $900.00 a month. YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT! Her parents bought a 3 bedroom 1 bath home there in 2021 for $59,900. CUTE HOME WITH A HUGE YARD!! You CAN'T BEAT THAT!!
Great video! Now could you do one on the best cities in the Pacific northwest for those of us on social security? I'm a Pacific NW man, born and raised. Let's draw a line through San Francisco to Sacramento. Everything north of that line ending at the Canadian border. That would be nice...... 😊👍
I grew up in Gardner (when it was under 2000 people), and The Outhouse is my favorite place I’ve seen music, and the drag strip (if it’s still active), was my favorite track to go to. Lawrence is the awesome part of the state 😁🤘🏻
As an Iowa resident, hearing people confuse Iowa for Ohio is eye-rolling and annoying. It does remind me of Heywood Banks' song "Ohio-Iowa-Idaho-Hawaii Highway"
Interesting what you say about Worthington, OH. I lived in Columbus 30 years ago and Worthington was an area where rich people lived. Another thought, I never thought of the Midwest going as far as S. Dakota, that seems like ‘The West’.
We were from the Chicago area and retired to south central Illinois in Mattoon. The winters are much milder down here, we have not shoveled snow in eight years. It has a nice hospital and lots of amenities. With 20K people there is enough stuff like shopping but it's spread out so is not crowded. There is a large lake nearby plus two smaller ones, lots of free activities always, many nice parks and a huge community pool. Lots of nice groceries for reasonable prices. It is next to an Amish community of 6000 and we buy fresh meat, fruit and vegetables and bulk grains from them. You can buy a nice house for less than 200K although the market is a lot tighter than when we moved here eight years ago. We live very comfortably below our means in a nice , 4 bedroom stone ranch house in a safe and quiet neighborhood. I'm glad we moved here.
Hey Briggs, you included rents, thank you! Now I’d love to know if an annual income of less than $40,000 between retirement and social security gets you anything in this country. I really enjoy your videos btw. 🦋
@12:27: A trivial detail: Merrill WS point of interest is the "three arch stone bridge" (not the three stone...) Great run-down of decent places for retirees on a budget.
I wonder what the viability of being in your 60s and utilizing loans and grants to study and live... Like a college student but 40 years late. And if you die before you pay off the loans, meh... Whatevs right? Ammiright?
Appleton’ WI I live here ! It’s awesome you have a fine arts a college good senior center nice parks and lovely neighborhoods. Unfortunately that 1200 is now for one bedroom and 350000 is about average for a home although if you can beat out 30 or so bids you might find a house at the price you quoted
I live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota we have a small house. The taxes are 2700 a year for a 900 sq foot home 2 bedroom. 1957 built. Our food is taxed, and we really need to address the homeless people. There's a lot of homeless people.
As a kid in the early 1960s my family was stationed at Westover AFB SAC, I loved those western Massachusetts woods, ponds, lakes, rivers, the people, the food, so, it's still among a dream I can't shake to move back there.
@@cinccave5459 I won’t lie I used to Kitesurf quite a bit. If I retired in Hawaii I’d be doing that again. Looks like an amazing place to retire especially being nice and warm. I was thinking maybe Bernuda or Lord Howe island off the coast of Australia… or Norfolk Island.
As a near life-long resident of Indiana, I just about fell out of my chair when Muncie popped up - and at #1 no less! Can't honestly say that I've spent time there but, as you noted, it does have something of a reputation.
There have been so many shootings there. When we were looking at houses to buy around Indianapolis, our realtor steered us away from Muncie and Anderson because of crime. Indianapolis is almost as bad as Chicago! We ended up buying in a safer small town
Appleton WI is a great place but the surrounding small towns are cheaper and the entire area is great for kids and retires. There are multiple small towns and all have activities for families. The entire Fox valley area is nice. There are even many rural homes to buy or rent in the area. The Chippewa valley is also nice on the west side of Wisconsin. Rice Lake is nice if you want lake side property.
I moved away from Ankeny, Iowa because it did not seem very senior friendly to me. There are a lot of younger people living there in the areas that you highlighted are more likely to be used by young folks then older folks. If you want a place in the Des Moines Metro area, moved to Urbandale. They have an amazing senior center, and a very active one at that.
Ankeny, Iowa is a Des Moines suburb, and it's expensive compared to other Iowa cities of the same size such as Mason City, Marshalltown, Carroll or Fort Dodge.
Hi, I'm on SSDI and I worked all my life (I'm 62) and I only get $1478. a month. Your figures are way off for Disabled Seniors. Please show us places where we can realistically afford to live thank you.
During the wintertime I love living in cities, I find hanging around a rural area when it's wintertime to be too dangerous. Though of course people who are very reliant on social security can't afford to live in big cities.
I would choose Michigan as a cold weather state to retire. You get all four seasons you get the awesome beach towns like New Buffalo Manistee Holland all the natural beauty on the inner western and the UP of Michigan and legal pot lol
@@diodelvino3048an inside joke liberals like to make abut the governor killing a dog that was hurting/killing other animals in the area. These people have never lived in the country side.
I'm actually considering retiring back to New York State. I'm currently in northern Virginia. Reasons: NYS doesn't tax SS, military, police, or fire/EMS pensions and I have all four. Add the combat veteran's exemption on my real property tax and it makes it affordable. Plus, I'd be near West Point which makes military medical (TRICARE Plus, a TRICARE For Life option) a better option than MEDICARE (which I still have to pay for even if I don't use it). Note: I don't claim any military disability and don't have a campaign badge so VA health care isn't available to me.
I'm a senior living ONLY on SS. I own my- very modest - home. Taxes & insurance as high as a 1 bedroom rental. Plus I pay ALL my utilities. Which go up every year. ANY/ALL maintenance & repairs are MY responsibility. I have several elderly pets- they've aged along with me- I could not move them to a small apartment. They wouldn't be allowed - too many & not enough room for my cats & dog. You know apartments limit pets & charge monthly fees for EACH pet, $30 to $60 each, plus large non-refundable deposits for each pet. I struggle to survive in my home ( of over 50 years) It is hard to stay & harder to switch to a sm apartment.
I retired to Anchorage Alaska. Well since I have never lived anywhere but Anchorage that might not be fair but we have mild winters and summers and gorgeous surroundings!
@janicegilman7672 ---> You have sky high prices on food and gasoline and clothing and guns & ammo because almost everything (except salmon & halibut) has to be barged up there from Bremerton, Washington. plus wandering moose and lots of druggies. A new Car or Pick-up Truck for sale in Anchorage costs about $5,000 more than the same vehicle in the lower 48. I spent 5 years in Valdez. Left in 2012. The day that I left, gasoline was $5.00 a gallon and so was a gallon of milk. The wages are low unless you got a job with Alyeska Pipeline services.
In northeast Ohio you can rent a home in some locations for $1000 or slightly under and $700 to $1000 for two bedroom apartments with nice amenities. In my town you also get an attached garage with your apartment house.
I am not going to rush to move to Merrill WI, but it is only 25 minutes from Wausau. Wausau will have everything a person could want. Great hospital, great food, activities...
What "great" hospital ? Was working in the area and left work bc of pain health thing. Went to Marshfield clinic/hospital. The doc was stumped till I said I use to take 800mg Advil. "Oh, peptic aulcer." he said and released me. The next week found me at Apirus ER. Doc said I was looking for drugs and released me. A few months later I had my gallbladder removed in Minocqua.
Good video but just one thing- good luck finding a house for $420K in Worthington, OH. On Zillow today (fiancée and I are in the market) there are FOUR houses and TWO condos under 500K.
I'm in central Illinois. My monthly expenses with the house payment is $900. If I pay off the house just before retirement my cost drops to $700 a month. The house payment is 470 a month but all the extra is property tax and insurance (escroll). It is a 3 bedroom house with attached garage originally purchased for 36k and now could be bought/sold for 80k.
Simi-retired in Dayton Ohio. Renovating a house. Cost of living isn't bad. Crime rate is high. 135% above the national average. My neighborhood is in the historic district. In the two years I have been here the neighborhood has had some care break-ins and that is about it. We have people waking through on foot quite a bit. My house like many others here is bristling with cameras and we have dogs. Never have had any problems. People here are friendly but they can be pretty direct. I would call it a "so far so good." Definitely cheaper here than in Atlanta which is where I am from.
As far as a cold weather state. Definitely Wyoming. Less people, lots of space and beautiful areas. And they are very Veteran friendly, especially for those who are 100% Service Connected. I have considered moving back to Sheridan. Currently in okc area
Hi Im in OKC. Born here in OK. My mom moved to WY after we all grew up and moved out. Think I was around 28(55 now). She lived up there for 16 years in Lander. She loved it but moved back down here. She was a true outdoorsie person, fishing, camping, etc. She passed away a couple of yrs ago. But boy did she enjoy life up there.
I live in Columbus too and Worthington is quite pricey. With Intel and Microsoft coming to town, it's going to be crowded and a traffic nightmare. I'm looking to leave since taxes have gone up with all the "investors" buying up properties at almost double the house values.
I regularly stop in Merrill for fuel on my way up North. It's in a very beautiful area and close to Wausau that has all the amenities you need. Wausau is also a ski town with a great ski hill.
You need to check out Claremore,Oklahoma. It’s just 20 minutes northeast of Tulsa, lots of stuff to do. I’m retired and live on just Social Security. Home prices average $225.000 and that’s for a three bedroom home.
Okay, a cold weather state I'd consider. Actually cities in those states: University and capitol areas in Madison, WI; Wrigley field area near the lakeside in Chicago, IL; Downtown Minneapolis, MN. (It's got to be walkable).
As a Ball State grad and early retiree, I will give you an inside tip.....STAY on the NORTH side (BSU side) of the river. The issues with Muncie are in "town" and especially on the south side. BSU is a great little campus with about +-22000 students, good cultural opportunities, a nice hospital and amenities above it's size. I still enjoy going back to town occasionally.
My parents lived in Worthington Ohio from 1964 until around 1976. I graduated from Worthington in 1966. That town has NEVER been considered inexpensive. Plus the taxes in Ohio are high. When we moved to Florida in 1997, the savings in city and state taxes would have made a decent car payment. I’m not sure where you gather your statistics, but I think this one was off the mark.
If you think those prices are affordable you are nuts. That's way too high for most retirees and I know several that are working to meet expenses and I live in a small rural town. I can't afford those prices. God bless.
Worked all my life, but in the pink collar ghetto of women's office work. Raised two kids by myself, did it all right, had to take early retirement (62) at the beginning of Covid and now have an income of $1270/month.
Don't know where you get your figures but the average Social Security is from $1500 to$2000. I get $1,880 so you need to readjust your high figure for Social Security
Mine in Parkston a 1500 person town is a four bedroom two bathroom on a corner, mature Maple trees, three city lots , detached carriage house and a tack shed. Newly remodeled and has a large gourmet kitchen, a wonderful main floor bathroom. Two bedrooms including the Master bedroom and laundry room on the main. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a full bathroom. $235,900
Please, all of you move and retire in Phoenix and Florida…Just means it’ll be cheaper and more comfortable up here in the north. If you can’t handle a little snow and figure out how to wear a jacket then maybe you just aren’t cut out for northern living. I’m either relocating to Northern Nevada or Central Washington state when I hang it up…but I personally hate hot & sunny environments.
@@jimroscovius My relatives live there also. They have suffered injuries because ice on walkways. And spend days stuck inside. Too old and fragile to do the snowbird thing any more.
@@sethmolitoris8869 I realize that. My comment was about a pension. Those states I listed all tax a persons pension if they are lucky enough to have one. Retired IBEW member here so count me as lucky.
You don’t have to be a di@k because the man has a pension. He’s actually asking just that, he doesn’t want to double taxed so he’s asking for options. You want to be double taxed, fine but you don’t have to be an a$$
Retired and moving from Muncie. It’s not what it was when I was young and seems like about every year it gets worse. Yes one can live here cheap but there is a reason…
Interesting, but what I find lacking in your rankings are things like walkability, cultural opportunities (theater? orchestras? pro or community that one could play in? museums? farmers markets?) , and average climate temps. Sometimes, it's not JUST about the numbers!
A lot of older people with just SSI or SSDI live in affordable housing, rent a room in someone's house or apartment or live in an RV or van. It's unfortunate but prices have risen so that there aren't many options for those without some sort of other income.
Retired RN here, retired in 2018 with $1800/ month SS check, very little in savings. I'm currently staying with family as I'm struggling to find anything affordable. I've looked into multiple possibilities but would be lucky to find something for $700/month..plus the neighborhoods in that price range are pretty sketchy, and there are waiting lists, I remember a patient I cared for years ago telling me that she lived in her van. I was shocked at the time but now I understand how that could happen..
Get on a waiting list for low income senior housing. Small towns often have short waiting times, but cities have years long lists. In SE Iowa, there are almost always a few open units in the small towns.
I'm getting 1600 a month and I'm in Ok at an RV Park on Grand lake where I bought a used travel trailer set up for full time living and rent is 300 and I'm on the lake. You can find something that will work for your $ and will make you happy. Don't give up 🙂
I hear you loud and clear. And affordable usually means not only sketchy neighborhoods, but also sketchy unit conditions, maintenance, and upkeep.
Greetings from Muncie, IN. Thanks for pointing out what a nice place it is to live: lots of local amenities, nice people, low cost of living, low rat race, convenient university and health care, parks and trails, a variety of cuisines, easy access to Indianapolis, lovely surrounding farmland, and four-season beauty in flowering trees, herons and bald eagles at Prairie Creek Reservoir, fall color, and snow along the White River. I've been fortunate to travel to many places domestically and abroad, but always am happy to come home.
I lived in Elkhart County for about 4 years. I can say Indiana was a pleasant place -- coming from NoMinn. The NoIN people could be flinty, but the further south, the more relaxed things get. In NoIN there are Amish and Mennonites. Any around Muncie?
I moved here to Muncie Indiana (your number 1 location) 3 years ago and love it here. Paid $40,000 for my house and spent $20,000 to update it. It's a beautiful city and as for crime I haven't seen any. I leave my doors open for fresh air in spring and fall. I live near a park and see police presence throughout the day and night. But haven't seen anything to be concerned about.
Moved to Appleton Wisconsin 17 years ago and fell in love with the area. Planning on staying for the duration!
I want topve to
Many relatives in Green Bay,Wisconsin.
All are obese or overweight due to too much beer, Polish sausages and cheese. Taxes too high for Seniors as is the snow.
I grew up in Appleton, WI until graduating from high school. In my 20-30s, I have worked and lived across the USA (from CA across to MD) and have visited 42 of the 50 states for work and leisure. In my 40s now, guess where I live, yup, Appleton, WI. Nothing beats home sweet home.
Appleton is supposed to be a really nice place. I went up to Green Bay couple times one of my girlfriends up there so that she loved it. There might be a good place for me to go to.
Briggs r the pictures u r showing real?
Lived in Appleton pretty much my entire life, I really do think this city will blow up in the next decades. It’s a great Midwest city to live in
Since American population is growing in general lots of cities/towns will “blow up”. Out if all places mentioned in the video only Appleton really caught my attention. I am far from retiring myself, but as a primary care doctor I like retirees. Would love to check out Appleton.
@@borisgetman9222 I grew up there 21 years, I miss it and plan on moving back.
Very much agree with you
We love Appleton ❤
We used to live in Appleton and kind of wish we hadn’t moved!
My wife and I loved Sioux Falls when we were there 30 years ago. We went again prior to COVID and were simply charmed. We would move there if it wasn't so damn cold. And this is coming from someone who is from both Redondo Beach, Calif., and West Des Moines, Iowa. Ankeny used to be a small town of about 3,000. Of course, this was was 50 years ago. It's nice.
I used to live in Hermosa Beach! Taught at Gold's Gym in Redondo. Loved it there...then I became a snowhound and had to move to Tahoe.
The wind is what gets you. It’s brutal there!
So it gets cold. Big deal!! Put on a coat.
If you've lived in Des Moines the Sioux Falls winter weather wouldn't be much different than what you've experienced. What Briggs didn't mention about Sioux Falls was top-notch health care and abundant recreational activities. I'm going out this morning for a 22 mile bicycle ride on the Bike path that follows the river around the city. 22 miles and I'll never have to cross a road or share the path with a vehicle. Yesterday I played golf at one of the city owned golf courses, on which I can play unlimited golf on Monday through Friday for under 700 dollars per year. Brandon is a solid choice as well, but Briggs should amend his spiel about Brandon to say that the "best thing about Brandon is . . . Sioux Falls". My $.02. It is windier than most places, and winter can be quite cold during cold snaps. Also not mentioned, no state income tax.
And that’s why we live in Sioux Falls.
I live 30 minutes west of Appleton. I live on SS only and it is very affordable. We have a local hospital and healthcare, active arts community, good shopping, active senior center, taxi service, and friendly people. I feel fortunate.
Briggs, some of us are so disturbed from many negative life events that we cannot heal from the stupid loneliness! Many of your productions are geared toward couples! God, I wish I could find a companion in life!😭😭😭😭
Is it affordable for teachers to live? I’m a Colorado (not Denver) and earn ALOT but can’t afford to live without 2 additional part time jobs.
@@GypsySoulTheOG yes it is. My son and family lives in CO and I know they help supplement their teachers poor pay by gifting them things or gift cards when needed.
I will always need to be where there is snow and cold! Not everyone hates winter. 😊
And before anyone says “Wait until you’re older”…I am no spring chicken. Not even close.
I'm older & love the cold. Ohio is too friggin hot in the summer! I go outside in January in bare feet just to cool off. So refreshing!
LOL... You'd be happy in Minnesota then! I'm OVER it lol. (No spring chicken either at 63)
👋 from Minneapolis 😁
@@danceteachermom hi back from LaCrosse!
@@archibaldy1929👋 Hi neighbor! I went over to Taylor's Falls last Friday but I waited a little too long and it wasn't quite the most beautiful colors as many were already fallen.... Still, a beautiful day outside by the river and plenty of colors on the way and back! 😁
Briggs , please do an outdoorsman’s retirement episode. Fishing , hunting , and ranges nearby. 🙏🏻
My choice is Wisconsin. And I’m already retired and living there. 😊
@@suerisseeuw Too freezing cold n too much deep snow!!! No thx! Lol
@@marywegrzyn506Snow sounds good now. So sick of the heat & humidity in Ohio. Too much like the tropics.
🥶Cost a fortune in heat bills unless you have a wood burning stove.
@@56dhyes that's where I live...the extreme summer heat & humidity 🥵& freezing cold winters ❄️🥶
If you move from MN, do you have to cheer for the Packers?
West Bend, Wisconsin. Family member moved there with spouse and sent some charming lake and park photos with a variety of cute little wild animals and exotic-looking insects for those who don't mind bugs. The couple has a well kept-up 2-bedroom for $950 a month. They are young, but the town sounds nice for retirees as well.
Been in SD is quite nice. Spent some time here. When you sort out the weather and we have young people who want to work, snow stops as an issue. The same crew will cover your lawn. Additionally, they are polite because it's the culture. Maybe not always nice but always polite.
Cover your lawn?
@@JBoy340athey will do lawn mowing too, is what I assume was meant 😊
@@michaelj2005 Midwest nice that is
Is this english? Holy sht u need an education!
Thank you for rental info! We really appreciate that! It's best to rent in an area for a bit before buying so you don't accidentally end up in a bad area. 👍
I moved to Tennessee in 2023 & I retired.
Tennessee does have some very cold winters, but it doesn't snow as much as up north.
TN has crime that small towns in the midwest don't though.
@@cur244 every Every place has crime.
@@MajesticMe429 Right and some places are higher than others. Saying everywhere has crime and that rates don't matter is like saying Syria is just as safe as the US.
@@cur244 Whatever... Go TROLL someone else !!!!!!
@@MajesticMe429 I'm not trolling. Excusing all places as having crime and are equal is top level trolling. I'm stating the obvious. Certain areas are higher crime than others. TN is one of the highest crime states in the country. It's a fact.
I retired in SW Michigan -- my plan my entire life! And I've lived all over the US.
I'm doing the same in a few years in your neck of the woods...Northeast Indiana. Amish country with tons of lakes. I already have my house on the lake. I just need to get my youngest out of High School!
Lived in Niles my entire life and see no reason to move.
I love Midwest. 😊
@@irmakalember9403 I'm from the deep south and I love it. Wildlife (I ain't talking about N.O. LA..lol), fishing, hunting, waterways and bayous, and birds, pelicans, grey and white, eagles, hawks, bears, gators...well, you get the idea. I was raised in the Midwest though, Illinois, and I loved it as well. Plenty of outdoor things to do, like here, except I loved the winters too. Challenging but fun. Couldn't wait for a blizzard to go wandering across the prairie in snowshoes, or sliding across the frozen lake in my VW bug..yeah I know, dumb..lol. I made some good friends in IL.
Every time I've passed through Nebraska, I've been so impressed with the cleanliness, friendly people, and natural beauty. I'd retire there if I didn't mind the cold.
It is really not that friendly, especially to outsiders. IMO not recommended
Property taxes are high too.
Moved from Nebraska to Iowa 3 years ago. Don’t miss Nebraska.
Let's not forget the tornadoes
Nebraska HAS some of the FRIENDLIEST People we have EVER MET!! It DOES get cold at night. NO Social Security State Tax now in Nebraska SO THAT IS GREAT, for those retiring there. Our family member rents A BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW 2 bedroom Apt. for $900.00 a month. YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT! Her parents bought a 3 bedroom 1 bath home there in 2021 for $59,900. CUTE HOME WITH A HUGE YARD!! You CAN'T BEAT THAT!!
Great Video, would love to see more like this for other U.S. regions. Thanks for the great content!
Great video! Now could you do one on the best cities in the Pacific northwest for those of us on social security? I'm a Pacific NW man, born and raised. Let's draw a line through San Francisco to Sacramento. Everything north of that line ending at the Canadian border. That would be nice...... 😊👍
I am retiring from Texas to La Crosse, Wi. I grew up in central Wisconsin and lived in Milwaukee for years, so cold weather is not a factor.
I grew up in Lawrence KS and it was wonderful. I have very fond memories. The downtown area with it's shopping and parks is a great walkable area.
I grew up in Gardner (when it was under 2000 people), and The Outhouse is my favorite place I’ve seen music, and the drag strip (if it’s still active), was my favorite track to go to. Lawrence is the awesome part of the state 😁🤘🏻
@@reignofbastet Ottawa here :) I agree its great in and outside of Lawrence
3:50 Ankeny is in Iowa, not Ohio.
But, Ohio, give us a call, we'll let it go cheap...
Stop typing, he knows it's in Iowa lmao
As an Iowa resident, hearing people confuse Iowa for Ohio is eye-rolling and annoying. It does remind me of Heywood Banks' song "Ohio-Iowa-Idaho-Hawaii Highway"
Is that why he changed the video graphic? @Scaramousche1955
@@tchamp72 Univ. of Iowa, in Idaho City, Ohio.
Interesting what you say about Worthington, OH. I lived in Columbus 30 years ago and Worthington was an area where rich people lived. Another thought, I never thought of the Midwest going as far as S. Dakota, that seems like ‘The West’.
States like North Dakota and South Dakota are considered the "Upper Midwest"
We were from the Chicago area and retired to south central Illinois in Mattoon. The winters are much milder down here, we have not shoveled snow in eight years. It has a nice hospital and lots of amenities. With 20K people there is enough stuff like shopping but it's spread out so is not crowded. There is a large lake nearby plus two smaller ones, lots of free activities always, many nice parks and a huge community pool. Lots of nice groceries for reasonable prices. It is next to an Amish community of 6000 and we buy fresh meat, fruit and vegetables and bulk grains from them. You can buy a nice house for less than 200K although the market is a lot tighter than when we moved here eight years ago. We live very comfortably below our means in a nice , 4 bedroom stone ranch house in a safe and quiet neighborhood. I'm glad we moved here.
I really enjoy Briggs' videos. He thinks up topics I never could.😊
Hey Briggs, you included rents, thank you! Now I’d love to know if an annual income of less than $40,000 between retirement and social security gets you anything in this country. I really enjoy your videos btw. 🦋
@12:27: A trivial detail: Merrill WS point of interest is the "three arch stone bridge" (not the three stone...) Great run-down of decent places for retirees on a budget.
more videos like this, please where you include the rent for a two bedroom apartment as well. Not everyone is buying a house.
That was a good list. Not all of those places get TONS of snow. I like places with 4 seasons. I hate being hot and sweaty in summer.
Wouldn't be the same without some snow. 😊
It's hot and humid in the summer. You have to go pretty far north to escape summer heat.
I plan on moving to a college town and live in a group house when I am old and walk to everything. Take classes or visit all the events.
Sounds like fun.
I'm kind of looking for a place like that, too. But I want to live on my own.
Good idea! I think they have that kind of set up in Davis, CA, at least for the professors. They co-own the houses.
I wonder what the viability of being in your 60s and utilizing loans and grants to study and live... Like a college student but 40 years late. And if you die before you pay off the loans, meh... Whatevs right? Ammiright?
@@llc1976 Not one for group homes. People steal your food, meds, and could become violent
I live in Fergus Falls, Mn. I have been around the states but keep coming back. People love to fish here and they can do it year round.
Appleton’ WI I live here ! It’s awesome you have a fine arts a college good senior center nice parks and lovely neighborhoods. Unfortunately that 1200 is now for one bedroom and 350000 is about average for a home although if you can beat out 30 or so bids you might find a house at the price you quoted
I was just in Appleton. I had no idea there was so much competition for homes. I bet the prices will be a lot higher when I visit next year.
Harry Houdini came from Appleton, WI
@@johngarbarini1048
Appleton and Madison are beautiful towns.
I live next door in Little Chute and housing here is almost driving me out!
I live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota we have a small house. The taxes are 2700 a year for a 900 sq foot home 2 bedroom. 1957 built. Our food is taxed, and we really need to address the homeless people. There's a lot of homeless people.
Most tax collectors politicians officeholders are all corrupt throughout all of the United States
As a kid in the early 1960s my family was stationed at Westover AFB SAC, I loved those western Massachusetts woods, ponds, lakes, rivers, the people, the food, so, it's still among a dream I can't shake to move back there.
I already live in Iowa, so think I will just stay here
Same here.
Des Moines is on my radar as a possible retirement location.
I keep looking at West Des Moines / Waukee area but I want to make sure I don’t live in a flood zone.
I live in Ellsworth Wisconsin the Cheese Curd Capital and I plan on staying.
Same
I'm retired and live in Hawaii but if I had so buy snow shoes New Hampshire is where I'd like to use them.
If you hadn't retired in Hawaii, you would have a lot more money than you do now. If you can afford milk at $8/gal , you can afford snowshoes
@@cinccave5459 I won’t lie I used to Kitesurf quite a bit. If I retired in Hawaii I’d be doing that again. Looks like an amazing place to retire especially being nice and warm. I was thinking maybe Bernuda or Lord Howe island off the coast of Australia… or Norfolk Island.
As a near life-long resident of Indiana, I just about fell out of my chair when Muncie popped up - and at #1 no less! Can't honestly say that I've spent time there but, as you noted, it does have something of a reputation.
The town that gave us The Joy of Painting 🖼 by Bob Ross 🎨❤ We need Bob
@@Kim-J312 Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against Muncie, as I can't claim to actually know much about it. :)
There have been so many shootings there. When we were looking at houses to buy around Indianapolis, our realtor steered us away from Muncie and Anderson because of crime. Indianapolis is almost as bad as Chicago! We ended up buying in a safer small town
Thanks for this list. Also, please list the best cities to live on Social Security in the Northeast region.
Our pleasure!
Good Luck, Vermont
And the Pacific Northwest
My cold weather states would be South Dakota or North Dakota for retirement. Love them both.
Appleton WI is a great place but the surrounding small towns are cheaper and the entire area is great for kids and retires. There are multiple small towns and all have activities for families. The entire Fox valley area is nice. There are even many rural homes to buy or rent in the area. The Chippewa valley is also nice on the west side of Wisconsin. Rice Lake is nice if you want lake side property.
The problem with Wisconsin is the tax burden on retirees
Ankeny had some of the best green space I have seen in the state.
I moved away from Ankeny, Iowa because it did not seem very senior friendly to me. There are a lot of younger people living there in the areas that you highlighted are more likely to be used by young folks then older folks. If you want a place in the Des Moines Metro area, moved to Urbandale. They have an amazing senior center, and a very active one at that.
Ankeny, Iowa is a Des Moines suburb, and it's expensive compared to other Iowa cities of the same size such as Mason City, Marshalltown, Carroll or Fort Dodge.
Hi, I'm on SSDI and I worked all my life (I'm 62) and I only get $1478. a month. Your figures are way off for Disabled Seniors. Please show us places where we can realistically afford to live thank you.
He said it is lower for people on SSDI
And it's also lower if you claim at 62 vs 65 vs 70
@@mew3782but some people don’t get much even then.
@mew3782 in general, people can't pick when they become disabled, and he did say SSDI. You confusing it with retirement SS.😊
They don't exist anymore, this is MURICA BABY!
During the wintertime I love living in cities, I find hanging around a rural area when it's wintertime to be too dangerous. Though of course people who are very reliant on social security can't afford to live in big cities.
I would choose Michigan as a cold weather state to retire. You get all four seasons you get the awesome beach towns like New Buffalo Manistee Holland all the natural beauty on the inner western and the UP of Michigan and legal pot lol
We call it Militagan 😅😂 in the midwest
Just retired and living in Union Pier Michigan😉
South Dakota, has been climbing The Ranks on my list of favorite states, for about 2 years now.
Don't bring a dog.
@@spkernal ? why?
@@diodelvino3048an inside joke liberals like to make abut the governor killing a dog that was hurting/killing other animals in the area. These people have never lived in the country side.
@@diodelvino3048 Haven’t you heard about what the governor did to hers?
@@spkernal oh yeah, i forgot about that
I appreciate how you include the rental prices. Too bad I'm allergic to snow😂
I'm actually considering retiring back to New York State. I'm currently in northern Virginia. Reasons: NYS doesn't tax SS, military, police, or fire/EMS pensions and I have all four. Add the combat veteran's exemption on my real property tax and it makes it affordable. Plus, I'd be near West Point which makes military medical (TRICARE Plus, a TRICARE For Life option) a better option than MEDICARE (which I still have to pay for even if I don't use it). Note: I don't claim any military disability and don't have a campaign badge so VA health care isn't available to me.
I want to move back to Alaska now that I’m retired.
Suprisingly it was his only mess up this video
Typical Low quality control out of the briggs studio
You can live, just about anywhere, if you live in a paid off home. I bought my home in 1979.
I'm a senior living ONLY on SS.
I own my- very modest - home.
Taxes & insurance as high as a 1 bedroom rental.
Plus I pay ALL my utilities. Which go up every year. ANY/ALL maintenance & repairs are MY responsibility.
I have several elderly pets- they've aged along with me- I could not move them to a small apartment.
They wouldn't be allowed - too many & not enough room for my cats & dog.
You know apartments limit pets & charge monthly fees for EACH pet, $30 to $60 each, plus large non-refundable deposits for each pet.
I struggle to survive in my home ( of over 50 years)
It is hard to stay & harder to switch to a sm apartment.
I retired to Anchorage Alaska. Well since I have never lived anywhere but Anchorage that might not be fair but we have mild winters and summers and gorgeous surroundings!
@janicegilman7672 ---> You have sky high prices on food and gasoline and clothing and guns & ammo because almost everything (except salmon & halibut) has to be barged up there from Bremerton, Washington. plus wandering moose and lots of druggies. A new Car or Pick-up Truck for sale in Anchorage costs about $5,000 more than the same vehicle in the lower 48.
I spent 5 years in Valdez. Left in 2012. The day that I left, gasoline was $5.00 a gallon and so was a gallon of milk. The wages are low unless you got a job with Alyeska Pipeline services.
In northeast Ohio you can rent a home in some locations for $1000 or slightly under and $700 to $1000 for two bedroom apartments with nice amenities. In my town you also get an attached garage with your apartment house.
Good states for winter slip and fall, broken hip
Great video today Briggs. Thanks
Wisconsin hands down!!!❤
Norman Ok , I love love love it here
Why?
@ its pretty. It’s Charming. Great mix of small town and growing city. Great cost of living. Like all college towns it’s lively
I am not going to rush to move to Merrill WI, but it is only 25 minutes from Wausau. Wausau will have everything a person could want. Great hospital, great food, activities...
What "great" hospital ?
Was working in the area and left work bc of pain health thing. Went to Marshfield clinic/hospital. The doc was stumped till I said I use to take 800mg Advil. "Oh, peptic aulcer." he said and released me. The next week found me at Apirus ER. Doc said I was looking for drugs and released me. A few months later I had my gallbladder removed in Minocqua.
Pennsylvania...Lots of woods, beautiful!
Western Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful with it's rolling hills and tons of trees and bushes !! I'd live there if I could !
@@darrinpetersen3992 Eastern PA is much nicer IMO, especially near the Allegheny Mountains
Good video but just one thing- good luck finding a house for $420K in Worthington, OH. On Zillow today (fiancée and I are in the market) there are FOUR houses and TWO condos under 500K.
South Dakota definitely!
Ha Ha! Jerry Garcia! I love that you saw that. ✌
I'm in central Illinois. My monthly expenses with the house payment is $900. If I pay off the house just before retirement my cost drops to $700 a month. The house payment is 470 a month but all the extra is property tax and insurance (escroll). It is a 3 bedroom house with attached garage originally purchased for 36k and now could be bought/sold for 80k.
I’ve been to all these towns and I say I approve this message.
Simi-retired in Dayton Ohio. Renovating a house. Cost of living isn't bad. Crime rate is high. 135% above the national average. My neighborhood is in the historic district. In the two years I have been here the neighborhood has had some care break-ins and that is about it. We have people waking through on foot quite a bit. My house like many others here is bristling with cameras and we have dogs. Never have had any problems. People here are friendly but they can be pretty direct. I would call it a "so far so good." Definitely cheaper here than in Atlanta which is where I am from.
As far as a cold weather state. Definitely Wyoming. Less people, lots of space and beautiful areas. And they are very Veteran friendly, especially for those who are 100% Service Connected. I have considered moving back to Sheridan. Currently in okc area
Hi Im in OKC. Born here in OK. My mom moved to WY after we all grew up and moved out. Think I was around 28(55 now). She lived up there for 16 years in Lander. She loved it but moved back down here. She was a true outdoorsie person, fishing, camping, etc. She passed away a couple of yrs ago. But boy did she enjoy life up there.
What does $100 Service Connected mean?
When you're over 65 years old ,you are going to want to have access to top healthcare. Nada in WY 😮
Great town
Certain parts of Wyoming are not keen to outsiders
I love Muncie. I used to live on the outskirts. It was the first place I was ever in a car accident at. Ahh the memories.
I can’t believe worthington is on this list . I live in Columbus and everything north is expensive asf
I live in Columbus too and Worthington is quite pricey. With Intel and Microsoft coming to town, it's going to be crowded and a traffic nightmare. I'm looking to leave since taxes have gone up with all the "investors" buying up properties at almost double the house values.
I regularly stop in Merrill for fuel on my way up North. It's in a very beautiful area and close to Wausau that has all the amenities you need. Wausau is also a ski town with a great ski hill.
You need to check out Claremore,Oklahoma. It’s just 20 minutes northeast of Tulsa, lots of stuff to do. I’m retired and live on just Social Security. Home prices average $225.000 and that’s for a three bedroom home.
Okay, a cold weather state I'd consider. Actually cities in those states: University and capitol areas in Madison, WI; Wrigley field area near the lakeside in Chicago, IL; Downtown Minneapolis, MN. (It's got to be walkable).
As a Ball State grad and early retiree, I will give you an inside tip.....STAY on the NORTH side (BSU side) of the river. The issues with Muncie are in "town" and especially on the south side. BSU is a great little campus with about +-22000 students, good cultural opportunities, a nice hospital and amenities above it's size. I still enjoy going back to town occasionally.
My parents lived in Worthington Ohio from 1964 until around 1976. I graduated from Worthington in 1966. That town has NEVER been considered inexpensive. Plus the taxes in Ohio are high. When we moved to Florida in 1997, the savings in city and state taxes would have made a decent car payment. I’m not sure where you gather your statistics, but I think this one was off the mark.
I’m from Green Bay , Wisconsin. Apple town is great place to live for sure !!!
I love Green Bay. My mom lived there. It's such a nice city.
If you think those prices are affordable you are nuts. That's way too high for most retirees and I know several that are working to meet expenses and I live in a small rural town. I can't afford those prices. God bless.
Agreed. 95% of the people wouldn't be able to afford that average home in any of those towns.
If I could move up north again, I'd go back to Souix Falls SD
Worked all my life, but in the pink collar ghetto of women's office work. Raised two kids by myself, did it all right, had to take early retirement (62) at the beginning of Covid and now have an income of $1270/month.
Good job. Thanks! Forgot what constitutes livability. I’ll check your website n see what info might be there. Appreciate it.
Don't know where you get your figures but the average Social Security is from $1500 to$2000. I get $1,880 so you need to readjust your high figure for Social Security
I want in on the $330 homes in SD! Okay, now I’ll stop typing
Lol
Too cold @@WorldAccordingToBriggs
Mine in Parkston a 1500 person town is a four bedroom two bathroom on a corner, mature Maple trees, three city lots , detached carriage house and a tack shed. Newly remodeled and has a large gourmet kitchen, a wonderful main floor bathroom. Two bedrooms including the Master bedroom and laundry room on the main. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a full bathroom. $235,900
@@WorldAccordingToBriggs
Ankeny OHIO? SERIOUSLY?
YOU HAD ONE JOB... 😅
Be nice to Briggs 😂
Briggs, you rock! ❤ Peace
I can understand why these places have a reasonable livability for retired people they have what most old people don't like "SNOW".
It is not the snow. It is the slip, falls, and being permanently bed-ridden from breaking a hip that retired people at trying to avoid.
@@JBoy340a Blah blah blah. My 92-year-old Mom lives up in Wisconsin!!
Please, all of you move and retire in Phoenix and Florida…Just means it’ll be cheaper and more comfortable up here in the north. If you can’t handle a little snow and figure out how to wear a jacket then maybe you just aren’t cut out for northern living. I’m either relocating to Northern Nevada or Central Washington state when I hang it up…but I personally hate hot & sunny environments.
@@jimroscovius My relatives live there also. They have suffered injuries because ice on walkways. And spend days stuck inside. Too old and fragile to do the snowbird thing any more.
Me: old person, loves snow and cold. Don't like hot.
A cold weather state for me would be WI or MN. Iowa is also on the list.
Kansas is Mayberry..
Unless you’re in south Wichita…
KS is where we're going...
@@corallewis3093 Or KC, Kansas
Ohio isn’t in New England. Love you videos
I am looking at Minnesota and Northern Idaho as possible places to relocate. Especially Duluth and Sandpoint areas.
Sandpoint is beautiful!
The cold weather state I would choose to retire to is New Hampshire.
Muncie? I’m scared to get out of my car in Muncie. Try Richmond, more work going into development.
Richmond isn't much better than Muncie!
I've lived in Muncie most of my life. My car and I are just fine. Richmond is lovely, too.
I use to go to the Muncie dragstrip way back in the 1980s.. some good memories.. cheers.
You failed to cover what the state income tax is for each of these locations. Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin all tax pensions.
A lot don’t tax social security.
@@sethmolitoris8869 I realize that. My comment was about a pension. Those states I listed all tax a persons pension if they are lucky enough to have one. Retired IBEW member here so count me as lucky.
yep, KANSAS
Oh BOO HOO, I pay taxes. Are you kidding me? Taxes are a fact of life! Don't like the amount? Just move. You are NEVER going to escape paying.
You don’t have to be a di@k because the man has a pension. He’s actually asking just that, he doesn’t want to double taxed so he’s asking for options. You want to be double taxed, fine but you don’t have to be an a$$
Muncie has the Bob Ross Museum on the Ball State campus. You can see the studio where the Joy of Painting was filmed.
Miss Bob Ross 🖼🎨❤️ They still show his show The Joy of Painting on wttw channel
Cheaper housing prices in South Dakota but their property taxes are super high.
No state income tax
Montana, I've been here for over 50 years.
Surprised no mention of Montana. I live in Minnesota but would move to Montana when retired.
Retired and moving from Muncie. It’s not what it was when I was young and seems like about every year it gets worse. Yes one can live here cheap but there is a reason…
Interesting, but what I find lacking in your rankings are things like walkability, cultural opportunities (theater? orchestras? pro or community that one could play in? museums? farmers markets?)
, and average climate temps. Sometimes, it's not JUST about the numbers!
A lot of older people with just SSI or SSDI live in affordable housing, rent a room in someone's house or apartment or live in an RV or van. It's unfortunate but prices have risen so that there aren't many options for those without some sort of other income.
Key word being "almost"
Third!?? It's a prime number!
I am a huge fan of the midwest..worthington is one of my faves!