The Best Places for Single Boomers to Retire
Single seniors
Many baby boomers will find themselves suddenly single in retirement, typically because they are widowed or divorced. Almost a third of men (30%) and over half of women (54%) are unmarried at age 65 or older, most often due to the death of a spouse, according to 2019 Census Bureau data. Here's a look at the cities that have the most seniors who are currently single.
10. Houston
Houston is the second-fastest growing city in the U.S. (after Phoenix) and has added 224,751 new residents over the past decade. While many people come to Houston for the job opportunities, it can also be an attractive place to retire, especially if you are looking to live in a major metro area with an affordable cost of living. Among people age 65 and older, 53% of women and 28% of men are currently single. Far more women (32%) than men (9%) are single due to the death of a spouse. In addition, 16% of women and 13% of men are divorced. About 5% of seniors in Houston have never been married.
9. Detroit
Best known for the auto industry, Detroit's live music scene provides excellent opportunities for a memorable night out. You could also take a stroll or boat ride along the Detroit River. Many retirees in Detroit are currently single, including 59% of women and 32% of men. About 7% of people age 65 and older have never been married. Older men are often single because they are divorced (13%) or widowers (12%). Over a third (34%) of older women are widows and 18% are divorced.
8. Boston
Boston's many colleges and universities bring a constant stream of young people to the area, but retirees also benefit from being able to attend classes and events and take advantage of medical care and scientific research. Over half of women (57%) and 30% of men age 65 and older are not currently married. However, only 10% of women and 8% of men in Boston have never been married. Many older women are widows (31%) or divorced (15%). Smaller proportions of men are divorced (12%) or widowers (10%).
7. Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital attracts residents and visitors from all over the world, many of whom are hoping to make a difference to the county or the world. Retirees may continue to play a role in politics or policy or get involved at the area's historic sites or museums. Over half of older women (56%) and more than a quarter of older men (27%) in Washington, D.C., are single. While 30% of older women have experienced the death of a spouse, only 9% of older men are widowers in the metro area. Due to divorce, 17% of women and 10% of men are single. Some 8% to 9% of Washington, D.C., seniors have never married.
6. Dallas
Rapidly growing cities can be a great place to meet new people. Dallas is among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has attracted 145,915 new residents over the past decade. Single women often outnumber single men in older age groups, and in Dallas, the proportion of single women (54%) is twice that of single men (27%) among those age 65 and older. The Dallas metro area, which also includes Fort Worth, has an unusually low proportion of seniors who have never been married (5%). Most older residents are single due to divorce or widowhood.
5. Philadelphia
Pennsylvania's largest city can be a great place to meet other retirees. Over half of women (57%) and almost a third of men (31%) age 65 and older are currently single. Some retirees are single due to divorce, including 16% of women and 12% of men. A third of older women and 12% of older men are widows or widowers. About 8% of the retirees in Philadelphia have never been married. You may be able to meet other retirees by volunteering at the area's many historic sites and museums. Located on the train line between New York and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia is considerably more affordable than these larger cities.
4. Miami
Retirees are often drawn to Miami's beaches and warm winter climate, and you're likely to meet plenty of other single retirees in Florida. In the Miami metro area, which includes Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, 60% of women and 33% of men are unmarried. Many Miami seniors are widows (34%) and widowers (11%), and 19% of women and 14% of men are divorced. Some 8% of people age 65 and older in Miami have never been married. Many people relocate to Florida for retirement, so you may be able to connect with other people who are new to the area.
3. Chicago
You will need to bundle up against Chicago's winter chills, but there's still plenty of opportunity to meet new people. Some 57% of women and 31% of men age 65 and older in Chicago are single. Many people in Chicago are unmarried due to the death of a spouse, including 32% of older women and 12% of older men. Divorce is also a common reason to be single at age 65 or older, including 11% of men and 16% of women. About 8% of seniors in Chicago have never been married.
2. Los Angeles
Retirement in Los Angeles brings the excitement of living near the movie industry as well as prolific sunny weather and pleasant California temperatures. The area's top-ranked medical centers also draw people to the area. Many people age 65 and older, including 57% of women and 31% of men, are currently single, often due to widowhood or divorce. About 9% of older people in the Los Angeles metro area, which includes Long Beach and Anaheim, have never been married. The high home prices can make it difficult to relocate to the area, but many people find the Mediterranean beaches and big city pleasures to be worth the cost.
1. New York
The New York metro area, which includes Newark and Jersey City, is home to more single people age 65 and older than any other city. There are more than 1 million older residents who are currently unmarried. Some 58% of women and 31% of men age 65 and older are single. New York has an unusually high proportion of people who have never married, but many older residents are also widowed or divorced. The biggest downside of retirement in New York is the high housing costs. However, the city's extensive public transportation system can help even those who live outside Manhattan to visit new places and meet new people.
The best places for single seniors to retire:
1. New York.
2. Los Angeles.
3. Chicago.
4. Miami.
5. Philadelphia.
6. Dallas.
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Boston.
9. Detroit.
10. Houston.
