10 Best Midwest Towns You Can Live on Social Security.

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  • Опубліковано 27 січ 2025

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  • @laurieide4303
    @laurieide4303 4 місяці тому +67

    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..

    • @Stellathomas90
      @Stellathomas90 3 місяці тому +4

      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.

    • @richardrodgers8832
      @richardrodgers8832 3 місяці тому +2

      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 🙂

    • @garydaniels5495
      @garydaniels5495 2 місяці тому +1

      I hear you loud and clear. And affordable usually means not only sketchy neighborhoods, but also sketchy unit conditions, maintenance, and upkeep.

    • @pizza4me298
      @pizza4me298 2 місяці тому +1

      I live in New England and the wait to get on housing assistance is 6-8years in my state. That is if you can even qualify, you basically have to have nothing and earn nothing to qualify.

    • @DiscoverTop10_q2b
      @DiscoverTop10_q2b 2 місяці тому +1

      This video highlights great Midwest cities for retirees living on Social Security, such as Sioux Falls, Worthington, and Appleton. Each of these places offers low living costs, friendly communities, and plenty of amenities for seniors. The detailed info on home prices, rent, and livability scores makes it easy for viewers to make informed decisions. It's a helpful, straightforward video for anyone looking to retire on a budget.

  • @DianeSchmidt-js4ig
    @DianeSchmidt-js4ig 3 місяці тому +19

    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.

    • @williamgunter6801
      @williamgunter6801 3 місяці тому +1

      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
      @GypsySoulTheOG 3 місяці тому +1

      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.

    • @DianeSchmidt-js4ig
      @DianeSchmidt-js4ig 3 місяці тому

      @@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.

    • @jefffletcher8209
      @jefffletcher8209 Місяць тому

      No No No❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️🤬🤬

    • @JBoy340a
      @JBoy340a 14 днів тому +1

      I have friends in that general area and they enjoy it. But, it is too cold for me.

  • @poodlegirl55
    @poodlegirl55 4 місяці тому +18

    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.

  • @lindalee1743
    @lindalee1743 4 місяці тому +34

    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.

    • @jamesjirik2245
      @jamesjirik2245 3 місяці тому +1

      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.

    • @Sub_zero0107
      @Sub_zero0107 3 місяці тому

      Briggs r the pictures u r showing real?

    • @jefffletcher8209
      @jefffletcher8209 Місяць тому

      No way!!❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️🤬

  • @brettmartin400
    @brettmartin400 4 місяці тому +55

    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

    • @borisgetman9222
      @borisgetman9222 4 місяці тому +8

      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.

    • @ExtremeGamersBenchmarks
      @ExtremeGamersBenchmarks 4 місяці тому

      @@borisgetman9222 I grew up there 21 years, I miss it and plan on moving back.

    • @maxmann8607
      @maxmann8607 4 місяці тому +1

      Very much agree with you

    • @Beck248
      @Beck248 4 місяці тому +4

      We love Appleton ❤

    • @TimPete80
      @TimPete80 4 місяці тому +3

      We used to live in Appleton and kind of wish we hadn’t moved!

  • @trailrvs
    @trailrvs 4 місяці тому +49

    Moved to Appleton Wisconsin 17 years ago and fell in love with the area. Planning on staying for the duration!

    • @nataliejanvrin1751
      @nataliejanvrin1751 4 місяці тому

      I want topve to

    • @ParisianThinker
      @ParisianThinker 3 місяці тому

      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.

    • @jefffletcher8209
      @jefffletcher8209 Місяць тому

      No way!!! ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

    • @cherylhulting1301
      @cherylhulting1301 16 днів тому

      Appleton looks like a very attractive option. Does it have a mass transit system? I will need a decent one in retirement.

    • @trailrvs
      @trailrvs 16 днів тому

      @@cherylhulting1301they have a bus system

  • @hazeljohnson701
    @hazeljohnson701 4 місяці тому +19

    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.

    • @KOOLBadger
      @KOOLBadger 23 дні тому +1

      I do believe not many of us have 60 grand. 😊

    • @hazeljohnson701
      @hazeljohnson701 23 дні тому +2

      @KOOLBadger I challenge you to find a location the you can do it cheaper than $60,000 I financed the house. I only spent out of pocket upfront the $20,000. If a person doesn't have small amount of money they would only have renting as an option or living with family because there isn't a likelihood of finding a home cheaper that you can actually live in.

  • @donnabrowne5307
    @donnabrowne5307 4 місяці тому +19

    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.

    • @sharonpoitra193
      @sharonpoitra193 2 місяці тому

      @@donnabrowne5307 Lived just outside Muncie for most of my childhood. Still home!

    • @jefffletcher8209
      @jefffletcher8209 Місяць тому

      And Indianapolis!!!!

  • @dietpepsivanilla3095
    @dietpepsivanilla3095 4 місяці тому +48

    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.

    • @feliciasampson8032
      @feliciasampson8032 4 місяці тому +2

      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.

    • @shaun3537
      @shaun3537 4 місяці тому +6

      The wind is what gets you. It’s brutal there!

    • @jimroscovius
      @jimroscovius 4 місяці тому +1

      So it gets cold. Big deal!! Put on a coat.

    • @StevenDietrich-k2w
      @StevenDietrich-k2w 4 місяці тому +10

      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.

    • @11Bravo84
      @11Bravo84 4 місяці тому +2

      And that’s why we live in Sioux Falls.

  • @MajesticMe429
    @MajesticMe429 4 місяці тому +35

    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.

    • @cur244
      @cur244 4 місяці тому

      TN has crime that small towns in the midwest don't though.

    • @MajesticMe429
      @MajesticMe429 4 місяці тому +1

      @@cur244 every Every place has crime.

    • @cur244
      @cur244 4 місяці тому +1

      @@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
      @MajesticMe429 4 місяці тому +1

      @@cur244 Whatever... Go TROLL someone else !!!!!!

    • @cur244
      @cur244 4 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

  • @FranklinJuniper-uh2lk
    @FranklinJuniper-uh2lk 4 місяці тому +7

    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. 👍

  • @trishapickar9360
    @trishapickar9360 8 днів тому

    I am about 45 minutes north of Fergus Falls, MN. If I were to retire today, I would move to any town in South Dakota! What a gem!

  • @suemiller3405
    @suemiller3405 4 місяці тому +15

    I retired in SW Michigan -- my plan my entire life! And I've lived all over the US.

    • @brianodonnell7076
      @brianodonnell7076 3 місяці тому

      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!

    • @bigmikex2333
      @bigmikex2333 3 місяці тому +1

      Lived in Niles my entire life and see no reason to move.

  • @drfrankenstein4127
    @drfrankenstein4127 4 місяці тому +23

    Briggs , please do an outdoorsman’s retirement episode. Fishing , hunting , and ranges nearby. 🙏🏻

    • @eberhoozen
      @eberhoozen Місяць тому

      Wisconsin. Wausau, Green Bay, Appleton.

  • @1QKGLH
    @1QKGLH 4 місяці тому +5

    Great Video, would love to see more like this for other U.S. regions. Thanks for the great content!

  • @yahhr57
    @yahhr57 4 місяці тому +7

    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.

  • @kathrynesq8814
    @kathrynesq8814 3 місяці тому +4

    I really enjoy Briggs' videos. He thinks up topics I never could.😊

  • @llc1976
    @llc1976 4 місяці тому +64

    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.

    • @clubmike2910
      @clubmike2910 4 місяці тому +2

      Sounds like fun.

    • @JaySmith-pv2mw
      @JaySmith-pv2mw 4 місяці тому +3

      I'm kind of looking for a place like that, too. But I want to live on my own.

    • @momistaken
      @momistaken 4 місяці тому

      Good idea! I think they have that kind of set up in Davis, CA, at least for the professors. They co-own the houses.

    • @GreenForce82
      @GreenForce82 4 місяці тому +2

      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?

    • @manfredmann2766
      @manfredmann2766 4 місяці тому

      @@llc1976 Not one for group homes. People steal your food, meds, and could become violent

  • @michaelj2005
    @michaelj2005 4 місяці тому +21

    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.

    • @JBoy340a
      @JBoy340a 4 місяці тому

      Cover your lawn?

    • @ewetoob137
      @ewetoob137 4 місяці тому +2

      @@JBoy340athey will do lawn mowing too, is what I assume was meant 😊

    • @manfredmann2766
      @manfredmann2766 4 місяці тому

      @@michaelj2005 Midwest nice that is

    • @Fourty_Seven_USA
      @Fourty_Seven_USA 4 місяці тому

      Is this english? Holy sht u need an education!

  • @andrewcutler4513
    @andrewcutler4513 4 місяці тому +6

    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.

    • @Kim-J312
      @Kim-J312 4 місяці тому +1

      The town that gave us The Joy of Painting 🖼 by Bob Ross 🎨❤ We need Bob

    • @andrewcutler4513
      @andrewcutler4513 4 місяці тому

      @@Kim-J312 Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against Muncie, as I can't claim to actually know much about it. :)

    • @annettehansen6329
      @annettehansen6329 4 місяці тому +4

      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

    • @scottvannoy9157
      @scottvannoy9157 Місяць тому +1

      Muncie is "meh," at best. It would absolutely NOT be anywhere near the top of my list!

  • @irmakalember9403
    @irmakalember9403 4 місяці тому +48

    I love Midwest. 😊

    • @leonceboudreauxwolf
      @leonceboudreauxwolf 4 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

  • @flyingspirit3549
    @flyingspirit3549 3 місяці тому +3

    @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.

  • @darrinpetersen3992
    @darrinpetersen3992 4 місяці тому +10

    Pennsylvania...Lots of woods, beautiful!

    • @SirManfly
      @SirManfly 4 місяці тому +1

      Western Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful with it's rolling hills and tons of trees and bushes !! I'd live there if I could !

    • @manfredmann2766
      @manfredmann2766 4 місяці тому

      @@darrinpetersen3992 Eastern PA is much nicer IMO, especially near the Allegheny Mountains

  • @Crosses3
    @Crosses3 4 місяці тому +7

    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’.

    • @nicolerm
      @nicolerm 4 місяці тому

      States like North Dakota and South Dakota are considered the "Upper Midwest"

    • @sharonpoitra193
      @sharonpoitra193 2 місяці тому

      ​@@nicolermThey're the Plains states!

    • @nicolerm
      @nicolerm 2 місяці тому +1

      @@sharonpoitra193 I've lived in North Dakota for 48 years. Rarely have I ever heard of it referred to as a "Plains" state (or even a "Great Plains" state). It has always been referred to as the Midwest or Upper Midwest. If you google Midwest States, the majority of the answers that come up include North Dakota and South Dakota.

  • @ashleylitebrite6971
    @ashleylitebrite6971 4 місяці тому +2

    Great video today Briggs. Thanks

  • @larryborn1082
    @larryborn1082 4 місяці тому +3

    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.

  • @marywegrzyn506
    @marywegrzyn506 4 місяці тому +107

    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.

    • @mew3782
      @mew3782 4 місяці тому +7

      He said it is lower for people on SSDI

    • @mew3782
      @mew3782 4 місяці тому +10

      And it's also lower if you claim at 62 vs 65 vs 70

    • @mightywind7595
      @mightywind7595 4 місяці тому

      @@mew3782but some people don’t get much even then.

    • @Pamtorres2003
      @Pamtorres2003 4 місяці тому +13

      ​@mew3782 in general, people can't pick when they become disabled, and he did say SSDI. You confusing it with retirement SS.😊

    • @mikehunt8375
      @mikehunt8375 4 місяці тому +5

      They don't exist anymore, this is MURICA BABY!

  • @ilovetotri23
    @ilovetotri23 4 місяці тому +4

    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...

    • @anthonythorp7291
      @anthonythorp7291 4 місяці тому +1

      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.

  • @michellejohnson2233
    @michellejohnson2233 4 місяці тому +11

    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.

    • @Rogerthatidea
      @Rogerthatidea 13 днів тому

      Definitely one of the nicest towns in Wisconsin. For coastal towns, anything from Two Rivers up to Door County. Might be a little too remote for many.

  • @loralee9277
    @loralee9277 4 місяці тому +5

    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. 🦋

  • @BenThinken
    @BenThinken 4 місяці тому +11

    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.

    • @manfredmann2766
      @manfredmann2766 4 місяці тому +7

      It is really not that friendly, especially to outsiders. IMO not recommended
      Property taxes are high too.

    • @lisapippin1695
      @lisapippin1695 4 місяці тому +4

      Moved from Nebraska to Iowa 3 years ago. Don’t miss Nebraska.

    • @dianecarlson8705
      @dianecarlson8705 4 місяці тому +3

      Let's not forget the tornadoes

    • @user-yg4hv3un7c
      @user-yg4hv3un7c 2 місяці тому

      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!!

  • @adambuesser6264
    @adambuesser6264 4 місяці тому +12

    Thanks for this list. Also, please list the best cities to live on Social Security in the Northeast region.

  • @wilsonmiller1713
    @wilsonmiller1713 4 місяці тому +5

    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.

  • @kendradorman6014
    @kendradorman6014 4 місяці тому +3

    Ankeny had some of the best green space I have seen in the state.

  • @archibaldy1929
    @archibaldy1929 4 місяці тому +35

    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.

    • @Patty_cake51
      @Patty_cake51 4 місяці тому +5

      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!

    • @danceteachermom
      @danceteachermom 3 місяці тому +1

      LOL... You'd be happy in Minnesota then! I'm OVER it lol. (No spring chicken either at 63)
      👋 from Minneapolis 😁

    • @archibaldy1929
      @archibaldy1929 3 місяці тому

      @@danceteachermom hi back from LaCrosse!

    • @danceteachermom
      @danceteachermom 3 місяці тому +1

      ​@@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! 😁

  • @ljosephdumas3113
    @ljosephdumas3113 4 місяці тому +4

    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.

  • @peterschadenberg9045
    @peterschadenberg9045 4 місяці тому +3

    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.

  • @mochamarie9741
    @mochamarie9741 13 днів тому

    I heard Two Harbors, MN has a good community for seniors and beautiful scenery.

  • @sandy_sd10
    @sandy_sd10 4 місяці тому +6

    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.

    • @jamesjirik2245
      @jamesjirik2245 3 місяці тому

      Most tax collectors politicians officeholders are all corrupt throughout all of the United States

  • @prw956
    @prw956 4 місяці тому +2

    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.

  • @BenjySparky
    @BenjySparky 4 місяці тому +5

    Briggs, you rock! ❤ Peace

  • @MartyMiracle
    @MartyMiracle Місяць тому +1

    I retired in outside of Rapid City, South Dakota. Very comfortable, safe, and housing is reasonable. Homes in the surrounding Black Hills offer reasonable rents. However I find that small town grocery store are high and I do all my food shopping in Rapid City. Healthcare is fair. I am a RN so can be more critical than most.

    • @Lynn-r8h
      @Lynn-r8h 9 днів тому

      I love the Black Hills. Aren’t your winter heating bills high?

  • @Provocateur3
    @Provocateur3 4 місяці тому +50

    3:50 Ankeny is in Iowa, not Ohio.

    • @UnlikelyToRemember
      @UnlikelyToRemember 4 місяці тому +7

      But, Ohio, give us a call, we'll let it go cheap...

    • @Scaramousche1955
      @Scaramousche1955 4 місяці тому +2

      Stop typing, he knows it's in Iowa lmao

    • @tchamp72
      @tchamp72 4 місяці тому +6

      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"

    • @danimal1743
      @danimal1743 4 місяці тому +1

      Is that why he changed the video graphic? @Scaramousche1955

    • @swilliams2229
      @swilliams2229 3 місяці тому

      @@tchamp72 Univ. of Iowa, in Idaho City, Ohio.

  • @kathleenclodi4447
    @kathleenclodi4447 2 місяці тому

    Nice interview, Lily ❤

  • @joewger
    @joewger 4 місяці тому +3

    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.

  • @freeshrugs63
    @freeshrugs63 3 місяці тому +1

    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.

    • @cherylhulting1301
      @cherylhulting1301 16 днів тому

      How is housing for you? Do you own your own home?

    • @freeshrugs63
      @freeshrugs63 16 днів тому +1

      @cherylhulting1301 . I was fortunate that my brother gave me his small cabin (has all the amenities, on grid) to live in as long as I want. When I move out or die the house goes back to him or his kids. Not everybody has family that can help like that. I am very lucky.

  • @betsycosmos2054
    @betsycosmos2054 4 місяці тому +3

    I appreciate how you include the rental prices. Too bad I'm allergic to snow😂

  • @302Mustang13
    @302Mustang13 4 місяці тому +1

    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.

  • @kristenschnese6980
    @kristenschnese6980 4 місяці тому +24

    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

    • @JBoy340a
      @JBoy340a 4 місяці тому +3

      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.

    • @johngarbarini1048
      @johngarbarini1048 4 місяці тому +6

      Harry Houdini came from Appleton, WI

    • @SirManfly
      @SirManfly 4 місяці тому

      @@johngarbarini1048

    • @TJDawgs72
      @TJDawgs72 4 місяці тому +6

      Appleton and Madison are beautiful towns.

    • @deanfixem13
      @deanfixem13 4 місяці тому +3

      I live next door in Little Chute and housing here is almost driving me out!

  • @robpiepho2842
    @robpiepho2842 3 місяці тому

    I love the caution tape on the playground in the Grand Island Park. 😂

  • @craigramsay53
    @craigramsay53 4 місяці тому +6

    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.

  • @ryanschuyler4840
    @ryanschuyler4840 4 місяці тому +1

    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.

  • @cinccave5459
    @cinccave5459 4 місяці тому +17

    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.

    • @thomashunt6123
      @thomashunt6123 4 місяці тому +4

      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

    • @boomertuxx
      @boomertuxx 4 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

  • @MegaJustGeorge
    @MegaJustGeorge 2 місяці тому

    Briggs, when you discuss Muncie, Indiana, you've mentioned Ball State University - which has a fine school of communications and media, which includes thee radio stations (2 FM, 1 AM), and three television stations, including WIPB, which, for many years, was home to the beloved public television show, "The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross"; I still think highly of him.
    One more thing about Ball State - a certain wiseacre named David Letterman attended Ball State.
    I hope you don't mind my bringing this up, Briggs.

  • @badgerpa9
    @badgerpa9 4 місяці тому +19

    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.

    • @ParisianThinker
      @ParisianThinker 3 місяці тому +2

      The problem with Wisconsin is the tax burden on retirees

  • @rodhester2166
    @rodhester2166 4 місяці тому

    I use to go to the Muncie dragstrip way back in the 1980s.. some good memories.. cheers.

  • @lauriewhitlow5506
    @lauriewhitlow5506 4 місяці тому +63

    I already live in Iowa, so think I will just stay here

    • @BH6242KCh
      @BH6242KCh 4 місяці тому +4

      Same here.

    • @JaySmith-pv2mw
      @JaySmith-pv2mw 4 місяці тому +1

      Des Moines is on my radar as a possible retirement location.

    • @RetirementGoals1
      @RetirementGoals1 4 місяці тому +1

      I keep looking at West Des Moines / Waukee area but I want to make sure I don’t live in a flood zone.

    • @johnnestler6457
      @johnnestler6457 4 місяці тому +3

      I live in Ellsworth Wisconsin the Cheese Curd Capital and I plan on staying.

    • @lisapippin1695
      @lisapippin1695 4 місяці тому +1

      Same

  • @bobsykes
    @bobsykes 4 місяці тому +2

    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).

  • @CassieDavis613
    @CassieDavis613 4 місяці тому +9

    Good states for winter slip and fall, broken hip

  • @TheCujo1956
    @TheCujo1956 4 місяці тому +4

    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

  • @christophe5756
    @christophe5756 4 місяці тому

    Great video, Briggs!

  • @davidw237
    @davidw237 4 місяці тому +4

    Muncie has the Bob Ross Museum on the Ball State campus. You can see the studio where the Joy of Painting was filmed.

    • @Kim-J312
      @Kim-J312 4 місяці тому

      Miss Bob Ross 🖼🎨❤️ They still show his show The Joy of Painting on wttw channel

  • @mommabear8295
    @mommabear8295 4 місяці тому

    I am a huge fan of the midwest..worthington is one of my faves!

  • @robm3063
    @robm3063 4 місяці тому +25

    You failed to cover what the state income tax is for each of these locations. Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin all tax pensions.

    • @sethmolitoris8869
      @sethmolitoris8869 4 місяці тому

      A lot don’t tax social security.

    • @robm3063
      @robm3063 4 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

    • @merl-bz1bx
      @merl-bz1bx 4 місяці тому

      yep, KANSAS

    • @owggarage723
      @owggarage723 4 місяці тому +2

      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.

    • @_jaber1
      @_jaber1 4 місяці тому +2

      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$$

  • @katherynthompson1951
    @katherynthompson1951 4 місяці тому +2

    I moved from Chattanooga to Decatur IL to retire. Decatur is up and coming in a lot of interesting ways.

    • @deetles98
      @deetles98 26 днів тому

      Decatur has a lot of crime…cousins live there and during a wedding we attended there were gunshots whizzing by a couple of my other family members ….NOT a place I would even consider. This happened in a nicer area of town too!

  • @suerisseeuw
    @suerisseeuw 4 місяці тому +42

    My choice is Wisconsin. And I’m already retired and living there. 😊

    • @marywegrzyn506
      @marywegrzyn506 4 місяці тому +2

      @@suerisseeuw Too freezing cold n too much deep snow!!! No thx! Lol

    • @Patty_cake51
      @Patty_cake51 4 місяці тому +2

      ​@@marywegrzyn506Snow sounds good now. So sick of the heat & humidity in Ohio. Too much like the tropics.

    • @michaelhammond5895
      @michaelhammond5895 4 місяці тому +1

      🥶Cost a fortune in heat bills unless you have a wood burning stove.

    • @michaelhammond5895
      @michaelhammond5895 4 місяці тому

      ​@@Patty_cake51yes that's where I live...the extreme summer heat & humidity 🥵& freezing cold winters ❄️🥶

    • @Tantejuju65
      @Tantejuju65 4 місяці тому

      If you move from MN, do you have to cheer for the Packers?

  • @Alan-lv9rw
    @Alan-lv9rw 2 місяці тому +1

    I’m retired in a suburb of Dallas with a yearly income of $78,350 from SS and a pension. I feel blessed.

  • @hiviolet007
    @hiviolet007 4 місяці тому +14

    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.

    • @anthonythorp7291
      @anthonythorp7291 4 місяці тому +2

      Wouldn't be the same without some snow. 😊

    • @tchamp72
      @tchamp72 4 місяці тому +1

      It's hot and humid in the summer. You have to go pretty far north to escape summer heat.

  • @ColleenMoore-g7v
    @ColleenMoore-g7v 4 місяці тому

    Greetings from the PPRC great video today. Think I will stay a little farther west.🇺🇸🍺🍺

  • @ShermanMark1
    @ShermanMark1 4 місяці тому +19

    South Dakota, has been climbing The Ranks on my list of favorite states, for about 2 years now.

    • @spkernal
      @spkernal 4 місяці тому +4

      Don't bring a dog.

    • @diodelvino3048
      @diodelvino3048 4 місяці тому +1

      @@spkernal ? why?

    • @rmacsportcg1319
      @rmacsportcg1319 4 місяці тому

      @@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.

    • @spkernal
      @spkernal 4 місяці тому

      @@diodelvino3048 Haven’t you heard about what the governor did to hers?

    • @diodelvino3048
      @diodelvino3048 4 місяці тому

      @@spkernal oh yeah, i forgot about that

  • @OvertheGarage-wv1wn
    @OvertheGarage-wv1wn 2 місяці тому

    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.

  • @VHPINC
    @VHPINC 4 місяці тому +15

    more videos like this, please where you include the rent for a two bedroom apartment as well. Not everyone is buying a house.

  • @AmyJo-54501
    @AmyJo-54501 4 місяці тому +2

    Good job. Thanks! Forgot what constitutes livability. I’ll check your website n see what info might be there. Appreciate it.

  • @AslanKyoya1776
    @AslanKyoya1776 4 місяці тому +3

    Wow I'm here early

  • @progressionbjj
    @progressionbjj 4 місяці тому +2

    I don’t know if this matters much, but so you’re aware Minnesota recently decided to change our flag - it took effect a few months ago. Just in case you wanted to update your graphics

  • @billkallas1762
    @billkallas1762 4 місяці тому +7

    You can live, just about anywhere, if you live in a paid off home. I bought my home in 1979.

    • @poorthing
      @poorthing 3 місяці тому +3

      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.

  • @rubenmoreno3184
    @rubenmoreno3184 2 місяці тому

    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.

  • @ann-mariemeyers9978
    @ann-mariemeyers9978 3 місяці тому +5

    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.

  • @Wrenlinn
    @Wrenlinn 3 місяці тому +1

    I am looking at Minnesota and Northern Idaho as possible places to relocate. Especially Duluth and Sandpoint areas.

  • @Give-a-foot
    @Give-a-foot 4 місяці тому +4

    Third!?? It's a prime number!

  • @LaurieMackey-b1k
    @LaurieMackey-b1k 2 місяці тому

    I am a winter lover, right now Wisconsin is being strict on their laws of ATV’s trails connecting with near by little towns and little cities 😭😩

  • @deborahross9974
    @deborahross9974 4 місяці тому +8

    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.

    • @driftlesshermit
      @driftlesshermit 4 місяці тому +3

      Agreed. 95% of the people wouldn't be able to afford that average home in any of those towns.

  • @brianlund1760
    @brianlund1760 21 день тому

    I lived in San Diego, CA solely on SSD and I survived fine. It's hard, you just have to adjust.

  • @Galaxie500IN
    @Galaxie500IN 4 місяці тому +7

    Muncie? I’m scared to get out of my car in Muncie. Try Richmond, more work going into development.

    • @michaelsharpe4920
      @michaelsharpe4920 4 місяці тому +2

      Richmond isn't much better than Muncie!

    • @donnabrowne5307
      @donnabrowne5307 4 місяці тому

      I've lived in Muncie most of my life. My car and I are just fine. Richmond is lovely, too.

  • @killerbees177
    @killerbees177 4 місяці тому +2

    The only issue I have with SD is Amtrak does not have station in the state. But I would love to live in Maine for cold weather state

  • @timroot4207
    @timroot4207 4 місяці тому +3

    Thank you !!!

  • @palmtree495
    @palmtree495 4 місяці тому

    Hope to see this topic for other parts of the country.

  • @jeanewatsonjones1664
    @jeanewatsonjones1664 3 місяці тому +3

    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.

    • @reignofbastet
      @reignofbastet 3 місяці тому +1

      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 😁🤘🏻

    • @dawngrey3845
      @dawngrey3845 3 місяці тому +1

      @@reignofbastet Ottawa here :) I agree its great in and outside of Lawrence

  • @mattgreven7615
    @mattgreven7615 4 місяці тому +2

    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!

  • @darwinapala960
    @darwinapala960 4 місяці тому +20

    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

    • @michelletidler6773
      @michelletidler6773 4 місяці тому +5

      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.

    • @TJDawgs72
      @TJDawgs72 4 місяці тому

      What does $100 Service Connected mean?

    • @Kim-J312
      @Kim-J312 4 місяці тому +5

      When you're over 65 years old ,you are going to want to have access to top healthcare. Nada in WY 😮

    • @rodneywilhelm8912
      @rodneywilhelm8912 4 місяці тому +1

      Great town

    • @dianecarlson8705
      @dianecarlson8705 4 місяці тому +1

      Certain parts of Wyoming are not keen to outsiders

  • @thelastnic
    @thelastnic 4 місяці тому

    WI or PA. I am familiar with them and that is key. Visit the places in the winter to get a true feel for the place. The cold might keep me away though......

  • @MayWhite-bz7xl
    @MayWhite-bz7xl 4 місяці тому +8

    I can understand why these places have a reasonable livability for retired people they have what most old people don't like "SNOW".

    • @JBoy340a
      @JBoy340a 4 місяці тому +9

      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.

    • @jimroscovius
      @jimroscovius 4 місяці тому +5

      ​@@JBoy340a Blah blah blah. My 92-year-old Mom lives up in Wisconsin!!

    • @TJDawgs72
      @TJDawgs72 4 місяці тому +5

      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.

    • @JBoy340a
      @JBoy340a 4 місяці тому +2

      @@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.

    • @peggywoods4327
      @peggywoods4327 4 місяці тому +2

      Me: old person, loves snow and cold. Don't like hot.

  • @bradsteven2485
    @bradsteven2485 4 місяці тому

    Love this channel. Ankeny, Ohio?????😮

  • @jerryscott8608
    @jerryscott8608 4 місяці тому +3

    Montana, I've been here for over 50 years.

    • @shaun3537
      @shaun3537 4 місяці тому +1

      Surprised no mention of Montana. I live in Minnesota but would move to Montana when retired.

  • @sharyno
    @sharyno 4 місяці тому

    Small, rural town in South Dakota…no frills but good and peaceful living❤

  • @bobsykes
    @bobsykes 4 місяці тому +10

    Ha Ha! Jerry Garcia! I love that you saw that. ✌

  • @Polyphemus47
    @Polyphemus47 4 місяці тому

    I lived in Minnesota for 55 years, before moving to Las Vegas 20 years ago. I would LOVE to move back, since all of my friends are up there. Fergus Falls sounds great, but moving at my age (76), is nearly impossible now. I pay $1100 for a two bedroom apartment, which means I can't afford to drive anymore on SS. Looks like I'll be staying put.

  • @3dollawill
    @3dollawill 4 місяці тому +9

    I can’t believe worthington is on this list . I live in Columbus and everything north is expensive asf

    • @lindamayall8706
      @lindamayall8706 3 місяці тому +1

      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.

  • @domiglobe
    @domiglobe 4 місяці тому

    Fascinating video! It’s great to see a spotlight on affordable Midwest cities for retirees relying on Social Security. Sioux Falls sounds like a hidden gem with its combination of affordability and quality amenities. What’s one thing that surprised you the most about any of these cities? Looking forward to more insightful content like this!

  • @mateoocampo3165
    @mateoocampo3165 4 місяці тому +9

    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...... 😊👍