When people start planning for retirement, a few items are at the top of their to-do list. And while relocating is often a big priority for those who want to downsize or move somewhere warmer in their golden years, the list of things that people consider is often a short one.
Potential tax burdens, cost of living, and weather usually claim the top spots. However, there’s another thing retirees and those about to retire should be considering when looking to make a move: Safety. That’s because areas with high crime rates can be dangerous for retirees, who become more vulnerable as they age. A new list naming the most “dangerous” places in the U.S. has just been published by U.S. World News and Reports, which analyzed each city’s crime rates. Here’s what it says.
5. Detroit, Michigan
According to the report, Detroit ranked fifth in crime. While the city isn’t really a draw for retirees looking to move somewhere with warmer weather and a lot of sunshine-the publication notes that the average temps in the summer hover around 74 degrees-it does offer retirees a chance to snag a deal on a new home since the median home value sits at $91,770, which sits well below the national average of $370,489.
Additionally, the state itself can be a good one for retirees, as Michigan doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, according to SmartAsset, and it allows retirees to take deductions on other benefits as well.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Coming in at fourth place is Baltimore. This is another town where you can get a deal when buying a home, since the median home value is around $242,271. However, that may be where the retirement perks stop in Baltimore. In addition to high crime rates, the city has previously ranked fairly low in other studies, including a WalletHub survey that ranked Baltimore 134th out of 182 cities for retirees…