What Makes This Pennsylvania Small Town the Best Place to Retire?

Discover Camp Hill: The Ideal Small Town for Retirement in the U.S.

When it comes to the perfect American small town to retire in, Camp Hill in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland County is often overlooked. However, this hidden gem offers a relatively low average monthly cost of living, a low crime rate, and a host of other factors that make it an ideal retirement destination.

Evaluating The Best Small Towns For Retirement

A recent report by GoBankingRates.com evaluated small towns with populations of between 1,000 and 10,000, with a focus on their suitability for retirement. In addition to analyzing the number of households and median household income, the evaluation also included average rental and living costs, crime rates, and “livability” data, including area amenities, housing opportunities, transportation services, and more.

The Best Places to Retire: Camp Hill Tops the List

Out of the 44 best small towns for retirement identified in the report, Camp Hill stands out with the highest livability rating and overall score. Despite having stiff competition from Northville, Michigan, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, and Freeport, Maine, Camp Hill offers a unique balance of affordability, safety, and quality of life.

Why Camp Hill is An Affordable Place to Retire in the U.S.

With a population of just over 8,000 people and approximately 3,200 households with median incomes of around $105,000, Camp Hill is one of the more affordable places in the country to retire. Residents can expect to spend about $3,360 a month on living costs, including rent and other expenditures, according to the report. This is significantly lower than the average monthly cost of living in Kensington, California, which stands at $8,000.

Life in Camp Hill: A Vibrant Small Town Living

Located two miles from Harrisburg, the state capital, Camp Hill boasts a vibrant shopping scene, dominated by small businesses, many of which are owned by women, according to Visitcumberlandvalley.com. Additionally, Camp Hill is also home to the award-winning Cleve J. Fredricksen Library and hosts a weekday farmer’s market from May through October.

Redefining Retirement: Not All Americans Can Afford Early Retirement

It’s important to note that not all Americans can afford to retire as early as they’d expected. In fact, about 27% of people who are 59 or older don’t have any money saved for retirement, according to a survey from financial services firm Credit Karma. Only 10% of Americans between the ages of 62 and 70 are both retired and financially stable, labor economist and retirement expert Theresa Ghilarducci reveals in her book “Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy.”

Exploring More Best Small Towns to Retire in the U.S.

For more information on the best small towns to retire in the U.S., visit GoBankingRate.com’s complete list of the 44 best small towns for retirement.