This Washington city ranks among the nation’s best places to retire. Here’s why

A Washington city with plenty of outdoor activities was recognized as one of the best places to retire in the nation, according to a new report.

And nature had something to do with it.

Spokane ranked No. 3 among a list of 100 U.S. cities that looked at weather, healthcare, the outdoors and other key factors before determining the top cities for adults older than 45.

Zumper, an online rental resource, ranked and scored cities based on multiple factors, including: median rent prices, healthcare, weather, public transportation, air quality, state income tax, Social Security tax, and outdoor recreation satisfaction.

The Washington city received high marks for weather satisfaction, air quality, state income tax and outdoor satisfaction. It scored As in these categories, meaning it ranked higher than 80% of the cities.

Spokane also scored Bs (ranking higher than 60% of cities) in median rent and transportation.

Overall, the report says the city is ideal for those who like to spend their time in nature. The city has two state parks nearby to hike, ski, snowboard and snowshoe.

Newark, New Jersey, was ranked as the worst place to retire, followed by New Haven, Connecticut.

Top 10 places to retire:

1. Columbus, Ohio
2. Louisville, Kentucky
3. Spokane, Washington
4. Detroit, Michigan
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Raleigh, North Carolina
8. El Paso, Texas
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
10. Tallahassee, Florida

This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 4:27 PM with the headline "This Washington city ranks among the nation’s best places to retire. Here’s why."

Helena Wegner

McClatchy DC

Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She’s a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s based in Phoenix.