Best & Worst U.S. Cities to Retire as an A.O. Smith Employee
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You’re wrapping up your time at A.O. Smith, and now you get to choose your retirement stage. This isn’t just about climate or scenery — it’s about finding a city where your income stretches, your health is supported, and your days feel fulfilling.
I’ve looked into the data and rankings. Let me guide you through cities that often perform well for retirees in cost, healthcare, and happiness — and also point out places you might want to skip.
What the rankings reveal
A recent analysis by WalletHub examined more than 180 U.S. cities across metrics like affordability, healthcare, taxes, and recreation. One city stood out at the top: Orlando, Florida, praised for its balance of lower costs and strong leisure and health options.
At the bottom of the list was San Bernardino, California, which struggled on cost, healthcare, and overall life satisfaction.
Several other California cities also ranked poorly — a reminder that sunny weather doesn’t always mean smart retirement planning.
Cities worth your attention
If I were narrowing the list for A.O. Smith retirees, these are the ones that shine:
Orlando, Florida
Strong in affordability and life options, plus good access to healthcare and services.
Miami, Florida
Healthcare, culture, and climate — it hits hard on lifestyle.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Solid medical systems, moderate pace, and stable infrastructure.
Tampa & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Combining coastal life with services and retiree amenities.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Ideal for sun lovers who still want strong medical support.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Good balance — costs are lower, yet the city offers enough culture and services.
St. Petersburg, Florida / Casper, Wyoming / Atlanta, Georgia
These make the “best” list for retirees too, each bringing its own flavor — beach life, low density, or urban growth.
Cities you may want to avoid
San Bernardino, California
The worst ranked city in this study. High costs, weak life satisfaction, and healthcare difficulties all contribute.
Stockton, Rancho Cucamonga, and others in California
These also appear in the bottom tiers. The high cost of living and tax burdens often override the appeal of mild weather and scenery.
What this really means for you
Choosing a retirement city isn’t about a perfect place — it’s about the best fit for you. A great city in rankings may still fail if its healthcare, weather, or cost patterns don’t match your needs.
Here’s your checklist:
- How near are hospitals and specialists?
- What are taxes, property rates, and everyday costs like?
- What’s the climate like — does it suit your health and comfort?
- Are there community amenities, recreation, culture?
- How easy is it to travel or stay connected with family?
My picks as your retirement scout
If I were picking for an A.O. Smith retiree, here are the cities I’d keep in strong consideration:
- Orlando — best all-around balance
- Scottsdale — for those who want sunshine without sacrificing care
- Cincinnati — moderate cost, dependable infrastructure
But “best” is not universal — your priorities will tip the scale.