You’ve decided the time has come to transition out of your Merck role. Now comes the fun part — picking the city where your retirement life will unfold. It’s not just about sun or scenery. You want a place where your money works harder, where you feel safe in your health care options, and where the lifestyle makes you smile every morning.
Let me walk you through some of the best and worst U.S. cities for Merck retirees, based on factors like affordability, access to medical care, and life quality. Think of me as your retirement scout — pointing out places worth visiting on your shortlist, and others you might skip.
A study by WalletHub ranked over 180 U.S. cities across metrics like living costs, tax impact, healthcare, and recreation. Their goal: find places where retirees get the most value. In that list, Orlando, Florida came out on top — strong in affordability and leisure options.
On the flip side, San Bernardino, California landed at the bottom. High costs, weak healthcare metrics, and limited recreational options dragged it down.
Half of the ten least favorable cities also come from California — which shows how desserts (coastlines, sunshine) don’t always balance the bills.
But there’s more nuance than just “good” or “bad.” Let’s dig into the places worth considering and those you might steer away from.
If you want a place that balances cost and activity, Orlando is a standout. It boasts a wide range of recreational options, strong home health services, and favorable tax conditions for retirees.
Warm climate, culture, and healthcare — Miami makes the list for its ability to combine lifestyle with infrastructure.
Good reputation for medical care, stable services, and a community that stays active. It’s not tropical, but it offers balance.
Lower costs than many coastal cities plus strong retiree services make these cities attractive.
Sun, retirement-friendly communities, and healthcare access all in your corner.
Midwestern stability, lower cost, and a balance of amenities and quiet that many retirees value.
These cities also make the “best” list. They each bring something different: coastal vibes, lower population, or Southern energy.
The worst rated city in the list. High costs, weak life satisfaction scores, and lagging health metrics make this a risky bet.
These cities also appear among the least favorable, often because of steep housing, high taxes, or stretched healthcare systems.
Even in states like California, there are pockets that perform better. But lip service to sunshine doesn’t always equal a smart retirement move.
Affordability, healthcare access, and lifestyle must align. A city might look great in pictures, but if your monthly expenses, taxes, or medical options are weak, what looks like freedom could feel like a squeeze.
Here’s what to keep in your decision lens:
If I were your guide, here are the cities I’d put on your short list: Orlando (for the balance between cost and lively life), Scottsdale (if you love warm weather and active communities), and Cincinnati (for that “settled but not sleepy” Midwestern feel).
And here’s the clincher: everyone’s ideal city will be slightly different. What matters most to you — tax breaks, climate, medical care, or access to family — will tip the balance.
Tell me what you value most