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Retire Like a Rockstar: Top & Flop U.S. Cities for PG&E Retirees

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Hello future retirees!  If you're a PG&E employee daydreaming about your golden years filled with sunshine, good vibes, and maybe a little fishing or gallery hopping, you’ve come to the right place. As your friendly travel agent for all things retirement, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to kick back and where to steer clear when it’s time to hang up your hard hat.

Let’s dive into the best and worst U.S. cities for retirement, based on a mega-study by WalletHub that looked at over 180 cities using 45 juicy criteria like affordability, healthcare, and fun stuff to do. Spoiler alert: California’s got some surprises!
Retirement Red Flags: San Bernardino, We Need to Talk...
First up, let’s talk about San Bernardino. It may have mountains and palm trees, but when it comes to retiree-friendly living, it’s ranked dead last. Yep, 182nd out of 182. Ouch. The city scored just 35.71 out of 100, with low marks in healthcare, recreation, and overall life satisfaction. Think of it like booking a vacation and ending up with a broken AC and no Wi-Fi.

And it’s not alone—Stockton and Rancho Cucamonga also landed near the bottom. California may be the 17th best state for retirement overall, but many of its cities didn’t make the cut. Even big names like San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles couldn’t crack the national top 30. Beautiful? Yes. Budget-friendly and relaxing for retirees? Not so much.

Retirement Royalty: Orlando Takes the Crown!

Now for the fun part—let’s talk dream destinations!  Orlando, Florida, is the Beyoncé of retirement cities. With a score of 61.49, it’s got everything: low costs, great healthcare, and endless entertainment. Whether you’re into fishing, music, art, or just soaking up the sun, Orlando’s got your back. Plus, it ranks high for services like housekeeping and adult home care—because retirement should be about you time.
Other top contenders include:

  • Miami, FL – Salsa dancing and ocean breezes!
  • Minneapolis, MN – Lakes, culture, and surprisingly great healthcare.
  • Tampa & Fort Lauderdale, FL – Beachy vibes with big-city perks.
  • Scottsdale, AZ – Desert beauty and top-notch medical care.
  • Cincinnati, OH – Affordable and artsy.
  • St. Petersburg, FL – Sunshine and serenity.
  • Casper, WY – Quiet charm and wide-open spaces.
  • Atlanta, GA – Southern hospitality meets city living.

Retirement Tips for PG&E Pros

Before you pack your bags, remember: retirement planning is like choosing the perfect vacation package. You want the right mix of affordability, healthcare, and fun. California does offer some perks—like no state tax on Social Security and public pensions—but high living costs can still be a buzzkill. So, PG&E retirees, do your homework! Whether you're craving beachside bliss, mountain views, or a vibrant city scene, there’s a perfect spot out there for you. And hey, if you need help booking your retirement adventure, I’m just a click away.

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