When most of us think about where to retire, we picture the weather, the cost of living, and what there is to do. Healthcare is often an afterthought, at least in the early years of retirement.
But if you want to choose one place and stay there for the long haul, healthcare access matters more than most people realize. And according to a new ranking from Investopedia, one city beats everyone else.
A Perfect Score for Healthcare
Investopedia ranked Elgin, Illinois, number one in the nation for retiree healthcare, giving it a perfect score of 100. That ranking was based on four factors: the number of ambulatory care facilities in the county, the number of nearby hospitals, average hospital star ratings based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality scores, and the state’s overall performance on Medicare.
Investopedia explained how the scoring worked: ambulatory care access carried slightly more weight, accounting for 28 percent of the total score. The other three factors each made up 24 percent.
The Price Is Right, Too
Healthcare is just the start. Elgin also keeps housing costs low. The median home price there is $279,732, compared to the national average of $359,870. That is a meaningful difference if you are watching your budget in retirement.
Housing options range from homes with historic character to newer, more modern places. There is something for just about every taste.
Plenty to Keep You Active
If you are the kind of person who likes to stay busy, Elgin has you covered. Golfers will find an award-winning, professionally designed 18-hole course right in the city’s park system, plus a 9-hole course as well.
Beyond golf, there is a large sports complex, hiking and cycling trails, a farmer’s market, city-wide art events, and an active library system with special community programs.
Elgin sits about two hours from downtown Chicago by car, so big-city culture is within reach when you want it. Public transportation options are available, too, so you are not locked into driving.
For anyone who wants to plant roots in one place and never have to move again, Elgin checks a lot of boxes: great healthcare, lower home prices, and a full calendar of things to enjoy.