Some cities are quietly filling up with people who are just a few years from calling it quits. Researchers looked at where Americans aged 55 to 64 are concentrated, and the results tell an interesting story about where the next wave of retirees is already living.
Two states dominate the list: Florida and California. Here are the five cities with the largest share of pre-retirees, along with what they are earning before retirement changes everything.
Hialeah, Florida
Hialeah tops the list. More than 39,000 residents are between the ages of 55 and 64, nearly 17% of the city’s entire population. Their median household income is $71,622, and close to 5% earn more than $200,000 a year.
This Miami suburb is known for its mild year-round temperatures. For anyone dreaming of warm winters and sunshine, it checks a lot of boxes.
Huntington Beach, California
On the West Coast, Huntington Beach draws a serious crowd of near-retirees. People aged 55 to 64 make up more than 16% of the population there, over 32,000 residents. A striking 33% of those pre-retirees fall into the high-earner category.
The surf and climate are hard to beat. But so is the price tag. According to Redfin, the median home sale price in Huntington Beach is $1.2 million. That is a number worth factoring in carefully if you are thinking about retiring on a fixed income.
Inglewood, California
Just outside Los Angeles, Inglewood also made the list. Almost 16% of its population is in that 55-to-64 age range. The median household income for pre-retirees there is $79,414, and 12% earn $200,000 or more per year.
The city is home to multiple sports and entertainment venues, which could be a real draw for anyone who wants to stay active and engaged in retirement.
Cape Coral, Florida
Back in Florida, Cape Coral stands out for a different reason: affordability. More than 15% of its residents are in that pre-retirement window. Their median household income is $104,988 (the highest on this list), and 13% earn over $200,000 a year.
According to BestPlaces, the cost of living in Cape Coral is only slightly above the national average. For a Florida city, that is genuinely good news for anyone watching their retirement budget.
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater rounds out the list with 17,651 residents between 55 and 64, about 15% of the city’s population. The median household income for that group is $72,376, and nearly 11% earn $200,000 or more annually.
Warm weather and miles of coastline have long made Clearwater a favorite for people looking to settle into retirement life at a comfortable pace.
What This Tells Us
Florida shows up three times on this list for good reason. Lower taxes, warm weather, and (in some cities) a cost of living that does not immediately drain a retirement nest egg all play a role.
California offers lifestyle appeal, but the housing costs in places like Huntington Beach are a real consideration. Knowing where your peers are choosing to land can be a useful starting point as you think through your own next chapter.