Susan Maphis

A retirement income stretches further across the prairie than almost anywhere else in the country. Mason City, Iowa sits among the largest cluster of Prairie School homes in America. Mitchell, South Dakota charges its retirees no state income tax. Shelby, Montana puts an Amtrak platform within walking distance of home. Each of the eight towns below keeps its home prices under the state median. Each one runs a senior center and tiered care for the years ahead.

Many who reach retirement age are investigating spending their golden years in Maryland. The state does not tax Social Security income, and retirees also benefit from its relatively mild climate, proximity to both the ocean and mountains, and access to high-quality healthcare systems. Other advantages of retiring to Maryland include its natural scenic beauty, rich historical attractions, and relaxed way of life.

Every Corvette on the road was built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a town of 79,000 where the average house costs $287,000 and the median resident is 29 years old. The mix of serious industry and modest prices runs through all nine cities here. Huntsville draws its paychecks from NASA and the Army. Macon raised Otis Redding and still sells homes for $171,000. Here, jobs predate your arrival and will outlast your mortgage, which is worth more than any ranking metric.