15 Worst Cities for Retirees in the Northeast

When you're planning for retirement, settling on where you will spend your golden years takes a lot of thought. Many people focus on the usual suspects, such as Florida and Arizona.

But others might prefer a city in the Northeast. If you are among these folks, here are some metropolitan areas you might want to cross off your list, as they can be among the region’s worst metros for retirees.

Baltimore can be relatively affordable compared to pricey neighbors like Washington, D.C. This Maryland city is also situated on the lovely Chesapeake Bay.

However, retirees should avoid Baltimore for several reasons. Crime is fairly high, summers are hot and sticky, and winters are chilly and damp. You may be taxed more than you would like as well, which makes it difficult to get ahead financially.

Boston is a historic city with a bustling population, great public transportation, and a thriving culinary scene. Unfortunately, it’s also cold and dark in the winter and plagued with traffic.

The cost of living can be a huge deterrent for retirees. The price to purchase a home is high, as are taxes and utility costs.

Bridgeport is a diverse and growing city that’s managed to keep costs relatively low compared to its neighbors. It’s also been acknowledged for having good schools and job opportunities.

However, the cost of living still might be too high for some retirees.

Buffalo has some of the most affordable housing in the country, which is a huge perk. This historic city also has impressive architecture and a gorgeous waterfront.

The elephant in the room for retirees here is the weather, however. Winters are long, dark, and super snowy.

Burlington is known for being “the smallest big city in the country,” with its college-town feel and lovely waterfront.

But the city acknowledges it is dealing with increasing crime and other issues due to the opioid epidemic. Many residents have weighed in, saying they don’t feel as safe as they used to.

Camden is one of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey, and has been on a path to revitalization after years of blight. It’s brimming with potential.

Unfortunately, the city still has the highest crime rate in the Garden State, which is a concern for retirees.

You can’t beat the incredible location of Jersey City, which is just across the Hudson River from the Big Apple. It’s also more affordable than its famous neighbor.

Still, the cost of living in Jersey City is not cheap overall, as it ranks much higher than the national average. That’s a huge deterrent for retirees.

Known for being home to the prestigious Yale University, New Haven is also famous for pizza and excellent health care.

However, New Haven ranks on the low end for affordability and safety. Retirees might find themselves wishing there were more activities too.

New York City has it all, with some of the world’s best culture, cuisine, activities, public transportation, and more. Some even call it “the greatest city in the world.”

But there is a price to having everything, as New York is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. That’s a huge downside for many retirees.

Newark is also located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area — and it is so much more than just an airport. Business and culture thrive in this gateway city.

But like its neighbors, Newark ranks low in terms of affordability across the board, which can quickly sap your savings.

Diverse, quirky, and boasting great cuisine, Providence has been rising for decades. It’s a big city with small-town vibes.

Unfortunately, Providence has ranked low for retirees due to quality of life and affordability. It’s also been criticized for not being tax-friendly for retirees.

Like nearby Buffalo, Rochester is among the more affordable places to live, which means your dollar will go far in this diverse and historic town.

The downside of Rochester isn't surprising: Winters there are long, cold, dark, and — for some — depressing.

With its proximity to New York City, Yonkers definitely has its appeal. The city is also working to make housing affordable for seniors.

But Yonkers is still pricey compared to many other places in the nation. Plus, some parts of the city deal with flooding when rains are heavy.

Warwick is the second-biggest city in Rhode Island. It’s a coastal community with beaches and excellent cuisine.

However, the area is not very affordable. Many older adults in Rhode Island live below the poverty line, and residents complain of widespread blight.

Known as “the heart of the Commonwealth,” Worcester is close to Boston and Providence but has a character all its own. Locals are proud of their city, touting the food and urban revitalization.

But retirees looking to relocate may find the housing market daunting, as people are being squeezed out by affordability and lack of options. Homelessness here is on the rise.

A big part of enjoying a stress-free retirement is making sure you live in an area that you both like and can afford. So, don’t make the mistake of moving to a place that isn’t conducive to a sustainable lifestyle.

Before relocating, do your research and make sure these cities — or any others in the Northeast — are the right fit for you.