The ideal American small town to retire in is probably unknown to most people. But with a relatively low average monthly cost of living, low crime rate, and other attributes that make it highly livable, Camp Hill in Pennsylvania's Cumberland County, may be the best small town in the U.S. for retirees.
According to a report by GoBankingRates.com, which looked at small towns with populations of between 1,000 and 10,000, with an eye toward the perfect retirement, Camp Hill holds the highest livability rating and overall score. Among the report's list of the 44 best small towns to retire in, Camp Hill stands out for its affordability and livability.
With a population of just over 8,000 people and roughly 3,200 households earning median incomes of about $105,000, Camp Hill is also one of the more affordable places in the country. Residents there can expect to spend about $3,360 a month on living costs, including rent and other expenditures.
Located two miles from Harrisburg, the state capital, Camp Hill claims to have a vibrant shopping scene, made up of small businesses, a majority of which are owned by women. It's also home to the award-winning Cleve J. Fredricksen Library. A weekday farmer's market runs from May through October.
While the ideal retirement age may be 65 for many, the reality is that not all Americans can afford to retire that early. About 27% of people who are 59 or older don't have any money saved for retirement, according to a survey from financial services firm Credit Karma. Only 10% of Americans between the ages of 62 and 70 are both retired and financially stable. The rest are either retired and living less comfortably than they once did, or still working out of financial necessity.