5 of the Most Dangerous Cities to Retire In
When people start planning for retirement, a few items are at the top of their to-do list. And while relocating is often a big priority for those who want to downsize or move somewhere warmer in their golden years, the list of things that people consider is often a short one.
Potential tax burdens, cost of living, and weather usually claim the top spots. However, there's another thing retirees and those about to retire should be considering when looking to make a move: Safety. That's because areas with high crime rates can be dangerous for retirees, who become more vulnerable as they age. A new list naming the most "dangerous" places in the U.S. has just been published by U.S. World News and Reports, which analyzed each city's crime rates. Here's what it says.
5. Detroit, Michigan
According to the report, Detroit ranked fifth in crime. While the city isn't really a draw for retirees looking to move somewhere with warmer weather and a lot of sunshine-the publication notes that the average temps in the summer hover around 74 degrees-it does offer retirees a chance to snag a deal on a new home since the median home value sits at $91,770, which sits well below the national average of $370,489.
Additionally, the state itself can be a good one for retirees, as Michigan doesn't tax Social Security benefits, according to SmartAsset, and it allows retirees to take deductions on other benefits as well.
Related: The Best Strategies To Protect Your Social Security From the IRS
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Coming in at fourth place is Baltimore. This is another town where you can get a deal when buying a home, since the median home value is around $242,271. However, that may be where the retirement perks stop in Baltimore. In addition to high crime rates, the city has previously ranked fairly low in other studies, including a WalletHub survey that ranked Baltimore 134th out of 182 cities for retirees.
Some of the other things it had going against it included a high cost of living, low overall quality of life, an poor access to healthcare options.
3. St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri is home to plenty of beautiful places for retirees looking to settle down. But according to this new report, St. Louis may not be the safest of them, since it ranked in third place on the list of the most dangerous places to live. Again, there are great deals to be had for retirees looking to buy a new home, with median home values checking in under $200,000.
However, the Council on Criminal Justice says that violent crimes are still a problem in the city, which saw an average of 40.3 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2020, which is when crime was at its peak, according to the report. Other crimes include:
- Aggravated assault
- Robbery
- Larceny
- Motor vehicle theft
Have also been trending down in recent years, but still remain high according to U.S. World News and Reports.
Related: Best and Worst Places To Retire in Florida, According To Real Estate Pros
2. Oakland, California
California is known as a high-cost state, but many still head to the West Coast to take advantage of its mild weather, beaches, and beautiful scenery. But it's worth noting that Oakland, California, did earn recognition as the second-most dangerous city in the country.
It may be related to the affordability crisis facing the region. U.S. World News and Reports notes that the median home values in the city are more than double what they are around the rest of the country, at $948,401. And while The Oaklandside reports that crime rates have been down over the past two years, those prioritizing peace and safety in retirement may want to skip this expensive city.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
The most dangerous place in the U.S. is one that tourists flock to each year. And while it may make for a good bucket list destination if you're planning to hit the road once you punch the clock for the last time, it looks like you may want to reconsider it as a permanent home base.
That's because this city has also ranked low on other retirement must-haves, according to past studies, such as a 2024 WalletHub study that named the city one of the worst places to retire.
Of course, many people live in areas with high crime rates and never become victims themselves. It's worth considering a variety of factors when deciding where to relocate in retirement, and then prioritizing their importance based on how much they matter to your specific plans and goals. After all, you could miss out on your dream home if you discount a place just because it was named on this list!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM.