REVEALED: The best US cities to retire in – is yours on the list?

Iowa City, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Fayetteville, Arkansas are among the best places in the US to retire without breaking the bank.

This is evident from a new study that ranks the 25 best places to enjoy your retirement.

The Forbes The study examined more than 800 locations, specifically looking for the best places to pursue new or lifelong passions — regardless of the cost.

Places were ranked based on six areas of interest: golf, arts and culture, fine dining, lifelong learning, water-based outdoor activities, and land-based outdoor activities.

Because high housing and living costs were not disqualifying factors, cities such as San Francisco and New York City were included in the ranking. These cities are among the most expensive in the US.

But there are still plenty of cheaper places on the list, including four cities where both the average home price and cost of living are below the national average.

Iowa City, Iowa, has some of the cheapest home prices according to Forbes rankings.

The average home in the city costs $295,000, which is 30 percent lower than the national median.

In addition, the cost of living in Iowa City is 10 percent below the national average.

Located 115 miles east of the state capital, Des Moines, this traditional college town is among the top cities for retirees because of its lifelong learning opportunities.

It is also an anchor point for arts and culture, has a low crime rate and many doctors.

“It is important to note that all retirement income (including Social Security benefits, pensions, annuities and withdrawals from retirement accounts) is excluded from taxable income,” Forbes said.

Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has the cheapest home prices on the list, making it a good choice for retirees on a fixed income.

The average home price in this scenic city is $282,000, which is 33 percent lower than the U.S. average.

The cost of living in Pittsfield, which is 135 miles (217 kilometers) west of Boston, is also 4 percent lower than the national norm.

According to Forbes, the city also boasts a world-class summer arts scene and is close to state parks, ski resorts and wildlife in the Berkshire Mountains.

The study narrowed the list of more than 800 places by excluding any with high crime rates, poor air quality, a lack of primary care or a high risk of climate change, all of which could negatively impact prospects for a happy and healthy retirement.

After a lot of places were left out, the ‘nice things’ were compared.

Fayetteville, Arkansas, makes the list because of what it has to offer for nature-loving retirees.

There are numerous parks and waterways where residents can enjoy boating, hiking and fishing, as well as 21 golf courses.

The University of Arkansas, located in the city, also offers one of the best lifelong learning programs for seniors in the country, with free tuition and a tuition waiver.

Fayetteville also ranks among the most affordable places on the list, with a cost of living 10 percent below the national average and the average home price 15 percent below the U.S. average, at $359,000.

According to Forbes, Arkansas also has no inheritance tax.

Walla Walla, Washington is also one of the less expensive places for Americans to enjoy their old age.

“This laid-back town, 260 miles southeast of Seattle, has more than 100 wineries nearby and an excellent dining scene,” Forbes reports, adding that it also has several hiking and biking trails.

Homes in the city are 2 percent cheaper than the average U.S. home — $413,000 — and the cost of living is 7 percent lower than the national average.

Also in Dallas, Texas, the average home price is $392,000, which is 7 percent lower than the national median.

This is partly due to the art and culture scene, the good restaurants and the nearby golf courses, which earned the city a spot on the list.

While home prices in Traverse City, Michigan, are slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living in this Midwestern city is 4 percent lower than the rest of the country.

It is also close to the famous Interlochen Center for the Arts, which hosts numerous music performances.

“Situated on an inlet of Lake Michigan, Traverse City offers water sports, more than 30 golf courses and is known as a city with top restaurants,” according to Forbes.

Oregon is the state with the most cities on the list, with Ashland, Bend and Eugene all ranking among the top places for retirees.

Sarasota, Florida, meanwhile, was the only city in the Sunshine State to make the list.

According to Forbes, this was largely due to the risk of climate change in the state.