Underrated city packed with parks and lakes is named among the best places to retire in America

A surprising city has been named one of the best places for retirees.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, may not seem like an obvious choice due to its freezing cold and snowy winters, compared to the warm climate of typical retirement destinations like Florida or Arizona.

But the city’s friendly environment, high-quality hospital system, beautiful surroundings and strong cultural offerings make it one of the best places to spend your old age, according to new analysis from WalletHub.

And for those who aren’t ready to retire, Minneapolis also has one of the most senior-friendly labor markets in the country.

The research shows that more than 22 percent of the working population in the city is over 65 years old.

WalletHub ranked 180 U.S. cities based on 45 criteria to determine which cities are best for retirees to plan for an affordable retirement while maintaining the best quality of life.

The study took into account factors such as the cost of living, weather, quality of health care and the number of museums and fishing spots.

Minneapolis finished third in the standings, beaten only by Miami and Orlando.

The neighboring city of St. Paul, which along with Minneapolis makes up the Twin Cities, ranked only 31st in the survey.

One major advantage of Minneapolis is that there are many jobs that are easy to do, even for older residents.

According to state labor statistics, jobs in health care, retail and education are among the most common occupations in the city.

WalletHub found that many retirees in the Midwestern city are choosing to continue working for extra income, or just to have something to keep them busy.

The Midwestern city is known for its beautiful lakes and expansive urban park system. It also has a vibrant restaurant and arts scene, including tThe Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Minneapolis offers a wide range of recreational opportunities that help retirees stay engaged and active, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told DailyMail.com.

“Whether it’s enjoying the city’s parks, cultural events or outdoor activities, there’s always something for retirees to do,” he said.

‘Retirees who prioritize well-being and a fulfilling lifestyle will find the city an ideal place to spend their old age.’

Compared to the warm weather of much of Florida, where retirees like to go, Minneapolis is one of the coldest cities in the US, with particularly harsh winters.

However, the city experiences all seasons and summers are not extremely hot, with temperatures averaging around 27°C.

According to the study, Minneapolis also has the sixth-best hospital system of the 180 cities, along with a high number of nursing homes and gerontologists per capita.

The famed Mayo Clinic in nearby Rochester was again named one of the best hospitals in the U.S. in U.S. News and World Report’s arrangement in July.

“Access to quality medical care is essential for retirees, and the city’s excellent healthcare infrastructure provides peace of mind,” Lupo added.

Minneapolis also has the third lowest suicide rate among people 65 and older.

However, the city doesn’t score very high when it comes to affordability, Lupo warns, with Minnesota’s higher taxes being the most obvious financial disadvantage for retirees.

But that doesn’t encourage older residents to seek out cheaper places, state demographer Susan Brower said The Minnesota Star Tribune.

About 19,000 Minnesotans over the age of 60 move each year, while another 11,000 move in, she told the newspaper.

“I think people often think it’s a one-way ticket. But that’s not the case at all,” she said. “About 99 percent of the state stays where it is.”

Brower added that the cost of moving could outweigh the potential tax savings and that only a “select group of very high-income people” can choose where to live based on taxes.

Besides Minneapolis, the other cities ranking in WalletHub’s top five were all in Florida.

This was largely because the state had no inheritance tax, estate tax, or income tax, a major benefit for seniors living on a fixed income.

Ranked #1 for places to retire, Orlando lived up to its reputation as a seniors’ retreat with the city’s wide range of recreational activities.

The research shows that the region is home to many music venues, fishing opportunities, art galleries and volunteer activities.

While the cost of living isn’t exactly low, the city scores highly for its geriatric hospitals, allowing older residents to receive quality care.

In second place was Miami, which also offers a wide range of activities for seniors.

It is also the fifth most walkable city in the country, with the vast majority of residents having access to good public transport within walking distance of their homes.

Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, which also offer extensive tax breaks and warm weather, round out the top five.

“It’s important to make a smart choice when deciding where to retire, as many retirees have a fixed income,” Lupo said.

‘That’s why the best cities for retirees are those where taxes and spending are kept to a minimum, and where retirees can still do paid work for extra income if they choose.

‘In addition, the top cities offer high-quality healthcare and plenty of fun activities for retirees.’