11. Asheville, North Carolina
Population: 454,351
Share of population age 60-plus: 29 percent
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,316
Median monthly rent: $911
Retirees who love outdoor activities will love settling in Asheville, North Carolina for a multitude of reasons. Asheville is near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and two National Forests – Pisgah and Nantahala. The people of Asheville love where they live, according to Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index. Residents of Asheville have a lot of pride in their city, and they also enjoy the affordability of the area. In addition, Asheville is known for its local talent – some are artists creating beautiful paintings or sculptures, while writers and musicians are plentiful in the area as well.
