Top 20 cities for physician retirees

Medscape published its list on the top 20 cities for doctors to retire to in 2023. Medscape’s physician readers shared that they’d prefer to retire to locations that had affordable taxes and access to outdoor recreation and good health care. Medscape’s editors took this into account when making the list, and they also prioritized locations with good year-round weather and a low cost of living.

Janice Blumer, DO, an Oregon-based family medicine doctor who is close to retiring, can vouch for Bend, Oregon, number nine on the list, as a great retirement option.

“Bend is the hub of Central Oregon and has been hot on my radar for retirement,” said Dr. Blumer. “I am a ‘short-timer’ in the work world as the saying goes. Bend is the seat of Deschutes County on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range. Bend is an active senior’s dream, and for me it provides an avenue for all the hobbies I want to pursue in my retirement.”

The top 10 reasons Dr. Blumer is considering Bend for retirement are the year-round sun, all-season recreation, great views, excellent health care, lots of food and brewery options, opportunities for active lifestyles, a convenient airport, plenty of music and culture, museums and many other options for mental and intellectual stimulation.

“Bend brings out the kid in me in more ways than one,” said Dr. Blumer. “This city makes it easy to stay healthy, active and engaged in retirement.”

Below, check out Medscape’s full list and the perks each location offers retirees.

Top 20 places for doctors to retire to

1. Jacksonville, Florida

Highlights: No state income tax, good weather year-round and great hospital systems.

2. Martinsville, Virginia

Highlights: Low cost of living, below average property taxes and scenic mountain views.

3. Bozeman, Montana

Highlights: Great health care, no state sales tax and low population density.

4. Evans, Colorado

Highlights: 300 acres of parks, low crime rates and mountain views.

5. Rehoboth, Delaware

Highlights: No sales tax, no state tax on Social Security income and mild winters

6. Portland, Maine

Highlights: No state tax on Social Security income, coastal scenery and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities

7. Tucson, Arizona

Highlights: Low cost of living, vibrant art scene and low tax rates

8. Burlington, Vermont

Highlights: Year-round activities, affordable health care and a tight-knit community

9. Bend, Oregon

Highlights: An artsy community, no state sales tax and an award-winning medical center

10. Franklin, Tennessee

Highlights: Live music opportunities, low cost of living and no income tax

11. Fredericksburg, Texas

Highlights: Reasonable winter temperatures, no tax on Social Security income and historic parks

12. Gig Harbor, Washington

Highlights: Great health care, water-based activities and tax-free pensions

13. Boone, North Carolina

Highlights: Outdoor activities, a retirement income tax exemption and small-town charm

14. St. Louis, Missouri

Highlights: Great hospital systems, low housing costs and cultural activities

15. Athens, Georgia

Highlights: Year-round warm weather, retirement tax exemptions and social activities galore

16. Grand Haven, Michigan

Highlights: Sandy beaches,  no tax on Social Security income and low crime rates

17. Paducah, Kentucky

Highlights: Low cost of living, low state tax rate and historic downtown

18. Dayton, Ohio

Highlights: Cultural activities, great health care facilities, ample green spaces

19. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Highlights: Affordable housing, no income tax on pensions after 60 and Amish community

20. Tarpon Springs, Florida

Highlights: Greek culture, no state income tax and historic downtown

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