- Columbus, Ohio, was ranked the 15th best large city for retirement in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
- The city’s affordability, including lower median home prices and rent, contributed to its high ranking.
- Jacksonville, Florida, and Houston, Texas, secured the top two spots on the national list.
If you’re planning to spend your golden years in the Midwest, Columbus might be a pretty good deal.
The Ohio capital ranked No. 15 among the best large cities to retire in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Places to Retire list released Nov. 4.
The annual ranking evaluated 250 cities nationwide based on factors such as affordability, quality of life, healthcare access, taxes for retirees and local job markets. The report analyzed more than 850 metro areas, narrowing them down to the top 250 destinations from retirees across small, medium and large cities.
Jacksonville, Florida, claimed the top spot on this year’s list, followed by Houston and Oklahoma City.
Columbus earned an overall score of 5.2 out of 10, scoring points for its relatively low cost of living, short commutes and reasonable housing prices.
Here’s what the numbers say about Columbus being retirement-friendly:
House affordability helped Columbus stand out as an ideal spot for retirees. The median home value sits at $280,117, nearly $90,000 less than the national median of $370,489. The median monthly rent is $1,090, and the median household income is $65,981 according to U.S. News & World Report, which noted Columbus “offers a lower value of living compared to similarly sized cities.”
The city’s average commute time was another national standout. With roughly 79% of residents driving to work, the commute is about 19.9 minutes — two minutes shorter than the national average. Smaller shares of people use public transportation (2.5%), walk (2.4%) or bike (0.4%).
Columbus’ population — now roughly 935,600 — is also relatively young, with just 12% age 65 or older. About a third of residents are married, while 65% are single (and possibly ready to mingle), according to the report.
While Columbus’ job market lags slightly behind the national average with unemployment rates higher than the U.S. rate of 4.5%, it’s steady growth and mild climate continue to attract new residents.
The city experiences moderate seasonal temperatures, with winter averages around 35 degrees and summer highs near 74, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
