Americans nearing retirement are often focused on finding a safe place to settle down. Kathryn Ellen Barrett from Ridgeland, Mississippi, shared her thoughts with Realtor.com about the importance of safety in choosing a new home. “When searching for a place to live, safety is at the top of my list,” said Barrett, who is 62 and single. She emphasized her need for security due to her active lifestyle involving outdoor activities like jogging and walking her dog.
Barrett regularly monitors local crime news and takes precautions but desires to live where she feels secure enough to shop or run errands alone at night.
Security expert Erik G. Schneider from Richmond, Virginia, suggests retirees look for properties with features such as good lighting, security systems, cameras, gated access, or on-site security personnel. Schneider also recommends installing home security systems and motion-sensor lights after moving in.
For those concerned about safety in retirement locations, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the Safest Places To Live in the U.S., based on 2022 FBI crime data. The report lists Augusta, Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; South Bend, Indiana; Pensacola and Port St. Lucie in Florida; San Juan in Puerto Rico; Des Moines in Iowa; Jackson in Mississippi; Melbourne and Lakeland in Florida as the top ten safest cities for retirees.
These cities were chosen for their lower crime rates compared to similarly sized metro areas.
