News Summary
Lexington, Kentucky has been highlighted by Forbes as one of the best places to retire in 2025, thanks to its affordable housing, low taxes, and high quality of life. The city excels in healthcare access, cost of living, and safety, making it an attractive option for retirees. With a median home price significantly below the national average, Lexington offers a comfortable lifestyle for those in their golden years. This recognition solidifies Kentucky’s reputation as a financially advantageous state for retirement.
Lexington, Kentucky has been recognized as one of the best places to retire in 2025 by Forbes, earning accolades for its affordable housing, low taxes, and high quality of life for retirees. This recognition reflects the city’s appeal to those seeking a comfortable and cost-effective living environment as they transition into retirement.
Forbes conducted an extensive analysis that examined key factors contributing to the desirability of various locations for retirees. Elements such as the number of doctors per capita, walkability, and susceptibility to natural disasters were taken into account. Lexington emerged as a standout choice, showcasing its health access and lifestyle benefits that many retirees prioritize.
In addition to its recognition from Forbes, Kentucky as a whole has gained attention for being an affordable state for retirees, ranking seventh in a recent Retirement Living analysis. This report evaluated various cost-of-living indicators, including grocery and gas prices, tax rates, and housing costs, emphasizing Kentucky’s financial advantages for those in their golden years.
Lexington’s median home price is currently reported at $316,000, significantly lower than the national median home price of about $405,000, making it a more accessible option for potential homeowners. For comparison, median home prices in cities like Los Angeles hover around $1 million, underscoring Lexington’s affordability.
Moreover, the overall cost of living in Lexington is approximately 9% below the national average, aligning it with other regions on Forbes’ list, such as Greenville, South Carolina. This lower cost of living is crucial for retirees who often live on fixed incomes and seek value in their housing and daily expenses.
Lexington can also boast of a low serious crime rate, contributing to a sense of safety and security for its residents. The city enjoys a favorable climate with minimal air pollution, enhancing the quality of life further. While its streets are somewhat bikeable, the community offers ample outdoor recreational options, which is appealing to retirees who value an active lifestyle.
Health is an important consideration for retirees, and Lexington has a high ratio of primary care physicians per capita. Access to healthcare combined with the city’s commitment to well-being makes it an attractive destination for those nearing retirement age.
The city’s warm hospitality is another enticing factor for potential new residents. It boasts abundant access to natural settings, various outdoor activities, as well as vibrant cultural and educational offerings from institutions such as the University of Kentucky. Local dining experiences also enhance the city’s appeal, contributing to a satisfying lifestyle.
In its annual guide, Forbes includes 25 recommended retirement destinations, listing Lexington alphabetically alongside cities like Apache Junction, Arizona, Athens, Georgia, and Lincoln, Nebraska. This recognition places Lexington firmly on the radar of retirees seeking new opportunities for living and leisure.
For individuals interested in exploring retirement opportunities in Lexington or other parts of Kentucky, resources and information are accessible through the Herald-Leader network, providing guidance for those considering a move.
The report highlighting Lexington’s retirement credentials was initially published on May 27, 2025, and continues to serve as a valuable resource for retirees assessing their next steps in the pursuit of an enriching and enjoyable retirement experience.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Article
- Wikipedia: Retirement
- Kentucky Retirement Ranking Article
- Google Search: Kentucky retirement cost of living
- Senior Living Facility Changes Article
- Google Scholar: Kentucky retirement life quality
- Lexington Police Announcement Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Living in Kentucky
- Kentucky Politics Article
- Google News: Kentucky retirement 2025
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
