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New Yorkers ready to retire and leave the bustle of the big city need not travel far.

Milford, Connecticut, a quiet, quaint coastal community just 90 minutes from Manhattan, has been named one of the top towns for upper-middle class retirees.

The seaside town was ranked third in a list compiled by GoBankingRates, which looked at livability scores and the annual cost of living in areas with a larger-than-average population of people over 65.


  Milford, Connecticut, 90 minutes from Manhattan, has been named one of the top towns for upper-middle class retirees. Naya Na – stock.adobe.com Milford, Connecticut, 90 minutes from Manhattan, has been named one of the top towns for upper-middle class retirees. Naya Na – stock.adobe.com

Using the Pew Research Center’s definition of “middle class,” it designated upper-middle class communities as ones where the annual cost of living comfortably ranged from $120,896 to $155,438.

Dover, New Hampshire, was named the top town for upper-middle class retirees, thanks to its outstanding livability scores and the fact that there are no taxes on Social Security payments.

Laguna Woods, California, came in second — a surprising fact given that it’s in notoriously pricey Orange County.

However, the SoCal enclave is one of the most affordable in the area, as it’s an age-restricted community for people 55 and over. The average home value there is $536,665, while in Laguna Beach — just a 12-minute drive away — the average home value is around $3.3 million.

Milford was ranked third, with an overall livability score of 88, thanks to its access to amenities, low crime rate and civic-minded spirit.

The town hosts several parades and festivals each year, including its annual Oyster Festival each August.

The average home value in Milford is $530,266, while the annual cost of living comfortably is $127,612.

The list featured 50 towns, with only a handful of other Northeast towns making the cut.

Portland, Maine, was named the eighth top town for upper-middle class retirees, while Saratoga Springs, NY, came in at No. 30.


  Dover, New Hampshire, was named the top town for upper-middle class retirees, thanks to its outstanding livability scores and the fact that there are no taxes on Social Security payments. Loud Canvas Media – stock.adobe.com Dover, New Hampshire, was named the top town for upper-middle class retirees, thanks to its outstanding livability scores and the fact that there are no taxes on Social Security payments. Loud Canvas Media – stock.adobe.com

Top 10 towns for upper-middle class retirees

  1. Dover, New Hampshire
  2. Laguna Hills, California
  3. Milford, Connecticut
  4. Ashland, Oregon
  5. Wheaton, Illinois
  6. Coconut Creek, Florida
  7. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
  8. Portland, Maine
  9. Arlington Heights, Illinois
  10. Royal Palm Beach, Florida

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