Camp Hill, located in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland County, has recently been identified as the ideal American small town for retirees. With its low average monthly cost of living, low crime rate, and high livability rating, Camp Hill stands out as a top choice for retirees in the United States. This recognition comes from a report by GoBankingRates.com, which evaluated small towns with populations ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, focusing on their suitability for retirement.

Researchers assessed factors such as the total number of households, median household income, average rental and living costs, crime rates, and overall livability. Among the 44 best small towns for retirement listed in the report, Camp Hill received the highest livability rating and overall score. Other towns like Northville, Michigan, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, and Freeport, Maine also ranked highly for retirement, albeit with varying costs and livability ratings.

Camp Hill, with a population of over 8,000 people and approximately 3,200 households earning median incomes around $105,000, offers a more affordable option for retirees compared to other towns. Residents can expect to spend about $3,360 per month on living costs, including rent and expenses. In contrast, towns like Kensington, California, have much higher average monthly living costs. Despite other small towns offering low monthly expenditures, they may not score as well in the livability category.

Camp Hill, located just two miles from the state capital of Harrisburg, boasts a vibrant shopping scene primarily driven by small women-owned businesses. Additionally, the town is home to the award-winning Cleve J. Fredricksen Library and hosts a weekday farmer’s market from May to October. However, retirement remains a distant dream for many Americans, with an increasing number of individuals either delaying retirement or continuing to work past the age of 65, primarily for financial reasons.

Overall, only a small percentage of Americans between the ages of 62 and 70 are both retired and financially stable, as highlighted by labor economist Theresa Ghilarducci in her book “Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy.” Retirement planning and financial stability remain a challenge for many individuals in the current economic landscape. If you are considering retirement in a small town, Camp Hill in Pennsylvania could be an attractive option based on its affordability and livability.