Introduction

 

With an aging population and shifting economic realities, the question of how long Americans should work has become a growing topic of discussion. Conversations around leadership and workforce participation highlight a growing trend driven by financial necessity, longer lifespans, and evolving attitudes toward retirement. Finding cities that offer the best opportunities and environments for older workers is essential. According to a Coventry study, Madison, WI, has been deemed the ideal city for the 65+ workforce, boasting a remarkably low unemployment rate of just 1.2% – 59% lower than the national average.

 

But, what factors truly make a city stand out as a great place for older workers to thrive?

 

Job Availability

 

The amount of job opportunities in an area is a huge consideration for older adults, yet many of these adults face significant barriers when re-entering or remaining in the workforce. Ageism has proven to be a persistent issue, with 92% of workers over 40 revealing they have felt pressure to downplay their experience or conceal their age altogether to avoid negative perceptions, according to a MyPerfectResume study

 

Cities with high job availability rates among the 65+ population signal a healthier environment for aging workers to find meaningful and stable employment. A prime example of this is Allentown, PA, which achieves a remarkable 178.8 jobs per 100,000 people aged 65+ in the Coventry study. This high job availability not only reflects the city’s robust economy but also suggests a welcoming job market for older workers seeking to remain active in their careers.

 

Median Income of 65+ Population

 

Income is a critical factor for the 65+ workforce, especially policy changes in Social Security and a shift towards defined contribution plans do not encourage early retirement. Many older adults find themselves needing to stay in the workforce to sustain their quality of life, cover rising healthcare costs, or supplement insufficient retirement savings. This makes median income an important metric for evaluating cities suitability for older workers. 

 

San Jose, CA, ranks the highest in this category with a median income of $88,393 – 56% above the national average. This potential to provide older adults with financial stability and access to opportunities that make continuing to work both feasible and rewarding. In contrast, McAllen, TX reported a median income of $32,594 proving the disparity in financial prospects. 

 

AARP Livability Score

 

The AARP Livability Index evaluates quality of life for people of all ages across seven key categories: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. Scores range from 0 to 100, with the average score being 50. Madison, WI achieved a livability score of 67 – ranking the highest in Coventry’s study – highlighting the city’s appeal not only as a great place for older adults to work but also to live. Interestingly, McAllen, TX, is again ranked low with the lowest recorded livability score in the study, at just 42.

 

Conclusion

 

Depending on what exactly you are looking for in the job market there are definitely certain cities that are better suited for the 65+ age group. Factors like unemployment rates, job availability, income, and livability metrics are things this age group should be considering when finding the right spot to continue their careers.