The Top 10 Worst Cities in the Southwest for Retirees

If you're planning to move for retirement, you'll have plenty of places to choose from.

Some cities in the Southwest might appear on your list for their excellent weather or lower cost of living. Others might be good if you like outdoor activities or living in an urban area.

But there are some cities you might want to avoid. If you're planning for retirement, the following places in the Southwest might not be great choices for your golden years.

Taos is a great vacation spot that offers skiing in the winter and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in the summer.

But the city may be a hard sell if you're a retiree needing to supplement your Social Security. Housing here can be much more expensive than in other parts of New Mexico.

Snowflake may sound like an inviting name for a town in a desert but don’t assume it’s a great place to retire.

The town has just over 6,000 residents, which might be an issue if you’re hoping for an area with a little more hustle and bustle.

Snowflake is also a bit isolated in the desert: Cities such as Phoenix are several hours away.

Henderson appears to be a good option if you’re looking for somewhere close to Las Vegas. But housing can be more expensive here than in other parts of Nevada.

Some reports also say that Henderson has an “exclusive” feel and that it is difficult for newcomers to feel at home here.

Los Angeles has beautiful weather year-round, so you won’t have to worry about cold and snow.

However, the city is notorious for its bad traffic, which makes it challenging to get around. That could be a factor if you’re worried about the cost of wear and tear on your vehicle.

Housing also is expensive in Los Angeles, and California has high income taxes, particularly if you're wealthy.

Albuquerque may appeal to those who want a major city with plenty of restaurants, cultural institutions, or events to enjoy.

However, the city has a crime rate considerably higher than the national average.

UFO buffs may think Roswell would be a cool place to retire, but the tourist destination may not have much else to offer retirees.

Surprisingly, crime can be an issue, with Roswell's crime rate ranking higher than the national average.

Scottsdale may be a good option for a retiree, especially if you’re a golfer. There are more than 200 golf courses in the area, making it one of the best places to golf in the country.

But home prices here tend to be much higher than in many parts of Arizona.

San Bernardino is east of Los Angeles. On the surface, it’s an attractive retirement option, with warm, sunny California weather and plenty of things to do.

However, air quality can be an issue, especially if you have certain health problems. The American Lung Association says San Bernardino County is the worst in the U.S. regarding ozone and particle pollution.

In Las Vegas, it’s easy for retirees to gamble away their savings. The city might appear to be a good choice if you want somewhere warm, but summer temperatures get well above 100 degrees during the day. 

You might want to visit in the summer first and test it out before you decide to move to Vegas.

Flagstaff is a tourist destination, making it difficult to get around during the year. Traffic is sometimes surprisingly heavy in the city. Housing also can be rather expensive in Flagstaff.

Retiring in the Southwest can be a good option if you want warm weather, dry conditions, or other cultural amenities.

But not every city in the Southwest is a great place for retirees. So, before you retire, consider whether the cities on this list are a great place to spend your golden years.