This Town Was Named the 'Most Livable' Place to Retire in the West-and It's the Safest and Wealthiest in the U.S., Too

"A recent GOBankingRates.com study ranked the most livable places to retire in the U.S. While the top spots are occupied by several Florida communities, for retirees looking to live out their golden years in the West, Oro Valley, Arizona, may be their best choice. It came in fifth overall, the highest of any other town west of the Great Plains."

"Oro Valley has a livability index of 81 out of 100 and a median household income of $105,342. Additionally, nearly 35 percent of its 49,000 full-time residents is over the age of 65. The town is located just six miles north of Tucson, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of 2,620 feet. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine, extensive hiking trails, and easy access to the world-class botanical garden at Tohono Chul Park."

A ranking evaluated 50 U.S. towns on livability for retirees using factors such as median household income and share of residents aged 65 and older. Oro Valley, Arizona, scored 81 out of 100, with a median household income of $105,342 and nearly 35 percent of its roughly 49,000 full-time residents aged 65 or older. Oro Valley sits six miles north of Tucson at 2,620 feet elevation, offering abundant sunshine, extensive hiking, and access to Tohono Chul Park. The town also reported low violent-crime and moderate property-crime rates. Several other Arizona towns placed in the top 50, while Florida accounted for the largest number.

Read at Travel + Leisure