With current information being published on what the average American has accumulated toward retirement, an article published on the CNN/Money page says that out of every three Americans only one actually has any retirement money saved ((http://time.com/money/4258451/retirement-savings-survey/).

You may initially choose an area based on how affordable their housing is, but may be in the dark about their long-term economic outlook that could possibly drastically change the affordability of the area. So, make sure you consider this factor when choosing an affordable city to retire. Also, what are the state’s average cost of living, tax rate, and median rental price for a one-bedroom home, condo, or apartment?

Consider the following choices for retirement living at around $1,000 a month:

1. Beaumont, Texas (pop. 117,585)

Median rent price: $686
Tax rate: 8.6%
Beaumont, Texas is 17% below the national average in cost of living
Medical Professionals: Approximately 165 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: As much as 33.36% in the next ten years

The city of Beaumont is a very non-urban area with many outdoor activities to pursue like fishing and boating, and they are known for their bird-watching enthusiasts. It is an 180-year old city known for its historic architecture and forts as well. There is also biosphere site established in 1981 called the Big Thicket National Preserve.

2. Birmingham, Alabama (pop. 212,247)

Median rent price: $592
Tax rate: 8.45%
Birmingham, Alabama is 27% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 350 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 31.28% in the next ten years

Birmingham is the largest urban area in the state and is one of the most historic places with a variety of historic landmarks and museums like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Birmingham Museum of Art. It is also the home of the state’s Sport’s Hall of Fame. There are also theaters and a host of restaurants in the city center area.

3. Ferndale, Michigan (pop. 20,256)

Median rent price: $623
Tax rate: 6.00%
Ferndale, Michigan is 11% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: 454 physicians per every 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 38.61% in the next ten years

Ferndale is upscale living at a downscale cost of living with many renovated areas and boutique-type architecture which makes the area quaint and affordable. It is considered a great city for doing many things within walking distance of the city center. There are dozens of shops and restaurants on at least 15 city blocks and the Detroit Zoological Park is less than fifteen walking minutes away.

4. Memphis, Tennessee (pop. 656,861)

Median rent price: $623
Tax rate: 9.25%
Memphis, Tennessee is 24% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 260 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 34.94% in the next ten years

Memphis is world-renowned as the home of Elvis Presley and a pillar City of the Blues. This has made the city a popular tourist area where you can visit Beale Street, home of the blues, and a variety of musical entertainment venues. The neighborhood itself has recently seen a surge in development from the Mississippi River all the way into the state of Mississippi. There are upscale areas surrounding the city center including Germantown which is growing rapidly in new developments. The area is also known for its sports arenas for the Memphis Grizzlies professional basketball team and college sports.

5. Indianapolis, Indiana (858,325 pop.)

Median rent price: $603
Tax rate: 7.00%
Indianapolis, Indiana is 14% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 270 physicians for every 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 40.88 in the next ten years

Indianapolis, a clean and bustling city center, can offer you a multitude of activities including visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame, and a considerable area of outdoor space for an urban area called the White River State Park. There is also a city zoo, a variety of shops and theaters and an entire historic district called Lockerbie Square that you can explore on a tour.

6. Little Rock, Arkansas (pop. 197,706)

Median rent price: $699
Tax rate: 6.5%
Little Rock, Arkansas is 11% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 272 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 42.5% in the next ten years

Little Rock has an abundance of historical attractions including civil rights historical sites, and the Historic Arkansas Museum. Go for a stroll in Riverfront Park, and make your way to the Bernice Garden or take the River Rail Electric Streetcar there. You can make a day of exploring the restored homes and go to the Museum of Discovery.

7. Winston-Salem, North Carolina (pop. 239,269)

Median rent price: $771
Tax rate: 6.75%
Winston-Salem, North Carolina is 16% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 230 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 38.34% in the next ten years

Winston-Salem is found between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a city that houses no less than eight colleges and universities, museums including the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, upwards of 40 wineries, 80 different parks, over 400 dining places, and 12 golf courses.

8. Athens, Georgia (pop. 119,648)

Median rent price: $599
Tax rate: 7.00%
Athens, Georgia is 9% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 214 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 37.34% in the next ten years

Athens is a city that will not overwhelm you with its size and is the home of the University of Georgia. The focus for activities is on a variety of art and cultural events including many art galleries, museums, theaters, and a popular botanical garden space.

9. St. Louis, Missouri (pop. 317,419)

Median rent price: $755
Tax rate: 7.11%
St. Louis, Missouri is 15% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 326 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 44.9% job growth in the next ten years

St. Louis is located near the Mississippi River and has a popular landmark called the Gateway Arch that attracts tourists every year. The St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum are the two main museums in the city as well as the Mildred Land Kemper Art Museum. There are numerous food tours all year, parks, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to attend. There is also the St. Louis Science Center to visit.

10. Davenport, Iowa (pop. 102,448)

Median rent price: $737
Tax rate: 6.00%
Davenport, Iowa is 11% below the national average in cost of living
Medical professionals: Approximately 232 physicians per 100,000 people
Crime rate: Below the national average
Job growth: 34.15% growth in the next ten years

Davenport sits along the Mississippi River and is a city that is culturally ensconced in German culture, has a large population of people who promote outdoor activities, and is a big sports town for golf, baseball and ice hockey. It also has a big art movement and you can find many art festivals and other cultural events that take place regularly on the riverfront. You will also like to explore The Davenport Skybridge where you can get a 360-degree view of the city and leave to visit the quaint and historic Village of Davenport.