10 Affordable Cities for Retirement

These places are a bargain for retirees — and you can't beat the lifestyle

by: Sarah Mahoney, from: AARP The Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2011 issue

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Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a big city skyscape while retaining its small town charm. — Jake Stangel

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsans delight in how their city surprises outsiders — it's a small-city jewel, with an impressive art deco district downtown, first-rate art museums and plentiful green spaces.

See also: Ten best states for retirement.

Tulsa Insider

Median housing price: $125,600

State tax: On pensions, yes; on Social Security, no

Sales tax: 5.5%

Best way to spend $10: Admission to the Philbrook Museum of Art, an Italian Renaissance villa built in the 1920s, is just $7.50.

Best night on the town: Although Tulsa offers plenty of big acts (Elton John and Paul McCartney have both played the BOK Center), it's got smaller quirky pleasures, too. Try a Mexican dinner with local and organic ingredients at Eloté.

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Situated in the northeast corner of the state, with the Arkansas River flowing through it, the city has 26 miles of paved cycling and walking trails that wind among fountains, playgrounds and sculptures.

A few years ago Joel Hulett, 56, and his wife, Ada, 58, considered moving his Tulsa law practice to Los Angeles so he could work for the entertainment industry.

Instead they decided to stay, and he started a film-production company: The couple will help kick off the Tulsa International Film Festival this September.

Ada and Joel also enjoy traveling, so they like the city's proximity to Tulsa International Airport.

But Tulsa's also just a welcoming place. Says Ada: "I've been here 33 years now, and it never fails to impress me how friendly and warm the city is."

Next Page: A city where you'll enjoy the real spirit of the West. »