#19 of 25 Best Places to Retire

Spokane, Wash.

19 of 25

Spokane, Wash.'s, downtown is a hotbed of new development.

Population: 208,900

% over 50: 33%

Median home price: $138,000

Top state income tax: None

Cost of living index: 94

Unlike Seattle, 280 miles to the West, the sky in Spokane is blue most days of the year. That's all the better for taking advantage of the Spokane region's 76 lakes, 33 golf courses and five ski resorts.

For retirees with time to go farther afield, there's a half-dozen major national parks--including Glacier and Yellowstone-- within a day's drive. The city's historic downtown has been a hotbed for new development and multi-million-dollar renovations bringing in boutique hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and luxury lofts (starting around $200,000).

A regional medical hub, Spokane's health care has kept pace with its cultural coming of age. Providence Sacred Heart Medical, for example, has been recognized for its outstanding cardiac surgery, heart attack treatment, and critical care, among others.

Added bonus: The state of Washington charges no income taxes.

#18 of 25 Best Places to Retire

Lawrence, Kan.

18 of 25

Lawrence, Kan., is a National Trust for Historic Preservation "distinguished destination."

Population: 87,600      

% over 50: 21%

Median home price: $136,000

Top state income tax: 6.45%

Cost of living index: 94

Meander down Massachusetts Street and you can understand why the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized this small city in northeastern Kansas as a "distinguished destination."

While the city's Romanesque Revival and Beaux Arts architecture has been meticulously preserved or restored, today's tenants range from quirky shops to natural food stores. As home to the University of Kansas, Lawrence has all of the art, education, medical care, and sports events you'd expect of a major college town.

And contrary to the state's dust bowl reputation, water is plentiful in these parts. Nearby Clinton Lake is considered one of the best boating spots in the country; land lovers can explore a plethora of trails meandering along it 85-mile shoreline. The Baker Wetlands Research and Natural Area is a boon for bird watchers. And for retirees looking to dip their toes year round, there's the city's $9 million Indoor Aquatic Center.

#16 of 25 Best Places to Retire

Austin, Texas - 17th Best Place to Retire

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Austin, Texas, is affordable, fun and charming.

Population: 790,400

% over 50: 22%

Median home price: $124,000

Top state income tax: None

Cost of living index: 93

The Texas state capital is a perennial fixture on just about any Best Cities ranking -- from launching a business to exploring the outdoors.

What may surprise you about Austin, however, is just how affordable it is. Despite a healthy real estate market -- prices are actually up 14% since 2006 --buyers still get a lot for their money. Charming, well-maintained homes start around $125,000. And there's no state income tax in the Lone Star State.

The tradeoff? It's hard to find any, save maybe for Austin's sticky summers. There's no shortage of things to do, from live music on 6th Street to the opera, symphony, or ballet at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Seniors can sign up for fitness and enrichment classes at one of three different city-run senior centers, while the University of Texas at Austin has a robust lifelong learning program.

#17 of 25 Best Places to Retire

Bloomington, Ind.

17 of 25

Bloomington, Ind., is a retiree-friendly college town.

Population: 80,400

% over 50: 21%

Median home price: $170,000              

Top state income tax: 3.4%*

Cost of living index: 93

Southern Indiana is probably the last place you'd expect to find authentic Middle Eastern food, Traditional Tibetan monuments; or a museum showcasing artifacts from around the world. Yet Bloomington offers all that and more -- thanks in part to Indiana University.

The university's prestigious Jacobs School of Music has put the city on the map among music circles for genres ranging from opera to punk. Theater is also big here, with acts taking the stage at the 3,000-seat University Auditorium and at a restored 1922 vaudeville and movie house, among others.

While there's plenty to see and do on the university's picturesque campus--one of the prettiest in the country--Bloomington's eclectic downtown, leafy neighborhoods, and nearby 200,000-acre Hoosier National Forest add to the appeal. Retirees should have no trouble finding activities and organizations to suit their fancy thanks to the Bloomington Lifelong Learning coalition, which promotes senior enrichment on campus, via the city and elsewhere.

#15 of 25 Best Places to Retire

Tucson, Ariz.

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15 of 25

Tucson, Ariz., offers history and sunshine

Population: 520,100

% over 50: 30%

Median home price: $126,000

Top state income tax: 4.54%

Cost of living index: 96

The housing bust has been the bane of most Arizona homeowners, who have seen median home prices fall more than 50% since 2006. But for new snowbirds, it's a boon. They can get a house with a pool and view for less than $200,000.

Among the many now-affordable retirement destinations in the state, Tucson scores big for livability. Besides 350 days a year of sunshine, more than two dozen championship golf courses, and to-die-for Southwestern cuisine, the city also boasts a wealth of historic places to explore, from the 19th-century St. Augustine Cathedral to the old homes and store fronts in El Presidio.

Just outside of Tucson, you can visit old mining towns, missions, and archaeological sites, including the petroglyphs at Signal Hill and the reconstructed dwelling at Dankworth Village. Hiking and biking trails crisscross the four mountain ranges that surround the city. There's even skiing at nearby Mount Lemmon.