The Most Read “Best Places” Blogs of 2024

Dec. 29, 2024 — One of our most fun things to do every year is to look back and see which of our Blog articles attracted the most reader interest. Of the 86 we published, which ones were read the most, and what were the articles that generated the most Comments? The results are a pretty good indication of what our Members are interested in. Here is a list of some of the top performers, all of which were tightly clustered together. Many more were ranked just below them.

Looking at it by category, almost all of the winning Blog posts had to do with Best Places and Where to Retire (9 of the 13 listed here), with Medicare and Social Security making most of the other top ones. Note: When the article was published could make a difference: those with more recent pub dates had to do very well to rank high for the year. Number of Comments made in ( ).

11 Great Lake Towns for Retirement (4). We have written about the best lake towns before, and it always generates a lot of interest. This list was particularly good, with some towns not usually on the radar. This was definitely the most read article of the year.

Brian Struggles to Find His Perfect Place to Retire (35). This is tied for generating the most Comments for the year (35). It came about after we received a request from a Member to help him sort out the many conflicting suggestions he was getting from family and friends.

What Is Your Worst State for Retirement (7). This topic is always guaranteed to spike readership and Comments. In our opinion there are some truly bad places to retire, although they might be good for someone else

Maximum Social Security Benefit for 2024 (23). Sure, who wouldn’t be interested in what their Social Security benefit will be. What is most striking is the enormous differences between high and low earners, and those taking it at 62 vs. 70.

New Medicare Changes Bring Surprising Savings (35). Frankly we were surprised at how many Comments this one generated (tied for 1st). The changes that came about during the Biden Administration are going to relieve some onerous burdens for millions of recipients.

Politics Driving More Retirement Decisions (32). If Social Security is the 3rd rail for politicians, so it is for the politics of where to retire. We eventually had to cut off the Comments because things got a little too hit But the issue is real.

Post Hurricane Helene: Is Any Place Safe to Retire (6). The damage in the Asheville area and western Carolinas was any eye opener. How could a hurricane cause so much devastation so far from the coast? It’s got people reevaluating what to do.

These Beach Towns Are Great Places to Retire (0). It is a little surprising that this popular topic generated no Comments at all. Maybe everyone agreed with our picks!

Which Town in the West Would You Choose (12). Modeled after the New York TImes “The Hunt” feature, we presented our Members with 4 potential places to retire in the West. They ranged from Bozeman (MT) to Prescott (AZ). Then we asked you to pick your favorite, and why. Interesting!

Best Places in Europe to Retire on a Budget (8). Many retirees are considering a retirement abroad, for a variety of reasons. There are some really interesting options, with varying degrees of difficulty making that happen.

Should They Move Across the Country to Live Near Son (14). This is one of our favorites, mainly because it generated such interesting Member perspectives. This case is a dilemma, with so many considerations.

Skyrocketing Insurance Costs Driving Out Some Retirees (13). At least in Florida, everybody is talking about this one. It’s real (and so are other costs like new reserve requirements). The fees in our Condo Association have more than doubled in the past 5 years!

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? (11). Many people wrestle with this one, we hope the article gives some perspective and helpful guidance.

Do you have a favorite? If you have an article that you found especially interesting or helpful, please let us know in the Comments section below. Likewise, if there is a topic we should be writing about, please let us know. Meanwhile, thanks for being part of such a vibrant community!