Charleston Region Ranks High for Retirees

The Charleston metro area ranks high as one of the best places to grow old, according to a new study that looks at 78 quality of life factors that impact seniors.

The metro area is No. 27 on the Top 100 list. Provo, Utah, ranks highest, according to the data from the Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank.

The study looks at health care, crime rates and weather but also economic and job conditions, housing, transportation, and social engagement factors that help create a safe, affordable and connected community for seniors, according to a news release.

Here's a quick rundown, including some Southern neighbors:

1. Provo, Utah
2. Madison, Wis.
3. Omaha, Neb.
4. Boston, Mass.
5. New York, N.Y.
27. Charleston
34. New Orleans
40. Jacksonville, Fla.
49. Columbia, S.C.
53. Birmingham, Ala.
60. Charlotte

See the full list on milkeninstitute.org.

Charleston has for years been a destination for well-heeled seniors who want to retire at the coast, but Miliken's report is meant to encourage cities to foster retirees, since most folks want to stay where they are when they finally quit work.

The survey, taking into account the economy, also looks at senior employment, since many older Americans continue working into their 70s.