A wave of over 4 million Americans will turn 65 in 2026, meaning 11,200 people will hit retirement age daily this year. This aging cohort may be looking for more in their golden years than past generations, according to research from StorageCafe.

Increasingly, retirees value safety — both physical and financial. With one of the highest life expectancies in the nation at 80.5 years, Boston offers this and more to the over-65 crowd.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources, StorageCafe researchers ranked U.S. cities based on share of residents aged 65 and up, life expectancy, cost of living, average retirement incomes, housing affordability, access to senior housing, safety, weather, healthcare, cultural amenities and recreation opportunities.

Boston placed No. 14 when compared to other large metros and ranked No. 10 for life expectancy.

Abundant healthcare made Boston a smart choice for seniors. The metro offered 5,800 healthcare and social assistance workers per 10,000 residents.

Plus, 760,000 Boston residents were over the age of 65, suggesting an established community of retirees. Of this aging population, many enjoy financial stability. Average retirement income in Boston sat at $37,310 per capita, with more than half of seniors reporting retirement income.

“Our analysis shows that the best places to retire in 2026 aren’t simply sunny or scenic — they’re resilient and balanced,” said StorageCafe researchers Anca Lenta, Emilia Man and Doug Ressler. “These are the metros where affordability meets access to care, where safety and community still shape daily life, and where retirees can thrive — not just live.