6 U.S. Cities and States That Offer the Best Benefits for Seniors

With the cost of living on the rise, planning for retirement is trickier than ever. Fortunately for seniors, a growing number of cities and states offer unique benefits for residents of a certain age — namely tax breaks and free programs designed to ease the burden of the affordability crisis. Check out six states and cities that offer benefits for senior residents.

Chicago, Illinois

Anyone who’d prefer to go car-free after turning 65 would do well to retire in the Windy City. The Regional Transportation Authority’s Ride Free Program makes public transit free for seniors who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program. Seniors who are enrolled in the benefit program can take advantage of free rides on the Metra commuter rail, Pace suburban buses, and CTA buses and trains. Once granted, permits are valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration. Chicago’s public transportation ranked 17th in the world in a 2023 survey, with 82% of Chicagoans having positive things to say about the Chicago Transit Authority, making this program especially appealing for seniors.

Alaska

Want to receive a $150,000 exemption from the assessed value of your home? Simply turn 65, move to Alaska for at least a year, buy a house, and use it as your primary residence for at least 185 days out of the year. The Last Frontier also doesn’t have state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax, which makes it a financially appealing place to retire (as long as you don’t mind the winters).

Denver, Colorado

Among the many reasons to move to Denver, its outdoorsy vibe and close proximity to the mountains rank near the top. For residents over the age of 60 who’d like to stay active without leaving city limits, MY Denver PRIME is a must. The program offers free admission to every recreation center and pool in the city, including clubs and drop-in fitness classes; you even get access to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave located in Lookout Mountain Park. 

Hawaii

Hawaii has a similar program to Alaska’s real estate tax break. As long as you turn 65 by June 30 of the prior tax year, you can receive an exemption of up to $160,000 on the assessed value of your primary residence. (Figures vary by county, with Honolulu offering the highest exemption.) Note that this needs to be your full-time home, meaning you’re ineligible if you don’t live there at least 270 days of the year.

Atlanta, Georgia

If you’d rather receive tax exemptions at the city level, Atlanta may be for you. Fulton County has a homestead exemption program ideal for retirees, as it allows homeowners over the age of 65 to receive a $50,000 exemption on the county portion of their property taxes and a further $10,000 on school taxes (once they’ve been granted the property tax exemption for at least five years). Unlike many tax breaks aimed toward seniors, this one has no income requirements.

New York, New York

You’re never too old for higher education. Upon celebrating their 60th birthday, New Yorkers become eligible for tuition-free college classes as part of the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Senior Citizen Auditor Program. All 20 CUNY schools allow seniors who pay two small registration fees (one is $65, the other is $15) to audit courses as long as there’s space. Senior auditors won’t receive college credits, but they will continue their education in a unique way.