Vancouver, WA, United States

Capital City

With no state income tax but a hefty sales tax, Vancouver is a magnet for retirees looking to stretch their dollars. However, the city's population has swelled from 18,000 to over 190,000 in a matter of decades, creating persistent headaches around traffic and urban sprawl. The climate is also a challenge, with freezing rain storms that can paralyze the city for weeks. While Vancouver's downtown has seen a recent revitalization, it remains overshadowed by its larger neighbor across the river, Portland. This border town is best suited for cost-conscious retirees who don't mind the occasional weather-related disruption.