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s Americans approach retirement age, they're not just looking for a place to live – they're seeking happiness and safety. For Kathryn Ellen Barrett of Ridgeland, MS, who's on the brink of retirement, safety is her top priority.

    A 62-year-old single woman who enjoys outdoor activities like jogging and walking her dog, Barrett wants to feel secure in her new home. She stays informed about local crime updates and takes necessary precautions to ensure her safety. However, she also hopes to live in an area where she can go shopping alone or run errands at night without fear.

    Security expert Erik G. Schneider recommends that retirees look for properties with good lighting, security systems, cameras, gated access, or on-site security personnel. Once you move in, he suggests installing home security systems, motion-sensor lights, video doorbells, and high-quality locks to add an extra layer of safety.

    For those seeking a safe place to retire, U.S. News & World Report's list of the Safest Places To Live in the US is a valuable resource. The rankings are based on crime rates using 2022 data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports. Here are the top 10 safest cities in America:

    1. Augusta, GA – Median home price: $199,500

     Violent crime rate: 54.2/100,000

     Property crime rate: 322.5/100,000

    2. Montgomery, AL – Median home price: $199,900

     Violent crime rate: 62/100,000

     Property crime rate: 196.3/100,000

    3. South Bend, IN – Median home price: $194,900

     Violent crime rate: 66.9/100,000

     Property crime rate: 151.2/100,000

    4. Pensacola, FL – Median home price: $308,000

     Violent crime rate: 50.9/100,000

     Property crime rate: 324.5/100,000

    5. Port St. Lucie, FL – Median home price: $439,900

     Violent crime rate: 116.7/100,000

     Property crime rate: 761.6/100,000

    6. San Juan, PR – Median home price: $795,000

     Violent crime rate: 17.8/100,000

     Property crime rate: 314.4/100,000

    7. Des Moines, IA – Median home price: $235,000

     Violent crime rate: 121.6/100,000

     Property crime rate: 1198.7/100,000

    8. Jackson, MS – Median home price: $119,999

     Violent crime rate: 136.1/100,000

     Property crime rate: 1091.5/100,000

    9. Melbourne, FL – Median home price: $410,000

     Violent crime rate: 189.4/100,000

     Property crime rate: 970.3/100,000

    10. Lakeland, FL – Median home price: $343,010

     Violent crime rate: 262.3/100,000

     Property crime rate: 725.8/100,000