M
ilford, Connecticut, a serene coastal town just 90 minutes from Manhattan, has been named the third‑best U.S. community for upper‑middle‑class retirees. GOBankingRates’ new ranking, based on livability scores and the annual cost of living for areas with a higher‑than‑average senior population, placed Milford behind Dover, New Hampshire, and Laguna Woods, California.

    The list uses the Pew Research Center’s definition of “middle class,” designating upper‑middle‑class communities as those where a comfortable annual cost of living falls between $120,896 and $155,438. Milford’s average home value is $530,266, and its cost of living is $127,612, earning it an overall livability score of 88. The town boasts low crime, ample amenities, and a civic‑oriented atmosphere, highlighted by yearly events such as the celebrated Oyster Festival in August.

    Dover tops the chart, thanks to excellent livability metrics and the benefit of no Social Security tax. Laguna Woods, an age‑restricted community in Orange County, ranks second; its average home price of $536,665 is a fraction of the $3.3 million average in nearby Laguna Beach, making it one of the most affordable Southern California enclaves for retirees.

    Other Northeast towns that made the list include Portland, Maine (rank 8) and Saratoga Springs, New York (rank 30). The full top‑10 roster of upper‑middle‑class retiree towns is:

    1. Dover, New Hampshire

    2. Laguna Hills, California

    3. Milford, Connecticut

    4. Ashland, Oregon

    5. Wheaton, Illinois

    6. Coconut Creek, Florida

    7. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

    8. Portland, Maine

    9. Arlington Heights, Illinois

    10. Royal Palm Beach, Florida

    These communities combine favorable cost structures, high livability scores, and a welcoming environment for retirees seeking a quieter life without sacrificing quality of life.