KICKIN’ IT IN KANSAS

Looking to spend your golden years with as much gold as possible? Look no further than our annual Best Places to Retire list. Our criteria reward affordable home prices, low crime and taxes (including inheritance levies) and quality medical care. The results were surprising; here’s a sampling. (For methodology and the full list of 25 cities, see

LAWRENCE, KS

POPULATION: 101,000 PROS: Prospering economy; low risk for natural disasters. CONS: Social Security benefits taxed for those earning above $75,000.

SIOUX FALLS, SD

POPULATION: 201,000 PROS: Median home price $296,000, 21% below national median. High number of physicians per capita. CONS: Cold winters. Remote.

JACKSONVILLE, FL

POPULATION: 939,000 PROS: On the Atlantic, though somewhat less prone to hurricanes than most of coastal Florida. No state income or estate tax. CONS: Not very walkable; lots of crime.

SPOKANE, WA

POPULATION: 232,000 PROS: Good air quality; very bikeable. No state income tax. CONS: Median home price $411,000, 10% above national median. State estate tax.

SUN CITY, AZ

POPULATION: 43,000 (age-restricted; aimed at active retirees) PROS: Strong local economy; no state estate tax or income tax on Social Security. CONS: Blazing-hot summers. Smog.