Retirement havens

AARP The Magazine has released a top 10 retirement list of cities that “offer a fabulous lifestyle without outrageous costs.”

No cities in Arkansas made the list, and Tulsa is the closest city to Fort Smith to make the top 10.

To determine the list, AARP The Magazine examined financial data on more than 350 cities, including median house price, cost of living, tax rates on pensions and Social Security, recreation, climate and health resources.

THE TOP 10
Gainesville, Ga.
Water sports like boating, sailing and kayaking on Lake Lanier make Gainesville the perfect destination for an active retirement; not to mention the area’s 15 golf courses and shop-filled town square.

Columbus, Ind.
Residents love this little city’s under-the-radar charm and less than an hour south of Indianapolis, Columbus has it all. The city boasts dozens of buildings and pieces of public art by such big names as I.M.Pei, the Saarinens and Henry Moore, and its innovative architecture ranks right up there with Chicago’s and San Francisco’s.

Harrisburg, Pa.
With its gracious layout, the lovely Susquehanna River, and plentiful festivals and events, Harrisburg is a magnet for cyclists and pedestrians. The city’s 50,000 shade trees, 4.5 mile-long Riverfront Park, and 20-mile greenbelt around the city showcase its modern skyline, lovely old cathedrals, elegant Capitol complex and historic districts.

Portland, Maine
This diverse city offers a relaxed urban environment with a variety of cultural and art opportunities and is just a short drive from some of Maine’s famous outdoor attractions including ski resorts, lakes, ocean beaches and more. The bustling waterfront also recently helped Portland earn the title of Bon Appetit’s "Foodiest Small Town in America."

Ithaca, N.Y.
Set in the heart of the Finger Lakes’ booming wine and food culture, Ithaca’s outdoorsy-urban hum provides plenty to do for nature lovers with crystal-blue lakes and waterfalls, and hiking trails that allow you to see both.

Tulsa
Tulsa is a small-city jewel with an impressive art deco district, first-rate art museums and plentiful green spaces. Residents can enjoy the great outdoors along the city’s 26 miles of paved cycling and walking trails that wind among fountains, playgrounds and sculptures.

Midland, Texas
For all its wealth and Big-City skyline, it is still uniquely West Texan: Barbecue and mariachi mingle with haute couture and endless cowboy boots. For entertainment, check out the Museum of the Southwest or a local high school football game.

Winchester, Va.
A haven for history buffs, Winchester and Frederick County were the scene of six major battles during the Civil War. Plus, its rural location allows visitors to enjoy miles of rail fences, apple and peach orchards and lovely stone houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wenatchee, Wash.
It may be the "Apple Capital of the World" but Wenatchee also offers an endless array of recreational options, including skiing, hiking, camping hunting and fishing. Stunning views make this city the Northwest’s very own "Garden of Eden."

Cheyenne, Wyo.
Cowboy culture and Wild West images abound in Wyoming’s Capitol, which boasts just under half a million residents. Visitors flock here each summer for Frontier Days, still one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo after 115 years. What makes Cheyenne most appealing to residents, though, is the real spirit of the West: low-rise buildings, wide-open spaces, tumbleweeds and "Neighborhood Night Out" parties which draw hundreds of locals.