7 affordable places realtors say will become climate havens as temperatures rise

Climate and weather have always impacted where seniors choose to retire, from snowbirds desperate for the Arizona sun to midwesterners dreaming of a quiet seaside retirement.

However, the climate isn't what it used to be, and with summer heatwaves and CO2 emissions beating records year after year, a changing climate could drastically impact the liveability of the area where you'd hoped your senior benefits and retirement fund could secure you a forever home. Fortunately, many cities are already preparing for a changing future, and we don't just mean expensive coastal population hubs.

Plenty of affordable cities with reasonable housing costs are already putting in the work to climate-change-proof their infrastructure, including the seven retirement-friendly cities we explore below.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, median and average monthly housing costs were calculated by FinanceBuzz using data from the United States Census Bureau.

1. Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

Average rent: $1,590.37

Median home price: $228,570.63

Some cities are more prepared for climate change than others, and Pittsburgh is among the best. The city has been working on mitigation strategies since 2007, and it now has a thorough Climate Action Plan that includes measuring change, reducing pollution, and planning for hotter summers, colder winters, and more rain.

Additionally, Pittsburgh's location makes it a safer choice. It's inland, so it isn't subject to flooding and hurricanes. And thanks to the Great Lakes, it's less at risk for future wildfire and drought.

2. Richmond, Virginia

Average rent: $1,565.91

Median home price: $377,900

Virginia's capital city has 400 years of history, four beautifully distinct seasons, and plenty of easy, accessible walking and hiking trails in and around the city.

Richmond also has an equity-centered climate action plan managed by the Office of Sustainability, which keeps residents updated with a monthly newsletter. Richmond's focus on equity is especially important for seniors, who are more susceptible to the negative impacts of intense heat.

3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Average rent: $1,331.29

Median home price: $207,900

Milwaukee is right on the shoreline of beautiful Lake Michigan. Its perfect blend of outdoor scenery and big-city bustle makes it a good relocation spot for seniors who want to enjoy the best of both worlds while paying reasonable prices for housing.

While climate change is impacting the lake's shoreline, the city is proactively working to stabilize the shoreline, repair erosion, update stormwater systems, and add more native plants and trees.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Average rent: $1,473.68

Median home price: $324,600

A desert city might seem like an odd pick for a list of the best places for weathering climate change. But Albuquerque is already actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and its climate action plan includes the goal of planting 100,000 trees to beautify (and cool) the city.

Plus, Albuquerque sits high on the Colorado Plateau, so while its climate is still quite dry and hot, it currently enjoys four seasons and isn't as shockingly hot as desert towns with lower elevations.

5. Fresno, California

Average rent: $1,694.66

Median home price: $396,300

California isn't usually seen as an affordable retirement spot, but Fresno is almost shockingly cheap for Northern California. With 300 days of sun per year, it's a good option for outdoorsy types who want to spend their retirements exploring nearby national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia.

Fresno is also doing its best to ensure residents can enjoy its outdoors for decades to come: the county's climate resiliency plan focuses on limiting extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, and landslides through proactive intervention.

6. Spokane, Washington

Average rent: $1,480.09

Median home price: $379,300

Eastern Washington is a far cry from the state's expensive coastline, and Spokane is both much more affordable and thankfully far from dangerous sea-level increases. The city is particularly focused on involving the local community in planning for climate change.

Feedback and engagement are welcome, which makes Spokane a good relocation spot for anyone who wants to participate in building a more climate-resilient community, not just wait for one to happen.

7. Tucson, Arizona

Average rent: $1,400.60

Median home price: $299,700

Tucson is a popular travel spot and retirement location for snowbirds who favor dry weather, clear skies, and bright sunshine.

While the desert city is set to get even hotter, the city's Heat Action Roadmap centers on protecting residents and workers from dangerous heatwaves with cooling centers, community hubs, and a more resilient emergency response infrastructure.

Bottom line

No matter how well you prepare for retirement, you can't anticipate every curveball, and that includes the impact of a rapidly changing climate on your dream retirement destination.

If you've had to knock your ideal locale off your list, it's okay to take some time to grieve the future that could have been, but don't feel like you're out of options just because you can't afford Florida's rapidly rising hurricane insurance costs.

If you aren't sold on any of the cities above, try making a list of broad qualities you're looking for in a retirement destination. Try moving away from "Pensacola beaches" to "easy beach access," "boating and fishing opportunities," or "plenty of sun." You might find that broadening your horizons (and expectations) leads you to an even better retirement than you've anticipated.