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Albuquerque. N.M.
Fast Fact: Home of world's largest hot-air balloon event
Pros: Terrific weather, low taxes, lot of doctors, modest cost of living
Cons: Crime, difficult environment for driving
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Charleston, S.C.
Fast Fact: U.S. Civil War began in harbor
Pros: Lowest tax bite of all, low cost of living, agreeable climate, plenty of physicians
Con: Hurricane threats
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Charlotte, N.C.
Fast Fact: Nation's largest banking center after New York
Pros: Cheap housing and living, temperate climate, god place for drivers, abundant physicians
Cons: Crime, tax climate only so-so
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Colorado Springs, Colo.
Fast Fact: Unofficial nonprofit capital of America
Pros: Affordable housing, low cost of living, safe streets, lots of volunteer opportunities
Cons: Cold winters, a bit light on doctors
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Fargo, N.D.
Fast Fact: Named for a Wells Fargo co-founder
Pros: Lowest crime rate on list, inexpensive living, numerous doctors, opportunities for staying active
Cons: Cold, snowy winters, floods
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Indianapolis, Ind.
Fast Fact: Hometown of writer Kurt Vonnegut
Pros: Very affordable housing, encouragement for active seniors, robust medical establishment
Cons: cold winters, crime
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Jacksonville, Fla.
Fast Fact: Florida's largest city
Pros: Fine climate, low living costs, no state income or estate tax, plenty of doctors
Con: Other taxes high