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Where are the best places to live in the U.S. if you’re a 50-plus adult? According to AARP’s annual Livability Index, the most livable communities, separated into four categories based on

population size, are:

What criteria make for a great place to live? The report considers the essentials, such as accessibility to quality medical care, grocery stores and affordable housing. There are also

The index is designed so people of any age can use it, says Rodney Harrell, AARP vice president of family, home and community, and one of the website’s creators, but this list incorporates

the needs of older adults into the concept of what makes a good community.

One thing to keep in mind, Harrell says: There is no one perfect community. “We love to celebrate communities that are doing well, but we also can’t forget that every place has challenges

that they should address. Housing costs, transportation choices and other concerns impact communities across the country, including those in the top 100.” ​

San Francisco, for example, got the overall top spot, as well as first in its category for the fifth time, but the city is nowhere near flawless. The area has struggled with housing

affordability and a homelessness crisis for years; however, it excels in areas such as health access, convenient and safe transportation and places to socialize and engage.

Here are the top 100 communities: Very large | Large | Medium | Small