
12. Bend, Oregon
Way on the Northwest coast of the country is Bend, a big draw to this town is the outdoor activities. This scenic playground is 160 miles Southeast of Portland. The city sits at an elevation of 3,600 feet around the North-flowing Deschutes River. You can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, paragliding, bicycling, and except for in the winter, golf, as well. Some other pluses of Bend include a low serious crime rate, good air quality, and even a high number of doctors per capita (via Forbes). There is no state sales tax to worry about and no state income tax on Social Security benefits. However, there is state estate tax (via Forbes). Like Athens, Georgia, FEMA ranks Bend relatively low in natural hazard risk. However, the town itself is not very walkable, something to consider before moving there.