Best places to retire with a nice nest egg

A short trek to East Providence affords cyclists a view of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

Population: 178,400 (23% over 50)
Median home price: $156,000
Cost of living: 123 (100 is average)

If your dream retirement involves living near artists, intellects and top chefs, take a look at Rhode Island's capital. For a small city, it packs a powerful cultural punch.

Retirees can enjoy some of the perks of an Ivy League education thanks to Brown University, which opens its distinguished doors to the public for talks, lectures and more.

Meanwhile, prestigious Rhode Island School of Design welcomes art lovers of all ages to its esteemed museum and continuing education classes. Foodies can savor their proximity to the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University. Off campus, the city's restaurants get high marks too.

First published October 28, 2013: 9:02 AM ET

Notes: Population based on 2012 U.S. Census estimates, except for Honolulu, which is based on 2010 estimates for the census county division (CCD). Median home prices are sale prices from Trulia for July through October 2013, except for Honolulu, which is based on the three months prior.

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