Of course Bankrate didn’t look at every single city in the U.S., although its initial list numbered in the thousands. But when those cities lacking data on the critical factors named above were eliminated, that left 196. Then neighboring municipalities that shared almost identical characteristics were combined with their neighbors, so the final list numbered 172. Fittingly, New York starts off the list, the worst at 172 out of 172.

Now, here for your delectation, are the 10 worst places to retire in the U.S. (If you’re an optimist and want to see the cities judged the 10 best, jump to “Top 10 best places to retire.”)

10. New York, New York (172/172)

You might be able to walk anywhere in New York, what with its “great” walkability and low crime rate, but that’s a mixed blessing—since the cost of living is so very high you probably couldn’t ride there anyway, and if you got mugged the mugger probably wouldn’t get much. Taxes are rated very high, too, although for all that money health care is rated below average. So is the weather, but of course cost has nothing to do with that—unless you’re trying to keep warm or stay cool. The city’s well-being index is below average, too, which is a shame considering all the things to do in New York. Oh, wait. They cost money.

9. Little Rock (including North Little Rock and Conway), Arkansas (171/172)

Oh, Little Rock. What can we say? An average cost of living is not so bad, but from there it’s all downhill. Below-average walkability, below-average weather, very high crime rate, a poor well-being index, high taxes, and below-average health care just don’t make a very pretty picture, despite the gorgeous scenery outside town.

8. New Haven (including Milford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford), Connecticut (170/172)

Very high cost of living, very high taxes, a high crime rate, and below-average weather will make you not want to take advantage of this metro area’s great walkability. That’s a pity, because not-walking undoubtedly contributes to its poor well-being index. And health care here is only average. Not a standout choice, despite its proximity to Long Island Sound—but no doubt that’s part of the reason it’s so expensive.

7. Buffalo (including Rochester, Niagara Falls, and Cheektowaga), New York (169/172)

These metropolises have great walkability, but considering the below-average weather it’s not a great selling point. Not to mention that a high crime rate might make one reluctant to venture out into that snowstorm to get to the mall. Below-average health care isn’t a selling point, either, nor are the very high taxes. Oddly enough, an average cost of living might not be so bad—but overall, this area ranks below average in well-being.

6. Newark, New Jersey (168/172)

Very high taxes, very high cost of living, high crime. These don’t make great walkability, Newark’s best attraction on this list, seem like such an advantage. Add to that average health care, coupled with below-average weather and a below-average well-being score, and you might want to consider other places before planning to retire here. After all, New Jersey does have beaches, too--just not here.

5. Albany (including Troy and Schenectady), New York (167/172)

High crimes and—oh, wait, wrong story. Anyway, high crime rate, high cost of living, and very high taxes, not to mention snow, await the brave soul venturing to these municipalities in upstate New York. While the walkability of these various cities is good, health care is below average—as is the weather (snow, lots of it) and the well-being score.

4. Hartford (including East and West Hartford), Connecticut (166/172)

Whoever said Connecticut could be pricey must have been thinking not just of spot number 170 on the list, but also this one. The Hartford area has a very high cost of living and very high taxes, a high crime rate, and only average health care. It does have great walkability, but that’s not so attractive in its below-average weather. Still, it did garner an average rating on the well-being index.

3. Oakland, California (165/172)

One might wonder what Oakland is doing on this list, since it has great walkability, a good well-being score, and good weather. But, alas, it also has a very high cost of living, very high taxes, a very high crime rate, and below-average health care. Sad but true. So if you retire here, you’ll have to mix the margaritas at home.

2. Indianapolis, Indiana (164/172)

It seems as if many of these cities score highly in multiple areas—even if that’s not so good—or score low in multiple areas, again, even if that’s not so good. Indianapolis is one of the latter. While its cost of living is low, its walkability is below average—a good thing, considering its very high crime rate—and both health care and weather are also below average. Average taxes and an average score on the well-being index round things off.

1. Cleveland, Ohio (163/172)

An average cost of living and average taxes in this city makes Cleveland more affordable than many others on this list. Its health care is average, too, but its well-being index is below average. It has good walkability, but a very high crime rate, so they kind of cancel one another out. And then there’s the weather, which is below average and not conducive to sipping piña coladas under the stars.

Enough of this! Let's check out the places where you might have more success retiring: “Top 10 best U.S. places to retire.”