Pricey crime-ridden liberal mecca surprisingly named as top place for older Americans to live

A pricey city blighted by crime has surprisingly been named the top place for older Americans to live.

That is according to a yearly ranking carried out by AARP, a dedicated organization for the over-50s.

To determine whether somewhere is a great place for seniors to live, the report considered whether residents have access to quality medical care, grocery stores and affordable housing.

It also looked at whether the city offers social and cultural opportunities, access to exercise and affordable transport options, and whether it is walkable.

But despite making the top spot, the report admitted that San Francisco is 'nowhere near flawless.'

Rising crime and widespread public drug use are growing problems in the Californian city, particularly in the troubled downtown Tenderloin district .

'The area has struggled with housing affordability and a homelessness crisis for years,' the study reads.

But despite this, it says the city ranked first overall and first in its category for the fifth time, because it excels in areas such as health access, convenient and safe transportation and places to socialize and engage.

'We love to celebrate communities that are doing well, but we also can't forget that every place has challenges that they should address,' said Rodney Harrell, AARP vice president of family, home and community.

'Housing costs, transportation choices and other concerns impact communities across the country, including those in the top 100.'

San Francisco being named as the top place for older Americans to live, as well as the top in the 'very large' cities category, may still come as a surprise to many.

Quieter and cheaper cities or sunny beachside towns tend to be top of the list of places for retirees to spend their later years .

The Californian city has one of the most expensive housing markets in the country - where the average home costs almost $1.3 million , according to Zillow.

A recent study from GOBankingRates found that in order to live comfortably in the city, locals must earn an annual salary of at least $252,878 , which is unachievable for many older Americans living on a fixed income.

The study judged 'living comfortably' by the 50/30/20 rule. This is where 50 percent of a person's income meets the costs of living, 30 percent is expendable and 20 percent goes toward savings.

Meanwhile rampant crime and drug use on the city's streets are forcing residents and businesses to flee in their droves.

San Francisco's Westfield, once a thriving mall home to the largest Nordstrom in America in the city's downtown area, is now a shell of its former self after a string of departures from big-name stores .

Occupancy was at a measly 25 percent in January, and staff and shoppers told DailyMail.com how they were left 'scared' by 'rising crime, drug-taking and homelessness' in the area.

Earlier this year, residents of a wealthy neighborhood in the city said they had been left 'traumatized' by a recent jump in burglaries, robberies, and murders.

Some long-time residents said they had even resorted to using chicken wire to protect their homes from intruders and feeling so unsafe that they were thinking of moving away.

AARP ranked the top 100 communities overall, and named the highest ranking places in three other size categories.

Arlington, Virginia, took the top spot in the 'large' category and Cliffside Park, New Jersey, ranked the highest in the 'medium' category.

Meanwhile, according to the livability index, Great Neck Plaza, New York, is the top 'small' place for over-50s to live in the US.