Wondering where to retire? Here's some help

Most baby boomers haven't really thought about where they want to live when they retire, according to a new study by Hartford Financial Services Group, an insurance company.

So AARP The Magazine has done some research for them, listing the most affordable and desirable retirement locations in the U.S.  The magazine ranked the destinations by examining financial data on more than 350 cities across the country. The publication based its results not only on property- and sales-tax rates, median housing price, and cost of living, but also the tax rate on pensions and Social Security. Recreation, climate, and arts and culture were also considered.

Pictures: Top affordable U.S. cities for retirement

On "The Early Show," Carmen Wong Ulrich, a personal finance expert and author of "The Real Cost Of Living" shared the cities that top the magazine's list.

1. Winchester, Va.
Median housing price: $151,500.
State tax on pensions: Partial
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 5%
Property tax rate: 5.53%

2. Portland, Maine
Median housing price: $202,800
State tax on pensions: Yes
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 5%
Property tax rate: 14.35%

3. Tulsa, Okla.
Median housing price: $125,600
State tax on pensions: Yes
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 5.5%
Property tax rate: 8.77%

4. Gainesville, Ga.
Median housing price: $141,800
State tax on pensions: Yes
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 7%
Property tax rate: 7.76%

5. Wenatchee, Wash.
Median housing price: $192,000
State tax on pensions: No
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 8%
Property tax rate: 10.52

Runners up:

Columbus, Ind.
Median housing price: $124,200
State tax on pensions: Yes
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 7%

Harrisburg, Pa.
Median housing price: $144,200
State tax on pensions: Partly
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 6%

Ithaca, N.Y.
Median housing price: $146,100
State tax on pensions: Partly
On Social Security: No
Sales tax: 8%

Midland, Texas
Median housing price: $96,600
State tax on pensions: No
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 8.25%