If your golden years are fast approaching, you may be wondering where in the U.S. makes for a dream retirement spot. Whether you want a warm climate, uninterrupted peace, stunning landscapes, or a vibrant social scene, we’ve got you covered! Here are the 18 best places to retire in the U.S., and a brief look at what makes each location so retirement-friendly.
Sarasota, Florida
PODS lists this Floridian city as the perfect place to relax in the sun. It has beautiful beaches, a vibrant arts scene, a plethora of restaurants, and no state income tax. Sarasota also boasts a large community of retirees, several golf courses, and world-class medical facilities, so making friends and staying healthy shouldn’t be a problem.
Prescott, Arizona
This town offers both Old West charm and natural beauty. According to 55Places.com, “Prescott is known for its quaint downtown and abundance of outdoor recreation.” Its mild climate, low cost of living, and close proximity to outdoor activities (golf, hiking, etc.) make it the perfect choice for newly retired people who love to stay active.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has plenty of Southern charm with its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and warm hospitality. The State comments that it’s particularly popular amongst retirees due to its rich culture, mild climate, and affordability—with relatively cheap housing, healthcare, and leisure activities.
Asheville, North Carolina
Forbes listed this town, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as one of the best places to retire in 2021. The reasons were an abundance of doctors, clean air, a mild climate, no state taxes on Social Security benefits, and a decent economy. Asheville is also a great place for retirement-friendly outdoor activities, like biking and walking.
Fort Myers, Florida
With beautiful beaches, abundant sunshine, fishing, boating, and numerous golf courses, this Gulf Coast city is quite alluring for retirees. News-Press also adds that relatively low living costs, adequate medical facilities, abundant cultural events, and a reassuringly low crime rate also add to the attraction.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Discover Lancaster states this location offers convenient transportation links and is a short drive away from other major cities, like Baltimore. Well known for its rich history, active art scene, and friendly community, retirees also appreciate the availability of affordable housing and easy accessibility to rural beauty areas nearby.
Bend, Oregon
For those who love the outdoors, Bend is an unbeatable choice for retirement, offering year-round outdoor activities such as skiing, camping, rafting, and cycling. The area is also booming, with a thriving economy, a vibrant cultural scene, and several local craft breweries, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
Naples, Florida
Naples may not be the cheapest retirement option, but it does offer high-end shopping, art galleries, theaters, and world-class golf courses in a warm and sunny climate. Senior Lifestyle gives five additional reasons why they recommend it to retirees: top-notch beaches, restaurants, and farmers’ markets, plus interesting museums and plenty of wild nature.
San Antonio, Texas
This Texan town is affordable to live in and has fantastic healthcare, yet it also offers plenty of fascinating history (the Alamo!) and a vibrant city lifestyle. The famous River Walk, lined with cafés and shops against a pretty landscape, is an appealing place to spend some free time, and there are a plethora of parks, museums, and festivals to enjoy.
Lakeland, Florida
Florida again—you just can’t beat the beaches and the climate! Lakeland, with its central location, offers easy access to the coast and theme parks, yet isn’t especially expensive to live in. US News also states that its numerous lakes and parks offer fishing, boating, and other outdoor leisure activities.
Boise, Idaho
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, this city offers retirees a pleasing mix of urban and rural lifestyles. It’s particularly suitable for active retirees who want to explore nature and stay fit. The housing is affordable, there’s little crime, and it’s close to fascinating natural wonders like hot springs, too.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
According to ClickOnDetroit, Ann Arbor is one of the top ten U.S. cities for retirement. Home to the University of Michigan, it offers plenty of cultural, artistic, and educational opportunities, as well as excellent medical facilities. Perfect for retirees who want to stay both mentally stimulated and physically healthy!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The climate in Santa Fe is typically pleasant, with sunny days and cooler desert evenings. Retirees also enjoy living amongst the city’s unique adobe architecture, busy arts scene, and vibrant culture. It also has an active ‘wellness’ community that promotes fitness, well-being, and health alongside above-average healthcare facilities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Brightwater claims Myrtle Beach’s spectacular coastline isn’t just a hotspot for tourists—it’s perfect for seniors in their golden years, too. There are plenty of beach activities, golf courses, fine dining, and entertainment options. Surprisingly, it’s not unaffordable to live there, and the mild year-round weather is also a perk.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A low cost of living is also enjoyed in Pittsburgh, and it’s a great choice for retirees who want to live in a busy, urban setting with plenty of cultural opportunities and events. Healthcare facilities aren’t bad either, and many neighborhoods are known for being hospitable, safe, and welcoming.
Tucson, Arizona
If you hate the cold, desert living in Tucson offers a sunny retirement and temperatures that exceed 100°F but rarely dip below 40°F. With an established retirement community, medical facilities are more than adequate, while the low cost of living, an abundance of outdoor activities, and friendly Southwestern culture are also alluring.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
This Florida city offers a tranquil retirement destination. The Pointe says, “The city has everything you need to enjoy your retirement, including warm weather, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and a variety of senior-friendly amenities.” The cost of living is also more affordable than in other locations in Florida, and the communities are welcoming.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison’s combination of natural beauty, culture, and educational opportunities, courtesy of the University of Wisconsin, provides an engaging environment for retirees who want to remain mentally stimulated and engaged in their community. Downtown is thriving, yet there are also plenty of quieter parks and lakes to enjoy quality leisure time.
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