The Best Places, States and Cities to Retire

Choosing the ideal location to retire requires evaluating factors like affordability, amenities, healthcare access, weather, and lifestyle appeal. Certain U.S. states, cities and towns stand out as offering exceptional retirement living options. This guide explores the best places to retire based on taxes, cost of living, climate and activities.

Most Affordable States to Retire

Stretch your nest egg further by retiring to affordable locations:

Alabama

Low cost of living (14% below national average)
Median home price $155,000
Tax friendly for retirees
Warm southern climate

Michigan

Cost of living 9% below national average
Median home price $166,400
Great access to outdoor recreation
Cultural diversity in Detroit

Tennessee

No state income tax
Median home price $229,900
Mild four season climate
Major cities offer amenities

Texas

No state income tax
Low property taxes
Fast growing economy and retirement communities
Warm weather, beaches and southern culture

Pennsylvania

Cost of living below national average
Major cities plus scenic countryside
Cold winters but beautiful fall seasons

For those needing to stretch retirement dollars, affordable states in the South and Midwest can extend savings.

Most Tax Friendly States for Retirees

Keep more of your hard-earned savings by heading to retiree tax havens:

Florida

No state income tax
Favorable treatment of retirement income
Large retiree population already established

Nevada

No state income tax
Low property taxes
Retirement income not taxed
Savings on groceries and dining out

South Dakota

No state income tax
Low property taxes
Low sales tax burden
Low healthcare costs

Alaska

No state income tax
No sales tax
Tax benefits for senior citizens
The Last Frontier scenery

Wyoming

No state income tax
Low property taxes
Tax friendly for Social Security benefits
Natural beauty and outdoor recreation

With some smart planning, you can save substantially on the tax bite in retirement by living in tax-optimized states.

Best Cities and Towns to Retire Near the Beach

Relocate or vacation regularly to these seaside retirement havens:

San Diego, California

Quintessential sunny Southern California seaside paradise
Miles of beaches both popular and quiet stretches
Major airport and amenities as California’s second largest city

Charleston, South Carolina

Quaint and historic with Southern charm
Nearby Atlantic beaches and mild weather year round
Lower cost of living than other coastal destinations

Destin, Florida

Pure white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast
Laid back yet lively beach town atmosphere
New urban developments mixed with older fishing village history

Oceanside, California

Affordable Southern California beach option
Quiet and scenic Pacific coast setting
Neighboring vibrant larger cities for culture

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

60 miles of sandy Atlantic beaches catering to retirees
Warm weather, golf courses, restaurants and attractions
Lower costs than other coastal destinations

Retiring to the soothing sights and sounds of the oceanfront provides endless opportunities for staycations in your own backyard paradise.

Best Cities and Towns for Active Retirees

These locations offer abundant amenities and activities to stay vibrant and engaged:

Austin, Texas

Dynamic culture focused on music, outdoor recreation and fitness
No income tax and low housing costs compared to other metros
Mild winters for year round outdoor living

Fort Collins, Colorado

Four distinct mild seasons with outdoor recreation all year
Bustling main street and craft brewery scene
Adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park

Asheville, North Carolina

Quaint Blue Ridge Mountain setting surrounded by forests and waterfalls
Mild weather and stunning fall colors
Thriving arts, dining, brewery and fitness communities

Portland, Oregon

Pacific Northwest outdoor playground right at your doorstep
Hip urban city with walkable neighborhoods, parks and gardens
Mild rainy winters balanced by fantastic summers

Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

Extensive parks, bike trails and water recreation in the “City of Lakes”
Strong economy and thriving restaurant scene
Great healthcare options as home of the Mayo Clinic

For an engaging lifestyle in the heart of outdoor adventure paired with urban amenities, these cities offer prime active retirement living.

Best Small Towns to Retire

Downshift to a slower pace immersed in natural beauty and community:

Sierra Vista, Arizona

Stunning mountain scenery at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains
300 days of sunshine with mild winters
Affordable housing, healthcare and amenities

Hanover, New Hampshire

Idyllic New England college town setting
Adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and White Mountains
Ivy League resources through Dartmouth College

Florence, Oregon

Peaceful Pacific coast location
Quaint shops and dining in historic Old Town district
Access to dunes, forests, rivers and beaches

Lebanon, Tennessee

Friendly tight-knit community halfway between Nashville and Knoxville
Beautiful rolling hills landscape
Low cost of living

Black Mountain, North Carolina

Charming Blue Ridge Mountain arts community
Proximity to Asheville’s restaurants and entertainment
Four mild seasons full of natural beauty

Small town living often provides greater affordability while maintaining beautiful natural settings and caring communities.

Best Cities for Outdoor Recreation and Scenery

Immerse yourself in majestic natural playgrounds:

Boulder, Colorado

Direct access to the soaring Rocky Mountains right in your backyard
Extensive hiking, biking, climbing, paddling and skiing opportunities
Sophisticated urban city with quality dining and culture

Bend, Oregon

Small mountain city surrounded by volcanic peaks, forests and the high desert
Easy access to year round outdoor recreation
Craft beer scene with lively walkable downtown area

Missoula, Montana

Located along three rivers at the base of mountains
Near several wilderness areas and Glacier National Park
Vibrant arts and cultural scene

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Breathtaking overlooks of the Tennessee River gorge and mountains
Rock climbing, caving, hiking, paddling and more right in town
Urban revitalization with great restaurants and culture

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in inspiring high desert
World-class hiking, biking, backpacking and climbing
Rich arts and culture scene showcasing Native American heritage

With careful planning, you can enjoy endless scenic adventures in inspiring natural settings from your retirement home base.

Most Affordable College Towns to Retire

College communities blend affordability, culture, recreation and intellect:

Athens, Ohio

Home of Ohio University creates a thriving arts and dining scene
Beautiful Hocking Hills region with forests and parks nearby
Median home price under $150,000

Lawrence, Kansas

Youthful vibe from the University of Kansas
Lovely historic downtown and unique shops
Recreation along the Kansas River

Oxford, Mississippi

Charming historic college town that is home to Ole Miss
Access to sporting events and cultural offerings
Warm southern climate and leisurely pace of life

Clemson, South Carolina

Vibrant college culture and community surrounding Clemson University
Outdoor recreation including Lake Hartwell
Comfortable climate and low cost of living

Moscow, Idaho

Outdoorsy mountain town and home of University of Idaho
Close to Washington and Oregonamenities
Low cost of living

College towns uniquely combine affordability, amenities, culture and youthful energy for invigorating yet laidback retirement living.

Best Big Cities for Retirement Living

Urban living provides endless amenities right at your doorstep:

New York City, New York

Unlimited world-class entertainment, cultural attractions, and restaurants
Robust public transit minimizes need for a car
Everything easily walkable or accessible 24/7

Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful waterfront setting on Lake Michigan
Flourishing restaurant, arts and festival scene
Midwest friendly people and slower pace than coastal cities

San Francisco, California

Beautiful hilly city surrounded by ocean and bay
Perfect year round mild climate
Cutting edge medical facilities conducting latest research

Washington, D.C.

Free world-class museums and monuments
Diverse population and international community
Public transit provides easy car-free mobility

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Progressive thriving city with Midwestern friendliness
Extensive parkland and urban bike trails
Low unemployment and strong economy

For those desiring unlimited amenities and activities into their retirement years, major metropolitan cities deliver. Just be strategic in choosing lower cost neighborhoods.

Best Suburbs for Retirement Near Cities

Balance urban access with suburban affordability:

Evanston, Illinois

Leafy peaceful Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan
Quick train ride to downtown attractions
Northwestern University adds cultured vibrancy

Bellevue, Washington

Upscale shopping and amenities minutes from Seattle
Lakeside Pacific Northwest natural beauty
Mix of urban sophistication and comfortable suburbia

Metairie, Louisiana

Affluent New Orleans suburb with local flair
Quick drive to French Quarter without urban congestion
Trendy culinary and arts scene

Clayton, Missouri

Charming walkable St. Louis suburb
Upscale homes, shops, and amenities
Easy highway access to downtown

Brookline, Massachusetts

Historic Boston suburb near Fenway Park
Mature trees and New England architecture
Neighboring top universities, museums and urban culture

By residing just outside major cities, you can enjoy cultural attractions, specialized healthcare, airports and entertainment while maintaining space, affordability and leisure.

Best Warm Weather Climates for Retirement

Escape cold winters by heading south:

Tampa, Florida

Sunny Gulf Coast location with stunning beaches
Low taxes and no state income tax
Latin flavor with friendly active communities

San Diego, California

Year round Mediterranean climate averaging 70 degrees
Gorgeous Pacific coastline with laidback vibe
Major city amenities like zoo, parks, museums

Las Vegas, Nevada

America’s playground for entertainment and amenities
300 sunny days per year with dry heat
Affordable real estate and no state income tax

Phoenix, Arizona

Over 200 sunny days annually with dry desert heat
Majestic surrounding desert scenery
Plentiful retirement communities and RV parks

South Texas Region

Warm year round climate ideal for snowbirds
Low cost of living in cities like San Antonio
Slower pace of life with Southern hospitality

Leave icy winters behind by spending retirement basking in warm climates perfect for an active outdoor lifestyle year round.

Best Places for Accessible Senior and Retirement Care

When health needs arise, these retirement destinations provide top-notch supportive care:

Omaha, Nebraska

Home to world-renowned University of Nebraska Medical Center
Low cost of living compared to other metro regions
Variety of specialized senior living communities

Madison, Wisconsin

Numerous long-term care facilities and communities
Home of the University of Wisconsin Hospital system
Vibrant college town with extensive amenities

Rochester, Minnesota

World-class Mayo Clinic provides exceptional healthcare
Specialized continuum of elder care available
Recreation including biking and golfing

Boston, Massachusetts

Elite medical institutions like Harvard and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Extensive senior living options in metro region
Cultural attractions and New England charm

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Top rated hospitals affiliated with University of Michigan
Wide array of assisted living and continuing care choices
Youthful thriving Midwest college town

With proper planning, you can settle in locations offering top-tier healthcare while maintaining an engaged retirement lifestyle.

Best Small Towns for Nature Lovers

Immerse yourself in the serenity of America’s scenic landscapes:

Leavenworth, Washington

Bavarian-style mountain village in Cascade range
Near hiking in Alpine lakes wilderness
Quaint shops, beer, festivals and outdoor fun

Bandon, Oregon

Rugged Pacific coast setting
Access to fishing, kayaking, beaches and state parks
Laidback artist community

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Charming Lake Superior harbor town
Gateway to Boundary Waters wilderness canoeing
Summer music, arts festivals and craft brewery

Telluride, Colorado

Mountain and canyon landscapes at their finest
Nearby peaks and ski resort offer views and recreation
Thriving arts, dining and festival town

Greenville, South Carolina

Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
World-class downtown food and shopping scene
Mild weather and charming Southern culture

America’s natural wonders make inspiring backdrops for an active or relaxed retirement focused on nature immersion and community.

Best International Retirement Destinations

Some top overseas retirement havens include:

Mexico – Affordable and welcoming, with spots like Lake Chapala catering to expats. Mild, sunny climate and low costs.

Costa Rica – Peaceful natural paradise with rainforests, beaches and wildlife. Low-cost healthcare and friendly communities.

Portugal – Old world charm, laidback seaside lifestyle and low costs, especially off the tourist track. Mild weather, historic sites, wine.

Thailand – Tropical, exotic locale with beautiful beaches, mountains, food and warm hospitality. Ultra low-cost living. Great healthcare.

Spain – Engaging culture from food to architecture. Affordable inland towns and cities. Temperate Mediterranean climate.

Italy – The dolce vita lifestyle enjoying wine, beaches, history, food and culture. Small towns offer better affordability.

Overseas adventures provide opportunities to immerse in new cultures and environments in retirement. Research visa requirements.

Key Retirement Destination Takeaways

Compare costs of living, tax burdens, housing affordability, climate preferences and amenities.
Smaller towns provide more relaxed, affordable options if you don’t need urban excitement.
Travel potential retirement locations in person if possible to experience the lifestyle before committing.
Renting temporarily in top candidates helps assess if the community is the right fit long-term.
Interact with established retirees and join local expat groups to understand pros and cons.
Ensure healthcare and eldercare infrastructure exists, especially if managing chronic conditions.

The possibilities for an ideal retirement setting are endless. Focus your search by determining must-have priorities, then explore destinations matching your dreams.

Conclusion

Choosing where to retire requires balancing factors like affordability, climate, recreation, healthcare access and culture. Research locations diligently to find your personalized ideal blend. Retirees congregate in destinations like Florida and Arizona for warm weather, Charleston and San Diego for vibrant seaside settings, and college towns for intellect. Overseas retirement hotspots like Portugal, Mexico and Thailand entice expats. Take in-depth scouting trips to experience potential destinations firsthand before committing. The right retirement location provides home base to comfortably enjoy your later years to the fullest.