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Across the Nation: Your Ultimate Retirement Destination Guide
Deciding where to spend your golden years is a big deal! Whether you dream of vibrant cultural hubs or a tranquil small town where you know every neighbor, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. We’ve scoured all 50 states to bring you the most popular cities for retirees, from coast to coast.
Here’s a look at some of the top picks:
Alabama: Huntsville
For retirees seeking an active lifestyle with a side of financial ease, Huntsville is a prime choice. Explore the Huntsville Museum of Art, wander through the stunning Huntsville Botanical Garden, or enjoy the charming downtown’s shops and restaurants. Miles of nature parks and trails offer endless outdoor adventure, and military retirees will find ample resources here.
Alaska: Anchorage
If a passion for snow and the great outdoors defines your ideal retirement, Anchorage should be on your radar. This mid-size city offers excellent healthcare, convenient shopping, and Alaska’s largest airport, all while providing immediate access to the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness.
Arizona: Prescott
Prescott stands out as an affordable option for Arizona-bound retirees, thanks to its low income tax and reasonable average home prices. This charming city boasts Victorian homes, golf courses, lively festivals, and a rich history – plenty to fill those newfound hours of free time.
Arkansas: Hot Springs
The natural beauty of Hot Springs is unparalleled, and its proximity to Little Rock (just an hour away) makes it a fantastic Southern retirement spot. Enjoy a mild climate, abundant healthcare, and a low cost of living. Retirees can spend their days golfing, hiking, or exploring the area’s diverse arts scene.
California: San Diego
For those whose retirement priority is incredible weather, San Diego delivers. This world-class city offers unparalleled access to arts, culture, entertainment, and dining, alongside active pursuits like biking, swimming, and beach days.
Don’t forget the famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park! The main consideration here is the higher cost of living and taxes.
Colorado: Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs blends the amenities and charm of a bustling city with easy access to the state’s incredible wildlife, scenery, and natural beauty. As Colorado’s second-largest city, it also provides essential healthcare and other amenities as you age.
Connecticut: New Haven
While the Northeast can be pricey, New Haven offers a more affordable option within Connecticut without sacrificing excellent healthcare and amenities. It’s a hub of restaurants, art galleries, shopping, and culture, with the added benefit of being a short trip away from major cities like New York.
Delaware: Lewes
Delaware’s beaches come alive in the summer, but the serene town of Lewes is a perfect year-round retreat for retirees. Financially, it’s a smart move with no sales tax, comparatively low real estate taxes, and no estate tax. Plus, there are endless opportunities for activity, from hiking and boating to kayaking, biking, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Florida: Sarasota
A perennial favorite among retirees, Sarasota shines as one of Florida’s best cities for your golden years. With 37% of Sarasota County’s population aged 65 and older, you’ll find a broad social network, along with abundant natural beauty to enjoy.
Georgia: Athens
Athens, a creative and vibrant college town, is celebrated for its cultural and arts attractions, as well as its beloved University of Georgia football team. This bustling atmosphere makes it an ideal place for retirees seeking a charming, walkable town filled with historic homes and intellectual stimulation.
Hawaii: Hilo
For those dreaming of paradise, the quiet town of Hilo, where 22% of residents are 65 and older, offers a serene retirement. While the cost of living exceeds the national average, many find it a worthwhile trade-off for the island’s natural beauty and endless exploration opportunities.
Idaho: Boise
Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and skiers will find Boise to be a fantastic fit, offering close proximity to the great outdoors. The city boasts the best hospital system in the state, a definite plus for retirees, and a lively, walkable downtown for when you crave a touch of urban sophistication.
Illinois: Chicago
For retirees who thrive in a big, world-class city, Chicago stands out. This urban center offers restaurants, theaters, and museums at your fingertips.
It’s an affordable large city with excellent healthcare, housing affordability, and options for part-time work. Architecture buffs will particularly appreciate Chicago’s rich history.
Indiana: Carmel
Carmel balances an average cost of living with an abundance of amenities, making it a compelling option for Midwest retirees. Enjoy hiking trails, golf courses, shopping, and a thriving arts and culture scene, including the Carmel Arts & Design District.
Iowa: Iowa City
Iowa City, a renowned literary capital, offers an intellectual retirement experience. Rich in history and culture, it also provides access to miles of rolling hills and farmland for those moments when you want to escape the city and unwind.
Kansas: Lawrence
College towns like Lawrence make excellent retirement spots due to their rich cultural opportunities and vibrant event calendars. This bike-friendly city allows retirees to stay active while enjoying affordable living, occasional Jayhawks basketball games, a lively downtown, and a bustling farmers market.
Kentucky: Louisville
Imagine retiring affordably on the bourbon trail! Louisville offers all the amenities of a big city, from healthcare to shopping, combined with the charm of a town steeped in history and welcoming neighborhoods.
Louisiana: Baton Rouge
Craving warm weather and Southern cuisine? Baton Rouge delivers year-round. Just a short drive from New Orleans, this city features major research hospitals, an average cost of living, low income tax, and no taxes on Social Security benefits.
Maine: Portland
Portland is a popular destination for New Englanders seeking to escape more expensive big cities in retirement. Here, they’ll discover small-town charm, walkability, history, craft beer, lobster rolls, incredible restaurants, world-class healthcare, and a diverse population.
Maryland: Annapolis
The picturesque coastal town of Annapolis is an East Coast gem and a fantastic place to retire. Spend your days antiquing, enjoying fresh seafood, fishing, or volunteering at one of the area’s many historic sites and museums.
Massachusetts: Boston
Many retirees prefer to stay close to the big city buzz or near younger family members. In Boston, suburbs like Arlington or Stoneham offer cozy homes at more affordable prices without venturing too far from the city’s vibrant core.
Michigan: Ann Arbor
Another superb college town for retirement, Ann Arbor provides access to University of Michigan sports, a charming downtown, museums, parks, restaurants, and other lively venues to fill your days.
Minnesota: Rochester
For those prioritizing healthcare above all else, Rochester, Minnesota, is a hidden gem. Home to the Mayo Clinic, one of the world’s most renowned research hospitals, it offers unparalleled medical care.
Mississippi: Oxford
Oxford is an excellent retirement town, boasting a rich history of Southern arts and writing, a low cost of living, affordable housing, low property taxes, and tax-exempt qualified retirement income. As a college town, it also provides sports, shopping, and restaurants right at retirees’ fingertips.
Missouri: Columbia
Situated between Kansas City and St. Louis, Columbia offers retirees a cost of living below the national average. Its downtown is bustling, and with the University of Missouri located here, D1 sporting events keep sports fans engaged.
Montana: Missoula
With incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, Missoula offers retirees everything from walkable neighborhoods to rural farms. Most who move here come to stay active, with fly fishing, skiing, river rafting, and camping being favorite pastimes.
Nebraska: Lincoln
Boasting over 100 parks, the University of Nebraska, and various museums, Lincoln offers retirees opportunities for continuing education, physical activity, and cultural engagement. Plus, it features an affordable cost of living and access to a major hospital.
Nevada: Reno
Once known as a gambling capital, Reno has evolved into a wonderful retirement destination for active seniors. The Sierra Nevada mountains offer diverse outdoor activities, and Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake provide opportunities for water recreation. However, taxes and affordability may be a consideration.
New Hampshire: Portsmouth
Before reaching Maine, you’ll discover Portsmouth, a charming New Hampshire town on the Piscataqua River, perfect for retiring into a centuries-old colonial home. It offers history, picturesque coastal charm, maritime attractions, and healthcare that ranks second in the state.
New Jersey: Princeton
The incredibly charming city of Princeton is even more appealing in person. Princeton University is just one of many attractions in this college town, which also features shopping, restaurants, history, and quick access to New York and Philadelphia.
New Mexico: Santa Fe
Mild weather and breathtaking mountain views make Santa Fe a popular choice for retirees seeking to escape the heat. This vibrant community is ideal for those who love strolling through markets and collecting local art.
New York: Ithaca
Home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca offers retirees access to a wealth of intellectual and arts opportunities, including free lectures and museums. All this is set against the stunning backdrop of upstate New York, perfect for hiking and some of the country’s best leaf peeping.
North Carolina: Asheville
With over 35% of its population over 50, Asheville provides excellent company for retirees in this North Carolina mountain town. While housing costs are rising, affordable homes can still be found in the surrounding mountains. Asheville’s large downtown offers incredible restaurants, an arts district, and countless opportunities for seniors to stay engaged.
North Dakota: Bismarck
If a low cost of living and a quieter pace of life are your retirement priorities, Bismarck, North Dakota, welcomes you. While winters are cold, summers are pleasant, and the town boasts a great healthcare system.
Ohio: Columbus
A low cost of living and a median house price well below the national average make Columbus, Ohio, a fantastic Midwest retirement destination. Enjoy walkable neighborhoods, charming Arts and Crafts bungalows, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Oklahoma: Norman
This Midwestern college town appeals to Sooners fans and retirees seeking a cost of living significantly below the national average, multiple entertainment and arts venues, and retiree-friendly tax policies.
Oregon: Eugene
Eugene is a vibrant place for retirees who love an active lifestyle, with abundant biking and hiking trails, arts venues (including ballet, opera, and symphony), and streets dotted with coffee shops, restaurants, and galleries. While its cost of living is above the national average, the vibrant community makes it worthwhile.
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh
If you don’t mind cold winters, Pittsburgh offers an affordable retirement destination. The Steel City boasts multiple major universities that bring in world-class arts and lectures, and its median home price is significantly below the national median. You’ll find quality healthcare and no state income tax on social security or most retirement income.
Rhode Island: Providence
Rhode Island’s state capital, Providence, is another affordable New England retirement spot. It offers excellent healthcare, museums, restaurants, and other cultural outlets for building community, along with proximity to other major cities in the region.
South Carolina: Charleston
Charleston’s palm-lined streets, historic homes, and countless restaurants make it a beloved travel destination and a favorite place to retire. The cost of living is moderate, and you’ll have access to the Medical University of South Carolina system right in town.
South Dakota: Sioux Falls
With a median home price well below the national average, this river town attracts retirees seeking an active city with no state income or estate tax. It also offers great healthcare, though be prepared for freezing cold winters.
Tennessee: Knoxville
A college town on the river, Knoxville is a favorite among Tennessee retirees. It boasts an affordable cost of living, a strong healthcare system, and no state income or estate tax. Plus, Tennessee Volunteers football games provide a fun community activity to keep seniors feeling young.
Texas: Austin
From outdoor activities on the hike and bike trails and multiple lakes to a diverse restaurant scene and the world-class University of Texas Dell healthcare system, Austin is an artsy and vibrant Texas retirement spot. Best of all, there’s no income tax.
Utah: Salt Lake City
With some of the best healthcare in the country and a life expectancy slightly above the national average, Salt Lake City is a great place to retire. The natural landscape is stunning, and while the region receives incredible snow, winter temperatures rarely dip below 0°F.
Vermont: Burlington
Burlington offers a beautiful setting for your golden years. You’ll find a perfect New England pedestrian mall, art galleries, coffee shops, and a community that prides itself on outdoor activities like hiking, biking, sailing, or skiing.
Virginia: Charlottesville
Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the college town of Charlottesville offers wineries, breweries, restaurants, and entertainment venues to keep seniors engaged. History buffs will love exploring sites like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the University of Virginia provides a wonderful healthcare system.
Washington: Spokane
Thanks to its proximity to two national parks and favorable tax situation for retirees, Spokane is a great city for seniors to settle down. They’ll also find many outdoor activities and mild weather in this Pacific Northwest town.
West Virginia: Charleston
In West Virginia, where 21% of the population is over 65, the West Virginia University Health System provides excellent care. The capital city of Charleston draws seniors in with its arts and culture scene, access to state parks, rafting, and hiking, ensuring plenty to keep retirees busy and engaged.
Wisconsin: Madison
While primarily known as a college town for the University of Wisconsin, Madison also has a booming retiree population. This lakefront town attracts seniors with its livability, natural beauty, and vibrant craft beer scene.
Wyoming: Cheyenne
With a cost of living lower than the national average and no state income tax, Cheyenne is an appealing place for retirees, especially those seeking an adventure out West. This historic railroad town is a top pick for seniors eager to buy affordable land and spend their golden years on a small ranch.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a lifelong New Englander or dreaming of life out West, finding a retirement spot that minimizes financial stress is key. Remember, living in a city is different from vacationing there, so consider a month-long or even six-month rental before making your final decision. Your best years are ahead, and this is one of the most important choices you’ll make!