Perhaps you’re a new retiree that wants to enjoy retired life in a new city, or maybe you already settled down somewhere only to realize it wasn’t working out. Either way, you could be ready for a change. The problem is that moving costs can get very expensive. According to HomeAdvisor, a long-distance, cross-country move can cost anywhere from $2,389 to $6,867, with an average cost of $4,566. Figuring out costs and logistics can be a challenge on its own, but you also want to make sure that the destination is worth the effort.
Retired Americans may have a range of considerations that working Americans and young families do not. For instance, if a retiree has a chronic health condition, they’ll likely want to make sure the town they move to is situated near high-quality healthcare providers. Meanwhile, retired residents that no longer drive will likely want to live in walkable communities or have access to reliable public transportation. If a retiree enjoys traveling abroad or relocating to warmer areas in the winter, they may also wish to live reasonably close to an airport.
In selecting cities for retirees, we sought out destinations that could minimize the potential for retirement moving regrets. We considered an area’s affordability, proximity to airports and hospitals, ease of self-storage, and more. We also delved into some unique aspects about the selected cities and their potential attractions for retired Americans. With that, these are the towns we believe are great options for retirees seeking fresh starts.
Wichita Falls, Texas
According to a January 2026 Retirement Living study, Wichita Falls was voted the best city in Texas to retire. With a reported population of 101,951 as of July 2025, per the Census Bureau, Wichita Falls earned the top spot based on factors like affordability, healthcare access, safety, and overall livability. In fact, Retirement Living admitted that Wichita Fall’s affordability played a major role in why it was so highly recommended. As such, retirees looking to start fresh due to budgetary concerns should consider this charming Texan town…