After retiring, you deserve to find a relaxing, welcoming place to call home. Retiree-friendly locations allow you to engage with a retirement community, stay active, and discover new hobbies.
These are the top places throughout the country to consider moving to once retired.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Forbes named Las Cruces, New Mexico, an unexpected yet ideal retirement destination. It is situated in the high Chihuahua Desert and enjoys a hot, dry climate.
The median home price is 28% below the national average, helping your money go further. New Mexico also has many natural areas and parks to discover.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is the perfect Florida city for retirees. U.S. News & World Report included it in a roundup of the country’s ten best retirement beach towns, stating that 25% of the population is 65 or older. This location on the Atlantic coast is relatively cheap and hosts many exciting motorsports events for car enthusiasts.
Charleston, South Carolina
In 2023, WalletHub ranked Charleston among the top ten cities to retire in the U.S. It earned its ninth-place spot based on factors like activities and quality of life.
This charming waterfront city boasts elegant, French-inspired architecture, upscale shopping, and mouthwatering cuisine. There are endless ways to spend your golden years in Charleston, such as exploring the nearby beaches.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
After retiring, consider moving to Hot Springs. The Great Retirement Spots resource highlights the city’s below-average housing expenses and high population of residents 45 and older.
Popular local activities include golfing, art galleries, museums, and volunteer organizations. This spot appeals to outdoor-loving retirees, thanks to Hot Springs National Park wildlife viewing opportunities.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Many choose to retire in warm, sunny Scottsdale. The desert city lies east of Phoenix and is well-known for its picturesque nature areas, luxury hotels, and renowned golf courses.
In 2023, MoneyTalksNews listed it as one of Arizona’s top retirement locations. One-fourth of Scottsdale residents are 65 or older, and it has excellent shopping and dining options.
Augusta, Georgia
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Augusta is a top choice for retirees in the Peach State. It’s a golfers’ paradise, with a famous course that hosts the annual Masters Tournament.
AARP named Augusta an age-friendly community in 2014 for quality senior living. As Georgia’s second-largest city, it offers many things to see and do.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s bustling metropolitan area is a fantastic retirement destination. According to NASDAQ, it’s an excellent city for retirees due to its affordability, high-quality healthcare, and tax policies. There’s also ample outdoor recreation to stay active year-round.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Travel + Leisure recommends Ann Arbor for retirees who don’t mind the cold. Due to the presence of the University of Michigan, the college town has frequent cultural events, from festivals to concerts and theatrical performances.
Retired workers can receive care through Michigan Medicine, an impressive network of facilities. Ann Arbor is an underrated place to move after retiring.
Berkeley, California
According to Niche, Berkeley, California, is one of America’s best retirement towns. The city has the ideal combination of relaxing suburban culture, delicious restaurants, and fun events. Niche also named Berkeley the healthiest city in America, guaranteeing a top-notch quality of life.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
As reported by Yahoo Finance, Fort Wayne is a top U.S. place to retire. Though Indiana isn’t a glamorous locale, it’s fantastic for those in their 60s and above.
Fort Wayne is a budget-friendly pick with a median home price under $250,000. For a taste of the city life, residents can embark on an easy 130-mile-long road trip to Indianapolis.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane, a Washington town, has been growing in popularity among retirees. Livability ranked it one of the 100 best places to live in the U.S. based on metrics like the economy and environmental health. The top reasons to retire in Spokane include its seasonal activities, moderate year-round temperatures, and affordable living costs.
Foley, Alabama
A nationwide GOBankingRates study of the most cost-effective retirement locations identified Foley, Alabama, as the top contender. Using Zillow and AARP data to rank the most retiree-friendly cities, Foley’s low home, grocery, and healthcare prices were the primary draw. Over 30% of the population is 65 or older, providing a thriving retired community.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
If you want to retire on a budget, head to Green Bay, Wisconsin. A high quality of life, low cost of living, and welcoming atmosphere earned it the number one spot on U.S. News Real Estate’s list of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. In Green Bay, you can live comfortably without spending all your retirement money.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Orchard recommends retiring in Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital, for a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Lincoln is a lively college town for eco-conscious retired folks.
Seasonal events, bike trails, and high air quality make it the ideal retirement place. Lincoln’s affordable housing options are also essential to consider when deciding where to retire.
Roanoke, Virginia
Unbiased reports that Virginia has lower taxes than most states, making it popular among retirees. Roanoke is a scenic destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with many accommodations for retired people.
Roanoke is fantastic for nature lovers who enjoy hiking, skiing, and fishing. It’s a wallet-friendly retirement locale where you’ll get good bang for your buck.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Are you preparing to retire? Sioux Falls is a beautiful place to spend your later years. According to Retirable, your retirement money can go upwards of 20% further in South Dakota.
It named Sioux Falls, the state’s largest city, the optimal place to retire for outdoor activities and sports events to keep you moving throughout the year.
Boulder, Colorado
A 2024 MediaFeed study found Boulder, Colorado, to be the fifth-happiest place to retire in the U.S. It used multiple sources, including U.S. Census Bureau data, to identify the cities based on financial, health, and social factors.
Boulder is easy to navigate, and its location in the Rocky Mountain foothills is perfect for nature enthusiasts. If you can handle the chilly winters, you’ll have an incredible time as a retired resident of Boulder.
Don’t let mobility concerns ruin your sense of adventure
Visiting a place and realizing it isn’t accessible is a significant travel frustration. Accessible destinations that accommodate those with mobility concerns help provide a stress-free experience.
15 Accessible Destinations That Make Traveling With a Disability Easy
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
