11 Best Places To Retire In The United States

With an increasingly aging population, many Americans are looking for an ideal place to retire to in the coming years. Whether looking for somewhere more affordable or a beautiful destination with a favorable climate, there are numerous spots across the country that many find ideal for their lifestyle of choice.

From the Pacific Northwest to Florida, let us explore why these places make our list of best places to retire in the United States. From having affordable tax incentives to an abundance of easy-to-access parks, let's dig in!

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a popular retirement destination thanks to its combination of natural beauty, amenities, and mild climate. This city in western North Carolina offers easy access to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

For retirees interested in arts and culture, Asheville is also well known for its unique and varied arts scene, with numerous galleries, music venues, and a historic downtown filled with restaurants and boutique shops. Spots like Salvage Station, an outdoor venue, are renowned for the variety of artists it hosts throughout the warmer months of the year.

The city's healthcare facilities, most notably the Mission Hospital, are also a key consideration for retirees, with several other top-rated medical centers in the area. Asheville also has a lower cost of living compared to many other cities of its size, and the state of North Carolina offers favorable tax benefits for retirees, including no state tax on Social Security income.

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, located on Florida's sun-soaked Gulf Coast, is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and abundance of activities (most notably a huge variety of golf courses), making it a prime destination for retirees. Healthcare is another strong point, with several high-quality medical facilities, including the Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Florida's lack of state income tax is also a major draw for retirees looking to manage their finances in retirement.

With a population of approximately 58,000, Sarasota combines a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Its active retirement community is supported by a range of social clubs, fitness centers, and recreational opportunities, from boating to golfing. University Park Country Club is a higher-end option, and other courses like the Suncoast Golf Center are available for golfers of all skill levels.

The city also offers several fun cultural attractions, including the renowned Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Opera House, and a variety of theaters and galleries.

As mentioned, its coastal setting provides access to some of the best beaches in the United States too, such as Siesta Key Beach, well known for its soft, white sand.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is situated in the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is a sought-after destination for retirees who enjoy a more active lifestyle with a focus on health and wellness.

The city is close to an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and access to tens of thousands of open spaces and parks, like the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just to name a couple. With its close proximity to the mountains and a well-maintained network of trails, retirees can enjoy year-round recreation, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer.

Boulder also has a reputation for its focus on sustainability, wellness, and high quality of life. The city has a vibrant downtown with local shops, farmer’s markets, and a range of restaurants that emphasize healthy, organic cuisine. Its strong healthcare system includes access to world-class medical centers, including the Boulder Community Health system.

While its cost of living is higher than many other places, the city’s active community, natural surroundings, and emphasis on wellness make it an ideal retirement destination for those who have money to spare after their retirement.

Medford, Oregon

Medford rests within southern Oregon's Rogue Valley and is a bit of a hidden gem for retirees seeking mild weather, outdoor activities, and a lower cost of living than many other areas on the Pacific Coast. The city is surrounded by a number of world-class vineyards, orchards, and the scenic beauty of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges.

Medford's proximity to Crater Lake National Park and the Rogue River will also provide you with access to some of the nation's most iconic parklands.

If wine is something that interests you, there are dozens of wineries in and around town. Hummingbird Estate, Red Lily Vineyards, and Stoneriver Vineyards are just a few choice selections in the hills around town, while the downtown area features a number of designated tasting rooms spread throughout.

Better yet the lower cost of living compared to other West Coast cities, combined with Oregon's lack of a state sales tax, makes Medford an attractive option for retirees looking to maximize their retirement income.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, with its historic charm and coastal beauty, remains a top choice for retirees looking for a rich cultural environment and a mild climate to relax in. A huge draw for history buffs in particular, the city's well-preserved historic district, and antebellum architecture create a picturesque setting for a laidback lifestyle. Retirees can enjoy exploring historic landmarks such as Fort Sumter, the Battery, and the beautiful gardens of Middleton Place.

Healthcare is a strong consideration for this city landing on this post, with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offering world-class medical services. Additionally, South Carolina provides tax-friendly benefits for retirees, including no taxes on Social Security income.

Charleston's coastal location also provides easy access to the beach and other water-based activities, while its subtropical climate ensures mild winters and warm summers.

Boise, Idaho

Boise, the capital city of Idaho, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees due to its affordable cost of living (especially relative to nearby states like Washington and California), high quality of life, and beautiful scenery.

Located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise offers easy access to a wide range of Idaho's natural wonders, including areas with hiking trails of varying difficulties, ski resorts, and bike trails. The Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile-long pathway right in the heart of town, provides a scenic setting for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching without even having to leave the city.

The city has a thriving downtown area and is loaded with a selection of restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues, including the Boise Art Museum and Albertsons Stadium. Retirees can also take advantage of the city’s low crime rate, clean air, and friendly community atmosphere.

With a population of around 240,000, Boise strikes a balance between urban amenities and a laid-back lifestyle. Its affordable housing market, access to nature, and the huge number of amenities of all kinds make it a great place to retire in the Pacific Northwest.

Naples, Florida

Naples is another excellent spot to retire on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is lauded as a premier retirement destination, known for its upscale housing and idyllic weather year-round. The city is home to stunning white-sand beaches, including Lowdermilk Park and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Naples also caters to active retirees with its world-class golf courses, extensive boating scene, and easy access to the nearby Everglades for exploration in one of the country's largest parklands. The downtown area, on the other hand, is anchored by Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, an area that features a mix of high-end shops, art galleries, and dining options. Attractions such as the Naples Philharmonic and Artis—Naples provide year-round entertainment.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Situated at 7,000 feet in elevation, this city in northern Arizona enjoys cooler temperatures compared to other parts of the state, making it a sought-after place for those seeking relief from the desert heat. Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff is yet another town that has easy access to activities like hiking and winter sports, including skiing at the famed Arizona Snowbowl.

Flagstaff is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a historic downtown area that has a good variety of amenities like locally owned shops and restaurants. A notable locale like Fat Olives, one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the United States, is just one of such gems that may surprise you in this high desert city. The Lowell Observatory is another hugely popular draw, standing as one of the country's oldest centers of its kind; a testament to Flagstaff's position as a cultural and education hub.

The city is also close to several national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Savannah, Georgia

With a population of approximately 150,000, Savannah maintains a balance between urban amenities and a slower pace of life, which is what many retirees across the country are after.

Savannah’s coastal location means nearby beach areas like Tybee Island are hugely popular for retirees looking to soak up some much-deserved sun. The subtropical climate ensures warm weather year-round, with milder winters that still see the beachfront buzzing with sunbathers.

On the other hand, Savannah's downtown area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District and features cobblestone streets, historic squares, and well-preserved architecture dating back to the earliest days of European settlement in America. Strolling through Forsyth Park or along River Street provides anyone with a scenic and leisurely way to enjoy the storied surroundings.

Georgia’s retirement-friendly tax policies, including exemptions for Social Security income and a relatively low cost of living, add to Savannah’s appeal.

Traverse City, Michigan

Along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a compelling choice for retirees drawn to a thriving community near the water. The city’s downtown area is decently sized, with amenities such as top-notch medical facilities and a huge assortment of eateries and shops, but lacking the crowds of bigger cities.

Like some medium-sized cities, Traverse Bay also has its fair share of live venues to keep you entertained throughout the year. The historic State Theatre offers year-round entertainment, and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra provides a cultural outlet for music enthusiasts.

Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” the area are the city hosts the National Cherry Festival and features dozens of orchards and vineyards.

This northern area of Michigan's lower peninsula is also renowned for its parks and scenic wildlands. Be sure to explore the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a stunning natural area ideal for hiking and scenic drives, or stay in town and hike around Boardman Lake, which sits in the heart of downtown Traverse City.

St. George, Utah

Utah attracts all kinds of visitors, let alone retirees, with its warm climate, eyepopping red rock landscapes, and access to outdoor adventures in the state's numerous parks. St. George in a particular city is a gateway to Zion National Park, one of the most popular, and arguably most beautiful, national parks in the country. Snow Canyon State Park, another slightly less crowded option is just minutes away and is well known among cyclists, birdwatchers, and photographers.

St. George is a quickly developing town, and healthcare options here are excellent, with facilities like St. George Regional Hospital providing advanced medical care for all. It is also fairly affordable when compared to more coastal regions of the U.S., with Utah’s tax structure being moderately favorable for retirees as exemptions for Social Security income are available and no inheritance tax is required by the state.

Where Will You Retire?

If you are looking to make a big move after your retirement, these are just some of the most ideal places across the country to choose from. Although affordability seems to be an issue for many American cities, there still clearly are a few out there that appeal to those who need to tighten their budget. And even if it's not about the money for you, the bulk of the entries on this list double as idyllic destinations for true leisure and relaxation.