12 Best Places To Retire In The United States
When you plan to retire, it is not always about slowing down. For most people looking for places to retire in the United States, it is about finding the right kind of life that fits just right. Whether that means waking up by the water or spending afternoons at community-style events, there's a perfect place to retire waiting for you.
Each of these twelve retirement towns has a smaller population, a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and that unique perspective that makes everyday life feel like a getaway when looking to retire. From coastal escapes to mountain retreats, here are some of the best places to retire in the United States.
Beaufort, South Carolina
With its oak-shaded streets, historic antebellum homes, and gentle pace, Beaufort feels like the kind of Southern town you only see in Lifetime movies. This Lowcountry gem offers both waterfront space and a sense of small community among the retired residents, making it a favorite among retirees seeking peace with a touch of sophistication.
Stroll through the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for morning views of the Beaufort River or spend an afternoon exploring the art galleries and cafés lining Bay Street. The Beaufort History Museum offers a glimpse into centuries of local life, while nearby Hunting Island State Park delivers miles of sandy beaches and coastal trails.
Retirees have plenty of housing options, from upscale communities like The Oaks at Beaufort and The Retreat at Lady’s Island, to active adult options such as Sea Island Collective and Sun City Hilton Head. It’s a place where you can enjoy quiet mornings, a glass of wine at sunset, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Traverse City, Michigan
On the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers a lifestyle that merges natural beauty with the ease and pace of a smaller town. Known for its cherries, waterfront festivals, and the incredibly unique and lively arts scene, it’s the kind of place where retirees can enjoy each season with its own rhythm.
You can spend a sunny morning walking along Clinch Park Beach or take in local produce and crafts at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. Explore the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, or catch a performance at the City Opera House. For those who enjoy lifelong learning or staying active, the Traverse City Senior Center hosts over 100 clubs focused on special interests, encouraging you to get active in everything from hiking to bridge.
Retirees can find comfortable and connected living in communities like Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons or The Village at Bay Ridge. Between the smooth lake breezes, walkable downtown, and sense of community, Traverse City feels like a summer that never really ends.
Galena, Illinois
Galena is a small Midwestern treasure. This town is well known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century charm, and the rolling Midwest hills that make you forget you’re in Illinois. For retirees, it’s an inviting area with a blend of affordability and community. Whether you came as a tourist or recently relocated to retire, Galena is a place that rewards slow living.
You can step back in time at the Grant Home, wander the gardens at the Belvedere Mansion, or admire local art at the West Street Sculpture Park. The downtown area’s boutiques and cafés have that quintessential coziness, and the surrounding countryside offers quiet trails and scenic overlooks perfect for a peaceful walk.
Galena’s housing market remains affordable compared to nearby states, and the town’s small size makes everything easily accessible. It’s an ideal spot for retirees who want a close-knit community with plenty to do, on their own terms and with just enough cultural touch to keep life interesting.
Port Townsend, Washington
Perched on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend feels like a postcard that has come to life. Its Victorian homes are located in a town with breathtaking views of Puget Sound. Port Townsend is known for its artistic energy, making it one of Washington’s most distinctive small towns. It draws an eclectic crowd of all ages, with retirees finding community in the closeness and creativity.
Enjoy a walk along Fort Worden State Park, visit the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, or watch boats roll in at Point Hudson Marina. The downtown area is full of galleries, bookstores, and restaurants with views of the water.
For retirees, the town offers welcoming options like Port Townsend Senior Living by Cogir and Victoria Place Assisted Living. The community is known for being safe, senior-friendly, and engaged, with a thriving arts scene and easy access to healthcare. It’s a place where you can watch the sunrise over the water and still walk to dinner downtown.
Fredericksburg, Texas
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has small-town friendliness alongside scenic views. This Texas town is known for its wineries, peach orchards, and German heritage, and it’s a relaxed place to enjoy your retirement.
The National Museum of the Pacific War is perfect for a touch of history or something to do on a day around town. Wine lovers can spend weekends touring Grape Creek Vineyards or Becker Vineyards, both known for their welcoming atmospheres and beautiful grounds.
Retirees will find comfort in communities like Harmony at Falls Run and Bickford of Spotsylvania, as well as care options such as Knopp Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. The area’s suburban feel and wide-open skies make Fredericksburg a lovely mix of quiet living and country comfort.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is great for those looking for a little bit of PNW adventure. This Oregon town gives you all the creativity of Portland with none of the hustle. Nestled along the Columbia River Gorge, this Pacific Northwest town gives retirees access to incredible views, vineyards, and year-round recreation.
Here you can have leisurely mornings, spending time walking the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, or visiting the Hood River Waterfront Park to watch kiteboarders and sailboats out on the water. Sample local wines at Cathedral Ridge Winery, where you can relax and unwind in the crisp weather. You can also browse farm-fresh produce along the Fruit Loop, which is a scenic drive lined with orchards and lavender fields local to Hood River.
Communities like Providence Down Manor, Trustwell Living at Parkhurst Place, and Hawks Ridge offer comfort and connection, while the area’s mild climate and friendly culture make it easy to stay active and engaged.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine offers retirees the perfect blend of sun, culture, and coastal living. Its walkable streets, Spanish architecture, and ocean breezes make every day feel like a vacation. This well-known town is a surprising secret for people looking to retire somewhere long-term.
When you want to explore your new surroundings, you can do like the tourists and visit Castillo de San Marcos, live like a local and browse boutiques along St. George Street, or relax with a book on Anastasia Island’s beaches. There’s also a thriving community of local artists, musicians, and farmers' markets that make this seaside city feel alive year-round, with plenty to occupy your time.
Retirees can choose from a range of community-focused living options, including Silver Creek, Riverside Cottages at the Shores, and Silver Treasures at St. Augustine. Between the rich history, warm weather, and friendly neighborhoods, this city makes retirement feel both exciting and easy.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay offers an inviting mix of affordability, community, and access to the outdoors. Beyond its football fame, it’s a genuinely friendly city where retirees can enjoy water views, good food, and plenty to do year-round.
There is beautiful riverfront scenery at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also spend the day visiting the Neville Public Museum or enjoy a day at the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Green Bay has plenty to offer for the outdoor-loving retirees and the active arts community. The historic Broadway District offers local dining and markets. Like any good Green Bay fan knows, Lambeau Field tours are a must, especially for sports fans.
Retirees have many housing options if they don't feel like buying again, including Brookview Meadows, Moraine Ridge, as well as facilities like Emerald Bay and Oak Park Place. The city’s affordability and genuine community feel make it an easy place to settle in.
Prescott, Arizona
Tucked into Arizona’s high desert, Prescott has the retirement trifecta: mountain scenery, small-town charm, and plenty of sunshine without the heat. Prescott is the perfect mix for retirees who want peace without giving up an active lifestyle. The historic Courthouse Plaza downtown sets the tone with local art, outdoor concerts, and cozy cafes surrounding the community. If you like to be outside, nearby lakes and pine forests make it easy to stay outdoors year-round, even in Arizona.
Retirement options here range from planned communities like Prescott Lakes, an active golf community, and Prescott Canyon Estates, a true 55+ oasis, to neighborhoods such as Yavapai Hills and The Dells Estates, both popular with retirees. For resort-style living, Touchmark at The Ranch and Alta Vista Senior Living offer top-tier amenities, while The Gardens at Willow Creek and Granite Gate Assisted Living & Memory Care provide supportive options. Nearby Prescott Valley and Cottonwood expand the choices with affordable homes and walkable downtowns, creating a wide-reaching and active retirement community.
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles is Central California’s laid-back wine country haven, perfect for retiring. Nestled between rolling vineyards and oak-dotted hills, this small town offers the comfort of the countryside with easy access to culture, dining, and recreation in the city. People who call Paso Robles home can usually be found strolling through Downtown City Park, browsing local galleries, or spending the day tasting at one of the region’s 200+ wineries and vineyards. This town offers tucked-away activity and consistently places at the top of retirement lists every year. Every corner of Paso invites you to slow down and savor life.
Retirement living here ranges from stylish 55+ options like Nevina - A Trilogy Boutique Community, featuring resort-style amenities and modern single-family homes. You can also find independent living at places like Oakview Village. Communities such as Heritage Ranch come with pools, parks, tennis courts, and even an equestrian center, while The Highlands offers spacious homes with sweeping views. Assisted living facilities like The Oaks at Paso Robles and A Heavenly Home ensure additional support when needed.
Affordable for California’s coast and rich with good weather, Paso Robles combines the best of wine country leisure and small-town comfort, making it a perfect place to uncork your next chapter in retirement.
Brevard, North Carolina
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is a haven for retirees who crave nature and community in equal measure. Brevard is known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” and it offers an easygoing lifestyle framed by forest trails, local art, and live music. The perfect pairing for retirees looking to stay active and creative.
You can visit Pisgah National Forest for scenic hikes, or catch a concert at the Brevard Music Center to round out a weekend of indulgence. Brevard also has every small town's crown jewel, the Transylvania Farmers Market. Whether you crave some fresh produce or some community and conversation, the Farmers Markets are a sure hit. The town’s strong sense of community and artsy vibe make it a perfect retreat for creative, nature-loving retirees.
Living options include College Walk Senior Living Community, Riverwind Drive 55+ community, and specialized care centers like Cedar Mountain House and Kingsbridge House. It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave, waterfalls roar, and peace feels like part of the landscape.
Naples, Florida
Naples is known for its quiet luxury. As a place to retire, living in Naples gives you ease of access to sand and surf, but with enough amenities that you do not have to spend every day at the beach. With its pristine beaches, golf courses, and walkable neighborhoods, it’s long been one of Florida’s most desirable retirement spots.
Like most who retire to the area, you can spend mornings strolling Naples Pier with a good cup of coffee. You can always find something to do or explore. If you're spending your days strolling, stop in at The Baker Museum, or take a sunset walk through Cambier Park. Shoppers and food lovers will enjoy Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, both filled with boutiques and bistros.
Retirees can choose from high-end communities like Pelican Bay, Port Royal, and Park Shore, or residences such as Discovery Village at Naples and Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh. Naples offers a coastal lifestyle that feels indulgent yet easy. It's the perfect place, at the perfect pace, for anyone looking to live their golden years in style.
Retirement looks different for everyone. For some, maybe it’s about quiet mornings by the water, or being near nature and good neighbors. For others, it's ease of access to community and creative pursuits. Each of these towns offers its own interpretation of what makes it one of the 12 best places to retire in the United States.
From the sun-drenched streets of St. Augustine to the cool mountain trails of Brevard, these places remind us that the best part of retirement isn’t slowing down, it’s finding where life feels just right.
