The 20 Best Places to Retire in the US

Florida remains popular, but see why many other spots, from Philadelphia to South Dakota, made the list for 2022.

June 23, 2022

By: Meredith Rosenberg

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How We Chose This List

When it comes to retirement, there's a natural assumption among many that they'll head to sunnier climes such as Florida. However, numerous factors offer good reasons to give other parts of the US a closer look. Factoring in housing costs, overall affordability, healthcare access, accessibility for seniors, a variety of activities, ease of living, traffic and even climate change can all make locations relevant for retirees.

We've selected the 20 best places to retire in the US with these factors in mind. Read on for some fresh inspiration, as some of the picks will likely surprise you.

Eugene, Oregon

This college town makes retirement lists for its strong arts scene, access to a booming wine region and outdoor lifestyle. The latter has earned it the nickname "TrackTown USA" due to being a longtime favorite among runners. With about 170,000 residents, Eugene is Oregon’s second largest city and situated along the verdant Willamette River. Active retirees can take advantage of hiking, white water rafting or biking along a 36-mile bike path, or relaxing in the hot springs and waterfalls that are dotted throughout the area. It’s worth noting that Eugene has put considerable effort into accessibility, from local buses to paved pathways; it even offers adapted bikes and services, while cultural venues offer American Sign Language, wheelchair storage and more.

Speaking of culture, The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is a one-stop shop for the ballet, opera, symphony, touring Broadway shows and concerts. The University of Oregon provides additional cultural programming, and those 65 and older can audit classes there as well. Not least, the Willamette Valley is packed with more than 700 wineries, but locals don’t have to travel far to enjoy the South Willamette Wine Trail. The continually evolving food scene is a natural partner for the wine region, thanks to being surrounded by 100 miles of local agriculture, and there are even enough craft breweries to merit their own Eugene Ale Trail.

Learn More: Eco-Friendly Cities: Where to Buy

Nashville, Tennessee

Want to listen to live music every night of the week and enjoy all the hot chicken you can eat? Then Nashville, Tennessee, may be your idea of the best place to retire. Music City is home to just under 700,000 residents and a robust music scene, from the majestic Grand Ole Opry to intimate honky-tonks along Broadway. Museums, galleries, performing arts venues, shopping and sports are additional ways to pack each day. As for food, hot chicken is Nashville’s calling card, consisting of spicy fried chicken served on white bread with a pickle; it all started about 100 years ago with Prince’s Hot Chicken, and hot chicken spots are now ubiquitous. Judge for yourself whether Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or Granddaddy’s Famous Hot Chicken is as good or better.

Beyond hot chicken, there’s a rise of chef-helmed restaurants around Nashville, and Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf and Daughters nabbed a 2022 James Beard finalist spot for Best Chef: Southeast. Retirees can also appreciate that Tennessee has no state income tax, the city experiences mild winters averaging four inches of annual snowfall and top-ranked Vanderbilt University offers continuing education classes.

Ogden, Utah

Odgen probably isn’t on the retirement radar for most, but this city of almost 90,000 is just a half hour north of Salt Lake City, and it beckons with a high qualify of life and low cost of living. WalletHub named Utah the happiest state in 2021, and there are many reasons why. For starters, there’s proximity to skiing, golfing, fishing, boating and more than 230 miles of trails (including horse trails) maintained by the US Forest Service. Locals can kayak rapids in town at Ogden Kayak Park, recently reopened following a redesign, then head over to 25th Street for restaurants, shopping, farmers' markets and nightlife.

A full event calendar is another happiness contributor, not limited to the Blues, Brews and BBQ music fest; Ogden Pioneer Days, celebrating the town’s Wild West roots complete with a rodeo; restaurant week; Odgen Valley Balloon and Artist Festival; and First Friday art stroll. With so much to offer, Ogden may not stay a hidden gem for long.

Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton is arguably the best known on this list as a top retirement haven pick. The affluent mid-size beach town of around 100,000 is roughly halfway between Miami and West Palm Beach, and attracts seniors seeking a mix of golf courses, museums, soft sand beaches, parks, top healthcare and upscale shopping. Mizner Park (pictured) is where much of the action revolves: high-end shopping, restaurants, the Boca Raton Museum of Art and an ampitheater hosting everything from concerts to comedy shows all happen here.

Meanwhile, the food scene offers a mix, spanning fine dining, a beer garden and Vietnamese, although Max’s Grille remains a longstanding go-to for New American fare. Compared to some other places on this list, Boca provides a high standard of accessibility, including loaner beach wheelchairs. While living costs are above the national average, the tradeoff is Florida’s lack of a state income tax.

Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is often overshadowed by NYC and DC, but retirees will find plenty of dining, cultural, shopping and entertainment options in this historic city of 1.6 million that offers more affordable housing than its aforementioned neighbors. Surprisingly, home prices aren’t much higher than the national average, and there’s a wide assortment of neighborhoods to choose from. It helps that an extensive network of buses, trains and trollies can eliminate the need for a car.

Dining out is a popular activity and BYOBs dominate; plus, this is where acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr started his empire. Sports also dominate between the city’s football, basketball and baseball teams. What else? Seniors can enroll in continuing education courses at one of Phillly’s many colleges. And beyond main attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (pictured), are cultural powerhouses including the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Orchestra. Add in some of the nation’s best hospitals and attractive tax exemptions for seniors, and it’s not hard to see Philly’s appeal for retirement.

Learn More: The 10 Most Relaxing Cities in America

Richland, Washington

Richland’s main draws are wineries and water activities: fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and even water skiing are readily enjoyed in this town averaging 60,000 residents. Two marinas can be found downtown along the Columbia River, and more than 100 wineries are sprinkled throughout the Tri-Cities region, consisting of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco. But retirees will find plenty to do within Richland itself. An open-air amphitheater near the Columbia River hosts performing arts and summer concerts, while The Richland Parkway is a popular downtown destination for independent restaurants and shops. It’s even possible to rent bikes and kayaks in this section since the waterfront is just across the street. Retiring in Richland is an easy sell, made even more attractive by Washington’s lack of a state income tax.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg may not be the cheapest place to retire in Texas, but it’s one of the liveliest. About 11,000 call this Hill Country town home, yet more than a million tourists visit every year for the the city's wineries and spring wildflowers. About 70 miles inland from San Antonio, German immigrants founded Fredericksburg in the 1800s, and a German influence still exists here: the Pioneer Museum gets newcomers up to speed. Or try the German food scene, from Altstadt Brewery for German-style beer to Der Lindenbaum for schnitzel and gulasch. However, there’s no denying that the annual Oktoberfest is the town’s main Germanic event, and considered one of the largest of its kind in the US, going all out with more than 50 kinds of beer, a yodel contest and tuba players.

Locals also patronize the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, annual film fest, rodeo and grape stomps. More than 50 wineries are spread throughout Hill Country, but some, including Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, are right in town. Wildflowers are the other main draw, and their riot of colors carpet the region each spring: bluebonnets, red poppies and purple tansy are among the varieties that compete for attention. They can also be seen at Wildseed Farms, the country’s largest wildflower farm. Not least is the town’s Main Street, with more than 150 independent shops, wine tasting rooms, restaurants and two museums.

Sarasota, Florida

This Gulf Coast favorite frequently dominates retirement lists as it ticks so many boxes: white sandy beaches, golf courses, fishing, boating, arts, waterfront dining, excellent hospitals and relative affordability compared to some of the state’s other coastal communities. About 440,000 live year-round in Sarasota County, and the bustling city offers an active downtown with a notable arts scene. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (as in the circus) is among the most notable, and the 66-acre complex includes an actual circus museum. The latter is filled with greatest-hits artifacts, but the pièce de résistance just might be the miniature recreation of the circus from the early 1900s — entailing 44,000 pieces. Equally impressive is the actual art museum, a sprawling pink palace that’s filled with European masterpieces.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Sarasota Opera House are additional local favorites. Other activities include a foreign film theater, rooftop bars and a varied dining scene. When days become too packed, nearby Lido Key Beach and Siesta Key Beach provide a laid-back escape.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, thanks to more than 200 golf courses and an average of 330 sun-filled days. This swanky desert town just outside of Phoenix counts about 250,000 full-timers, and while summer highs can reach into the triple digits, an abundance of pools provide relief. The desert heat means it’s also possible to spend winters in the pool instead of shoveling snow. With a lifestyle geared toward the outdoors, locals can take advantage of more than 400 miles of hiking trails in the Sonoran Desert and biking along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt.

As a renowned resort destination, spa retreats are another favorite pastime. While it’s possible to just golf and spa, Old Town beckons with shopping, nightlife and a hot food scene. Charleen Badman’s FnB and Matt Carte’s The Mission are among downtown’s in-demand dining choices. Throw in an arts district and the annual Scottsdale International Film Festival to round out the high quality of life. Even better, Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security income, and there’s no estate or inheritance tax.

Portland, Maine

Portland might be an unexpected choice for retirement, but it's where creative, outdoorsy types can also enjoy a strong dining scene that takes full advantage of local agriculture. The small city is Maine’s biggest, and it produces an impressive roster of James Beard award-winning chefs and nominees, considering it’s home to only 66,000 full-time residents. The craft beer scene is equally impressive — this is where Allagash Brewing Company got its start. A farmers' market happens year-round, and tourists and locals congregate in the historic Old Port section, trodding its well-worn cobblestones to visit restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

The Portland Museum of Art in the Arts District is another point of interest, as is the Portland Head lighthouse and two-mile stretch of the Eastern Promenade Trail along the waterfront. Of course, the proximity to winter activities is among the biggest reason to move here, with plentiful opportunities for skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and more.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a strong retirement contender with its location in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, thriving creative community and access to outdoor activities. The current population hovers around 92,000 and continues to attract more residents all the time who come for comfortable summers and moderate winters; the culture, from the River Arts District to the Asheville Art Museum; and quick access to kayaking, hiking, skiing and camping. Foodies will find a robust culinary scene with quite a few James Beard winners and nominees, who all take advantage of locally sourced ingredients. Experience many of the best eats in one place at the annual Chow Chow festival.

But did we mention the beer? Asheville claims to have the most breweries per capita in the nation, with Zillicoah Beer Company and Bhramari Brewing Company among the favorites. Asheville is also famous for the iconic Biltmore Estate, the country’s largest private home encompassing 8,000 acres and attracting as many as 1.7 million visitors a year. Those without Vanderbilt money will appreciate that North Carolina doesn’t have an estate tax or tax Social Security benefits.

Learn More: 10+ Great Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

Casper, Wyoming

Casper is another under-the-radar retirement pick and ideal for those seeking affordability, an outdoor lifestyle in an incredibly scenic landscape and overall great quality of life. This historic city is the second largest in Wyoming, although with less than 60,000 residents and close proximity to nature, it’s unlikely to feel crowded. This is a region of rivers, making it ideal for those who wish to spend their days fishing, boating or kayaking. It’s even possible to kayak rapids in town on the Platte River. The less adventurous can walk, run or bike along the Platte River Trail System, a 10-mile stretch partly bordering the river.

More outdoor fun can be found on Casper Mountain, a popular destination for skiing, hiking and camping. Back in town, Casper’s downtown holds concerts in summer and creates an ice skating rink in winter. Contemporary art can be seen at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, while the Casper Balloon Roundup, an annual hot air balloon festival, is a unique celebration. Perhaps most importantly, Wyoming doesn’t tax Social Security or retirement income, while maintaining low property taxes.

Savannah, Georgia

This mid-size city of about 145,000 is the epitome of Southern charm, distinguished by Spanish moss, 22 public squares, haunted sites and a slower pace. Hot and steamy summers are balanced by mild winters, and the cost of living remains below the national average. On top of that there’s no estate tax and Social Security is exempt from state income tax. Meanwhile, history and design lovers will feel at home here, and the Savannah College of Art and Design contributes to Savannah’s creative vibe. Plant Riverside District is a new riverfront development offering dining, rooftop bars, live music and high-end boutiques, but there’s no shortage of antique shops, independent bookstores, museums and galleries around town.

For updated takes on Southern comfort food look no further than two of Savannah’s nationally acclaimed chef-helmed restaurants — Sean Brock’s Husk and Mashama Bailey’s The Grey; a growing cocktail scene complements local food. For a quick escape, Tybee Island is just 14 miles from downtown and beloved for its sandy beaches. Those in the know hop a half-hour ferry to Daufuskie Island, a South Carolina destination channeling an earlier era, home to three miles of public beaches and a strong Gullah culture.

Learn More: 10 Favorite American Cities to Be a Tourist

Denver

Denver is an attractive retirement option for those who prefer a combination of city life and an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. The Mile High City sits one mile above sea level, so the altitude can be an adjustment if coming from sea level. But in exchange, this city of 715,000 residents offers a world-class food scene with James Beard chefs running the likes of Tavernetta and Ultreia. Year-round festivals encompass music, arts, food and beer; the Great American Beer Festival is among the largest and attracts attendees from across the country. The Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum are also popular draws, and the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a favorite spot for concerts and mass yoga classes.

Not least, locals love Denver for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and winters bring best-in-class skiing at Breckenridge and Vail, both less than two hours away. Though the cost of living here is above the national average, it’s lower than many coastal cities.

Learn More: Top 10 Most Hospitable US Cities, According to Airbnb

Naples, Florida

About 20,000 residents call laid-back Naples home, and a good 50% are 65 and older. Situated on the Gulf, Naples is part of the desirable Paradise Coast, and wealthy retirees take advantage of Florida’s lack of state income tax, sugary white beaches, upscale shopping and dining, arts programming, boating and more than 90 golf courses. Year-round festivals also keep the fun going, including Summer Jazz on the Gulf, Stone Crab Festival, The Naples Shakespeare Festival and The Naples Craft Beer Festival. When it's time for a break, locals head to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, famed for its mangrove forests. Marco Island is part of Ten Thousand Islands, where true white sand beaches are the stuff of retirement dreams.

Learn More: 20 Top Beaches in Florida

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Best known for the University of Michigan, a top-ranked state school that enrolls about 47,000 students, "Tree Town" offers all the benefits of a large college town. A quaint downtown, independent bookstores, culture, sidewalk cafes, local shops, craft breweries and art galleries are among the amenities. University football games draw huge crowds, so it helps to like sports, while it also helps to like snow, as winters bring 43 inches on average. This is good news for those who enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and there are trails both in the city and surrounding areas. Year-round festivals are another big part of Ann Arbor life. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of the largest in the Midwest, but there are also festivals dedicated to books, film, folk music and more. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, boredom is unlikely to be an issue.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach may be better known as a family friendly vacation spot, but retirees will also feel right at home — and have better odds of affording a place near the beach as home prices are below the national average. Then there's the area’s nearly 60 miles of shoreline, which also provides enough space for Myrtle Beach’s 35,000 permanent residents and numerous tourists. An upside to living in a tourist destination is an active lifestyle, filled with options to enjoy live music on the beach, year-round festivals and more than 100 golf courses. A number of courses are destination-worthy and even played by pros. Culture lovers will find museums, the symphony and gardens, while South Carolina’s tax-friendly status (no Social Security tax; low property taxes), equates to more disposable income to enjoy the good life.

Learn More: Best Beaches in South Carolina

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Emerging Idaho Falls is gaining attention for its relative affordability, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and cultural options. Rodeos, concerts, art shows and a beer fest provide ongoing diversions, along with the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and its contemporary art collection. The town’s approximately 62,000 residents also have access to 30 miles of trails, including a 10-mile loop along the scenic Snake River (thankfully filled with fish, not snakes). Head to historic downtown for dining or shopping, or the newer Snake River Landing complex. And it’s hard to beat Idaho Falls' proximity to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, all within a two-hour drive.

Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke has earned a reputation as a more affordable version of Asheville, North Carolina, including less traffic and a more rural feel. About 100,000 reside in this Blue Ridge Mountain town, and the mild, low-humidity climate makes it ideal for hikers wanting to take advantage of the nearby Appalachian Trail. Retirees can also find a strong bike infrastructure, museums and dozens of micro breweries. A thriving food scene ranges from Southern comfort food to casual Mexican, and Roanoke College offers an ongoing lecture series for those 55 and older. Need more incentive? Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security, and overall living costs are below the national average.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, might be the most unconventional retirement pick on this list, but there are enough reasons to warrant a second look: among them are affordability, culture and room to breathe. The cost of living is below the national average, and say goodbye to state income and estate tax. While winters can bring an average of 43 inches of snow, retirees can readily enjoy the great outdoors year-round. This small city numbering around 200,000 residents features more than 80 parks, about 30 miles of paved bike paths and opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing and more.

Falls Park (pictured) is the main attraction, for which the city is named, and it’s free to wander the 123 acres and admire the gushing waterfalls. Downtown is in the process of being revitalized, but still offers cultural performances, live music, galleries, dining and shopping. The American Lung Association named Sioux Falls number one on its 2022 cleanest cities for particle pollution list, while the Milken Institute deemed it one of the top five small cities for successful aging.