As the Baby Boomer generation reaches the age of retirement, there is a growing interest in how to find the best place to live and retire in America right now.
Retirement should be a time of leisure and enjoyment, so it makes sense to consider a variety of locations when choosing the best place to settle down. Below, I will discuss some of the best retirement cities in the United States, as well as how to identify the most sensible option for yourself.
When you begin looking for a retirement community, it's hard to know where to start. Below, I will outline a few of the things you should pay close attention to when choosing your retirement city.
Remember that these are only general recommendations for consideration, and it's okay to add a few of your own or disregard any that you feel don't apply to your individual set of circumstances.
It goes without saying that some cities are more expensive than others, not just in terms of real estate, but also in terms of the general cost of living. And with rising costs across the board, if you aren’t hedging against inflation in some way (like with bonds, physical gold, or preferred stocks), you’ll need to pay even closer attention to these costs. Doing due diligence before deciding on your retirement community is important to ensure that your retirement fund will last for the rest of your life.
This is obviously more important for people who find themselves frequently scanning coupons or hunting for referral codes than for people who frequently dine out at Michellin Star-level restaurants, but even in the latter case, keeping an eye on your budget will help you avoid an unpleasant surprise at the end of the year.
When looking for a place to retire, it's important to ensure that offerings within the community cater to your interests and entertainment needs. If you're a sports fan, you might want to retire in a city where there are sporting events to attend and celebrate. In contrast, a person searching for a more quiet retirement location might take a greater interest in beautiful landscapes and quiet neighborhoods.
You may also want to consider how you’ll be able to pay for those amenities. For example, there’s an increasing number of retirees who dabble in cryptocurrencies. After having taken advantage of good crypto signup bonuses and smart investing, they have a good amount of savings in these digital currencies. If that’s your case, you may want to choose a crypto-friendly location that’ll allow you to spend your crypto directly without losing a commission every time you exchange crypto for fiat currency.
Finding a community that offers you the lifestyle you dream of should be a top priority, so make a list of your must-haves and base your decision on that.
It's also important to consider the weather in whatever location you choose. What is your favorite season? Are you still physically able to handle high heat or knee-high snow?
Considering your needs in terms of weather and climate will help you instantly begin to eliminate options, narrowing your search. Keep in mind that, as you age, your body and physical abilities may change, too. Are there services within the city to help you with things like lawn care, snow removal, and storm clean-up, if required?
It's a simple fact of life that, as we age, we need to be more mindful of our healthcare. Retiring to a city where there are hospitals and specialized clinics close by will help make your retirement experience easier overall. Look for places that provide the care you expect to need as you age, especially if you're on long-term medication.
What good is retirement if you can't enjoy it with those you love? When retiring, look for places that your family will like to visit and will be able to visit with relative ease. You'll be glad you did later on in life as you grow older, enjoying the company of relatives, especially your children and grandchildren.
Another unfortunate fact of aging is that you will become more susceptible to being victimized by crime. Look for communities that offer safety and peace of mind. Check crime rates in the neighborhoods you consider and look for ways to protect yourself.
Safety, family accessibility, medical care, weather, and amenities are all important parts of determining where you will live out the best years of your life. Remember to take your time and choose wisely, but don't be afraid to take a few risks. For many, retirement is all about adventure and fun, so give yourself the best possible chance to make all your retirement dreams come true.
While there is no clear winner in terms of the best place to retire in the United States, there are certainly a few cities that stand out as frontrunners. Below, I will discuss twelve of the country's best retirement cities and what contributes to the appeal of each one.
Fort Lauderdale has long attracted retirees thanks to an abundance of beaches and sunny, warm weather. Today, the coastline is peppered with numerous waterfront condos and neighborhoods, offering a sense of community along the white sands.
For those that prefer city life over the beach- no problem! There is plenty to do within the city, including Flagler Village art galleries, cooking classes at Sistrunk Market, and many restaurants to try. There's also an international airport and cruise terminal within the city, so it's easy to travel or bring the family in!
It should be noted that crime within the city is relatively high, but some neighborhoods are deemed very safe with ample gated communities and condominiums.
Charleston also offers a very relaxing, beachy community feel but with a dash of southern hospitality mixed in. You'll find gorgeous mansions and museums to explore along the city's beautiful cobblestone streets.
If you're a foodie, you'll love the assortment of restaurants offering different cuisines, including barbecue, seafood, and regional southern classics.
Like Fort Lauderdale, you'll also find a variety of gated communities and quiet neighborhoods to settle down in, allowing peace of mind and quiet comfort at home.
Mackinac Island in Michigan has grown famous for its Mackinac Island fudge, but it's also a great place to retire! The quaint, fun island operates with car-free streets and horse-drawn carriage taxis making it an idyllic vacation spot and a lovely place to live out a quiet and unique retirement experience.
Not only does this location boast incredible natural landmarks and gorgeous sunsets, but the entire island prides itself on a sense of community and good neighborliness that will provide you with an instant social circle as soon as you take residency.
Minneapolis is a great place to retire if you have healthcare and activity options in mind. WalletHub scores Minneapolis 3rd in the nation for available activities and 11th for healthcare options.
The winters in Minneapolis can get cold, but if you can tolerate the weather (or split your time between Minneapolis and a warmer climate throughout the year), retiring to Minneapolis has many appealing draws.
In Minneapolis, you are never far from independent retailers, museums, or dining experiences—this includes the Como Zoo, The Mall of America, and a variety of culturally unique cuisines offered at restaurants and food trucks throughout the city.
Orlando is well known as a tourist location thanks to Disney World, Universal Studios, and multiple gorgeous beaches. A well-kept secret of the city, though, is that it is also a great place for retirees.
The warm weather of the location goes without saying, and the beaches rival those of the aforementioned Fort Lauderdale. The quiet communities and relative safety from hurricanes help Orlando stand apart on the list!
As a bonus: The multiple theme parks and attractions close by will make it really easy to convince the kids and grandkids to visit!
Think about this: One of the best aquariums in the world, a multitude of museums focused on various topics, and a World Series champion major league baseball team. If any of that appeals to you, you should take a serious look at Atlanta, Georgia, as a possible retirement city.
Aside from these great qualities, Atlanta is also home to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest international airport in the world, so if you're planning a retirement full of luxury travel, there's no better home base than Atlanta. This means that flying family in to visit (or flying out to see them—or anything else in the world) would be easy.
As if all of that wasn't enough, Atlanta also considers itself the heart of southern cuisine, leaving zero percent chance you'll ever go hungry while on the town.
Florida makes the list again—this time with the city of Tampa. Tampa is the perfect place for people who are looking to live an active lifestyle after retirement. The city has a variety of clubs and social groups, as well as a beautiful Riverwalk, safe housing options, and one of the best-rated airports in the United States.
You're also close enough to Clearwater and St. Petersburg to make an exploratory jaunt if you ever feel the urge to get out of the city for a day.
Nearby Busch Gardens seals the deal by offering a fun and varied vacation experience for the kids and grandkids.
I know what you're thinking—Cincinnati? Really? But, hear me out. WalletHub ranked Cincinnati as 3rd of 183 cities in terms of retirement-friendly social clubs and activity offerings. It also has reasonably great options for healthcare.
Not only that but with both the Bengals and the Reds in town, there's plenty to do for sports fans. You'll also find botanical gardens, museums, and numerous parks to enjoy.
Cincinnati is also a relatively easy city to reach and navigate, with four identifiable seasons of mild but varied weather. What's not to love?
Lexington, Kentucky, is most widely known for its love of horses. This city is home to the Kentucky Derby. It boasts the International Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions, and many gorgeous landscapes, including various places to picnic and watch equine trainers at work.
With a mix of southern hospitality and aristocratic charm, Lexington has become a favorite retirement spot for those who seek a quiet but slightly lavish lifestyle.
Several other museums throughout the city cover everything from industrial history to the Civil War.
Also worth mentioning is that Lexington is the home of Kentucky bourbon, and there are many bars and nightclubs throughout the city where you can taste the world's finest while socializing with friends and enjoying the company of hospitable strangers.
Denver is a popular tourist spot for adventurous young people, but it also makes a great place to retire. The fresh mountain air, restaurant scene, and abundance of outdoor activities make it one of the best places to live in the country.
There are also a number of high-quality hospitals in Denver as well as a very efficient public transport system which are great bonuses for those navigating the city later in life.
Worried about the cold? Don't be. From Denver International Airport, you can avoid the harshest months of winter by traveling anywhere else in the world.
Miami is the #1 place to retire in Florida if you're looking for cultural flair. With a variety of art galleries and ethnic restaurants, as well as multicultural centers and events, you'll be able to find yourself deeply submersed in a rich cultural melting pot of worldly influences.
Another bonus of Miami is that the Miami-Dade County Chamber also offers an Active Older Adults Program. It provides free fitness classes and admission into leisure activities around the city for people ages 55 and above.
As with all the other great Florida cities mentioned, there are beautiful white-sand beaches and waterfront communities to settle in and enjoy, as well.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is rated well by locals in terms of quality of life. It's been ranked 2nd in terms of quality of life across the nation.
Scottsdale is famously popular for golfers due to its lush, expansive golf course options and country clubs. There are also a number of destination spas and resorts in Scottsdale, not to mention award-winning restaurants, gorgeous architecture, and a variety of fine art museums.
While the aforementioned cities are all great places to consider for retirement, don't be afraid to branch out and look at other options. Think about the places your family lives, the places you've visited and loved throughout life, and your unique interests.
There are many other factors you may also have to consider when choosing where to retire. For example, if you manage a large chunk of your funds as crypto, choosing a crypto-friendly city where most vendors accept crypto payments or at least crypto debit cards and credit cards can make a big difference.
There are many wonderful places throughout the United States to retire, depending on your preferences and needs regarding healthcare, location, and amenities. Whether you are looking for a sunny beachfront retirement, a multicultural experience, or a quiet community among rolling green fields and horse ranches, there's a retirement city in America perfect for you. You just have to know where to look!
Article by Jordan Bishop
