Best Places to Retire in the U.S.

Finding the best place to put down new roots later in life

There are many things to consider when deciding where to live during your golden years. Retirees seeking a new hometown often look at climate, community activities, cost of living, health services and proximity to family.  

Depending on your lifestyle, some factors might have a higher priority than others. Let’s explore the best states and cities for retirees in the United States to help you narrow down your choices. 

Note: While making our list, we considered the factors above and the U.S. News and World Report Ranking for Best Places to Live. We referenced the 2020 U.S. Census for population data. 
 

The most popular retirement state in the U.S.? Florida 

Many retirees flock to Florida each year, and it’s no surprise because of the year-round warm weather, beaches, golf courses, access to healthcare and no state income tax.  

Check out these 5 retiree-friendly cities in the Sunshine State: 

Sarasota

Located on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota has gorgeous white sand beaches and year-round warm weather. The city offers tons of outdoor activities, a thriving arts scene and live music venues that frequently bring in performers for an older crowd. The population is around 55,000, with a median age of 52. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 11 in “Best Places to Live”  

Naples

Popular among wealthy retirees, Naples has a small-town vibe, with just over 19,000 residents. The median age of residents is 53. Naples is a wonderful place to be if you enjoy fine dining and shopping. You’ll also find beaches, golf courses and wildlife preserves. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 1 in “Best Places to Live”

Pensacola

Pensacola is located in the Florida Panhandle. Its population is just over 54,000, and the median age is 40. Known for emerald green waters, Pensacola is a multicultural city with a community atmosphere full of Southern charm and hospitality. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 31 in “Best Places to Live”

Port St. Lucie

Located halfway between Orlando and Miami on the East Coast of Florida, Port St. Lucie has a population of around 205,000 with a median age of 46. The area is known for outdoor activities, including beaches, boat ramps, golf courses and hiking trails. Annual festivals like Oktoberfest and the Festival of Lights are also popular. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 83 in “Best Places to Live”  

Fort Myers

With a population of over 86,000, Fort Myers is a fast-growing known as a gateway to Southwest Florida. The city contains beautiful flora, multiple waterways and diverse cultural offerings. You’ll also find numerous outdoor activities for people of all ages. The median age of residents is 45. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 37 in “Best Places to Live”  

Other top retirement cities 

If Florida isn’t suitable for you, there are plenty of great retirement cities in other states. See if one of these 10 sparks your interest: 

1. Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania’s capital city has around 50,000 residents with a median age of 35. 

Residents enjoy outdoor activities like biking and hiking on the trails of Riverfront Park. The city is also near Amish country, Gettysburg National Military Park and Hersheypark. If you crave big-city adventure, Harrisburg is also within driving distance of Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 109 in “Best Places to Live”  

2. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne, or “Summit City,” has a population of around 266,000 with a median age of 37. It’s the second-most populous city in Indiana. With a low cost of living and access to amenities, Fort Wayne attracts people of all ages. Residents can enjoy multiple festivals each year and plenty of outdoor space for biking, running and walking. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 20 in “Best Places to Live”  

3. Knoxville, TN

Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee and is now the third-largest city. Its population is around 191,000, and the median age is 37. Knoxville is a college town that appeals to families and retirees due to its low cost of living. Living there means having the amenities of a large city, like access to healthcare, shopping and cultural events, while being close to the peace and quiet of farmland. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 29 in “Best Places to Live”  

4. Augusta, GA

The third-most populous city in Georgia is Augusta, which has around 202,000 people and a median age of 37. Known for its golf courses, Augusta also has farmers’ markets, jazz concerts and museums. The area attracts families and retirees due to its lower cost of living and warm weather. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 85 in “Best Places to Live”  

5. Myrtle Beach, SC

Known as a vacation destination with beautiful beaches and golf courses, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is also a great place to live if you want a smaller city with access to healthcare. The town has a population of just under 36,000, with a median age of 46.  

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 51 in “Best Places to Live”

6. Fayetteville, AR

Located in Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is the second-largest city in the state, with just under 94,000 people and a median age of 33. The college town is serious about “calling the hogs” at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football games. Fayetteville has over 4,200 acres of parks and trails for residents to enjoy the outdoors. The state is known for its natural beauty and low cost of living. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 21 in “Best Places to Live”

7. Tucson, AZ

Tucson, Arizona, is a large city of nearly 550,000 people with a median age of 37. It’s known for its lower cost of living and warm weather. Saguaro National Park is a popular hiking destination, and winter snow skiing is available at nearby Mount Lemmon. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 63 in “Best Places to Live”  

8. Reno, NV

Located in Northwest Nevada, Reno has a population of just over 264,000 with a median age of 40. Nicknamed “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno appeals to people of all ages and is home to multiple high-rated restaurants and casinos. Water activities like kayaking and swimming are also popular at the Truckee River, which flows through downtown. Lake Tahoe and ski resorts are only about an hour away. 

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 47 in “Best Places to Live”

9. Salt Lake City, UT

Another state capital on our list is Salt Lake City. It is the largest city in Utah, with just over 200,000 people and a median age of 34. Salt Lake City has a vibrant arts scene as the host of the Sundance Film Festival. There are also multiple museums and public parks to enjoy.  

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 33 in “Best Places to Live”  

10. Denver, CO 

The capital city of Colorado has around 716,000 people with a median age of 37. Denver is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 5,000 acres of golf courses, parks and trails. You’ll also find breweries, live music venues and restaurants in the “Mile-High City.” With the growing retiree population, Denver residents have access to excellent healthcare.  

U.S. News and World Report ranking: No. 40 in “Best Places to Live”  

Getting to your top retirement location in the USA

All things considered, the best place to retire is somewhere you can live happily and comfortably. Once you’ve decided, choose an easy move with U-Pack®. We’re a DIY service with over 25 years of experience, including many senior moves.  

U-Pack services all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico through our nationwide network of service centers.  

You can request a free, no-obligation quote by calling 844-362-5303844-594-3077 or using our online quote form. 

If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts on the best retirement places in the U.S., please let us know in the comments.