The 10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S.

We dream of the day when we can put our OOO notification on forever and settle down in the sort of place previously reserved for vacations. But where to go?

WalletHub recently released its annual Best & Worst Places to Retire list—a ranking of 182 cities across the United States (including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state) based on affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care.

Each of the four metrics took several factors into consideration. “Affordability” looks at adjusted cost of living and taxpayer-friendliness (among others); “activities” looks at golf courses and art galleries per capita; “quality of life” looks at weather and strength of elder abuse protections; and “health care” looks at vaccination rates and quality of public hospitals.

Not surprisingly, Florida continues to prove itself as a retiree hot spot, occupying 4 slots in the top 10. But the list really runs the gamut of geography and demographics. (In case you’re wondering, WalletHub considers San Bernardino, California, to be the “worst” city for retirees, followed by Newark, New Jersey.) 

Read on for this year’s top 10 best places to retire in the U.S. and decide where you’d like to hang your hat…or, more accurately, park your vintage convertible. (Hey, you deserve it.)

10. Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re hoping to spend your golden years exploring museums, relaxing in parks, and cheering at baseball games, Atlanta may be the spot for you. (The city ranks 6 out of 182 in WalletHub’s “activities” index.) It is also home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—aka the busiest international airport in the world—so finding direct flights to other countries won’t be a problem. Add to that an exploding modern Southern food scene, and there’s about a zero percent chance you’ll ever feel bored (or hungry).

9. Miami, Florida

Florida has long been a popular spot for retirees (thanks in large part to the warm weather and low taxes), but Miami is a particularly great option for folks who want a bit more than just beaches and golf courses. It may not be quite as affordable as other cities, but Miami has enough art galleries, Cuban food, and museums to justify the rent. Miami-Dade County even offers a “Active Older Adults Program” that provides free fitness classes and leisure activities for people aged 55+.

8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

While Fort Lauderdale is still very much about the beaches, the city’s appeal extends far beyond the coastline these days. Retirees will probably love the abundance of waterfront condos, sure, but their days can be spent touring art galleries in Flagler Village, taking cooking classes at Sistrunk Market, and sampling the constant stream of new restaurants. And when the time comes to scratch that travel itch, several cruise terminals and an international airport are just around the corner.

7. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati may not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to settling down, but WalletHub ranked the city 3rd (out of 183) in terms of retirement-friendly activities. (It had more middling results for health care, quality of life, and affordability.) Even if you aren’t a huge Bengals or Reds fan, you’ll still find plenty of museums, botanical gardens, and parks to keep you busy and happy.

6. Denver, Colorado

Why should you retire in Denver? Let us count the ways. There’s fresh mountain air and an abundance of outdoor activities. The restaurant scene is one of the best in the country. The economy is steady. There are also plenty of high-quality hospitals, an efficient bus system, and a thriving international airport. Are you packing your bags yet?

5. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis didn’t earn a great score for affordability (WalletHub ranked it 135 out of 182), but its rankings in activities (3rd) and health care (11th) secured its spot in the overall top 10. As long as you can tolerate some mightily cold winters, retiring in Minneapolis means you’re never far from great independent retailers, worthwhile museums, and dining experiences that extend far beyond tater tot hotdish.

4. Tampa, Florida

Yet another great option for Florida enthusiasts, Tampa (and its surrounding suburbs) is the perfect hub for people looking for an active life post-retirement. The city itself has plenty of housing options, a buzzing Riverwalk, and one of the best airports in the country, and it also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Earning high marks for both affordability and quality in life (in fact, it ranks 2nd in the latter category), Scottsdale is easily one of the best places to retire in the U.S. It is a famously popular spot for golfers, but it also boasts plenty of destination spas, incredible art and architecture, and James Beard Award-winning restaurants to keep retirees of all types interested. Just be prepared for really, really hot summers.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Offering a relaxed coastal vibe, southern hospitality, and enough activities to keep you busy for many golden years, Charleston is a no-brainer when it comes to retirement destinations. Everywhere you look, the city has a gorgeous mansion or cobblestone street to explore—and trust us, the food here routinely exceeds the hype. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other major U.S. cities, so go ahead and put your pension towards barbecue, seafood, and regional Lowcountry classics.

1. Orlando, Florida

Even if you don’t necessarily want to trade your work hat for Mickey Ears, Orlando is one of the country’s best cities for retirees. We’ve already mentioned the warm weather and low taxes of Florida, but Orlando has a particular abundance of quiet communities, great restaurants, and independent stores—and its inland location means you won’t have to worry quite as much during hurricane season. (Bonus: Given Orlando’s proximity to theme parks, you definitely won’t have to work hard to convince your grandkids to visit.)