Updated May 2025
Seniors balance competing factors when they decide where to live after retirement. People who feel rooted in a community and have easy access to family and friends might stay where they are. Some may decide to move closer to adult children who have moved away. Older people who are tired of coping with snow and cold weather often choose to move to a warmer climate. Retirees who must live on a reduced budget could opt to move to a community where the cost of living is low.
Housing choices for older people who can live independently include downsized homes, condos, and apartments. Retirement communities are available in many cities. Most metropolitan areas offer a choice of assisted-living facilities for seniors who need help with their activities of daily living.
The “best” place to retire is largely a matter of taste and preference. Some people appreciate the sense of community and quiet living that small towns provide. Others enjoy the cultural advantages of living in a city. Here are some cities and towns that seniors might consider if they are thinking about relocating after retirement.
Retiring in the United States
A U.S. News analysis of metropolitan areas evaluated housing affordability, quality of health care, taxes, and happiness of life as reported by residents. Three of the top ten are in Florida: Naples (1st), Sarasota (4th), and Jacksonville (7th). Two of the top ten are in North Carolina: Raleigh (6th) and Charlotte (9th). The remainder are: Virginia Beach (2nd); NY City (3rd), Boise (5th), Huntsville (8th), and Fort Wayne (10th).
Travel + Leisure compiled its list of top 50 best places to retire, broken down by region.
The personal finance site WalletHub identified the most retirement-friendly states — Florida, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota– based on 46 key indicators of “retirement friendliness” (such as affordability, fun activities, tax implications, quality of life, health care, etc.). Florida’s placement as the site’s top choice may be a surprise, given that it is not the most affordable; but the state offers several inducements that appeal to retirees (i.e., golf courses, theaters, homeowner assistance, beaches, transportation).
In April 2025, GoBankingRates listed its top 44 picks for small town retirement (i.e., less than 10,000 residents), considering median income, community, crime rates, and overall livability. Its top 6 choices include:
- Maplewood, Missouri
- Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
- Brentwood, Pennsylvania
- Alamo Heights, Texas
- Riverdale, Utah
- Lindale, Texas
Stretching the definition of “small town” to include cites of 50,000 to 100,000, U.S. News spotlights three cities in Texas, three in Arizona, two in Florida, and one each in Tennessee and Idaho.
Retiring Abroad
Moving south of the border or across either ocean may appeal to retirees who were too busy working to explore the world. The cost of living in some countries may allow Americans to stretch their retirement income while experiencing the excitement and cultural enrichment of unfamiliar surroundings.
Living abroad isn’t for everyone. Language barriers can be a problem for retirees who do not speak the local language, although English is widely spoken in much of the world. Visa expenses and the cost of securing permission for a long-term stay must be factored into the retiree’s analysis of retirement costs.
A greater barrier might be the unavailability of Medicare coverage in foreign countries. Medical care may be relatively inexpensive in some countries, but the quality of care varies widely.
It is generally wise to live in a country for a few months before deciding to make a permanent move. Retirees may discover that they miss stores and brands that they take for granted, although retirees who want to find a familiar environment are usually assured of finding a Starbucks.
Popular retirement destinations in foreign countries include Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Portugal, Spain, and Malta. Most of those countries, as well as Vietnam and Montenegro, also make Travel + Leisure’s list of the cheapest countries for retirement.