Relocating for retirement? Whether you’re downsizing in retirement, moving to assisted living, or considering other retirement housing, these cities offer a variety of fun outdoor activities, top-notch senior healthcare, and affordable costs of living for your later years. Check out the 12 best U.S. cities for retirement in 2026!
Ann Arbor, MI
- Population: 121,093
- Home Price: $346,800 median purchase price; $1,299 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 22% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 37% of U.S. cities
If you’re someone who appreciates seasonal changes and a tight-knit community, Ann Arbor is one of the best places to live in retirement. As one of the best college towns in the U.S.—with the University of Michigan located in the heart of the city—you’ll get to experience urban living, community involvement, restaurants, and shopping all in one place! Additionally, retired residents can rest easy with access to the University of Michigan Health, one of the best hospitals in Michigan. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, consider elderly-friendly activities like boating along the Huron River Water Trail, hiking through the Bird Hills Nature Area, or exploring lush arrangements at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. For city-based fun, feel the buzzing atmosphere by visiting the bookshops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques lining historic Main Street. Meet your neighbors while picking up fresh produce, poultry, and baked goods from over 130 Michigan vendors at the over 100-year-old Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Or attend Ann Arbor festivals like Ann Arbor Art Fair—the country’s largest juried art fair—or music and film showcases at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF)!
Charleston, SC
- Population: 137,041
- Home Price: $349,000 median purchase price; $1,318 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 22% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 28% of U.S. cities
Want to retire in a charming East Coast city? Check out the historic cobblestone streets of Charleston! Not only do you get access to safe, affordable neighborhoods and great beaches when you live in Chucktown, but you’ll also have access to MUSC Health University Medical Center, one of the best medical centers in South Carolina. Additionally, South Carolina has no taxes on Social Security benefits—and the state offers some of the lowest property taxes in the country, allowing retirees to get more bang for their buck. There are also plenty of other considerations that make Charleston one the best cities for retirees to live in. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Charleston, you can explore historical sites like the Charleston City Market and the Charleston Museum. Peruse boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining on King Street. Take advantage of the region’s warm weather at Charleston parks like the scenic White Point Garden, Charleston Waterfront Park, and Hampton Park. Or spend the day golfing in Charleston by booking tee times at courses like Charleston Municipal Golf Course.
Clearwater, FL
- Population: 115,975
- Home Price: $225,600 median purchase price; $1,167 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of U.S. cities
One of America’s best beach cities is also one of the best places to retire! In addition to sandy shores and coastal beauty, living in Clearwater is affordable, thanks to Florida’s lack of income tax, property tax exemptions, and personal exemptions for low-income senior residents. The Clearwater climate is typically humid and tropical, making it particularly ideal for retirees seeking warm, sunny weather and year-round activities. Visit immersive exhibits like Atlantis Theater, Dolphin Terrace, and Hydroponics, or show your grandkids incredible aquatic wildlife at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Spend the day relaxing at Clearwater beaches on the Gulf Coast, including Sand Key Beach or namesake Clearwater Beach. Browse local art, see street performances, or attend year-round festivals with beachside views at Sunsets at Pier 60. Watch the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) during spring training or cheer for the Clearwater Threshers (MiLB) at the stunning BayCare Ballpark. Or get on the water with Clearwater boat tours like the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, or The Tropics Boat Tours.
Colorado Springs, CO
- Population: 471,686
- Home Price: $294,500 median purchase price; $1,196 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 19% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of U.S. cities
Located in one of the best states to retire, Colorado Springs is a favorite among retirees and one of the the best places to live in Colorado. Proximity to stunning mountain views and outdoor recreation cement Colorado Springs as a top mid-sized city, especially for seniors. The city also has low property taxes and is home to some of Colorado’s top hospitals, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital and CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital. Retirees who love the outdoors can get active with some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs! Admire sprawling sandstone formations, or try out rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding at the monumental Garden of the Gods. Go hiking in Colorado Springs with the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery at Red Rock Canyon, Seven Bridges Trail, or Palmer Park. Witness incredible cascading waterfalls, visit nearby wilderness experiences, or ride the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway at The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Bring family to see giraffes, African penguins, and North American river otters at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Or explore rich history exhibits at iconic Colorado Springs museums, such as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and the Ghost Town Museum.
Daytona Beach, FL
- Population: 68,711
- Home Price: $164,400 median purchase price; $979 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 5% of U.S. cities
Looking for a place to live near the ocean where you can spend your golden years? Consider retiring in Florida in Daytona Beach! One factor helping to make Daytona Beach one of the best places to retire in Florida is that residents are exempt from income and inheritance taxes—which includes Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s. Additionally, mild winters allow retirees even more time to enjoy outdoor activities in Daytona Beach. Tee up at the 36-hole Daytona Beach Golf Club, explore forested trails on foot or horseback at Tiger Bay State Forest, or go fishing on the Daytona Beach Pier. If you’re a sports fan looking for excitement, watch high-octane racing events like the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway. Appreciate art exhibitions and the planetarium at The Museum of Arts & Sciences, or listen to live music and theatrical performances at the Peabody Auditorium. Wander more than 60 shops and attractions at Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach, or eat, drink, and peruse more stores by stopping by the Daytona Beach Boardwalk!
Fort Wayne, IN
- Population: 268,378
- Home Price: $121,600 median purchase price; $777 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of U.S. cities
If you’re looking to move to a quiet Midwestern town with easy commutes and convenient amenities, consider Fort Wayne. Its low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and tax exemptions on military retired pay make this city one of the best places for retired military to live. With three rivers running through this small metro, residents can find many outdoor activities in Fort Wayne. Relax with a picnic by the riverside or invite a friend along for a Sweet Breeze Riverboat Tour at Promenade Park. Attend showcase exhibits like Something Blue and Fern’s Fairylight Express, or stroll through the gardens at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Check out an annual event that’s been hosted for more than 50 years, The Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show—which features more than 650 exhibitors, Garden Gallery displays, chainsaw carving demos, and more. Fort Wayne also offers a thriving art and entertainment scene! See rotating and permanent exhibits like Venetian Capellini Glass, Classic Toys and Americana, or Bronze: The Timeless Medium at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Enjoy live theatrical performances like Dirty Dancing in Concert, The Nutcracker, and Mrs. Doubtfire at the historic Embassy Theatre. Or take the grandkids out to watch the Fort Wayne TinCaps (MiLB) at Parkview Field or interact with animals at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
Harrisburg, PA
- Population: 49,247
- Home Price: $85,500 median purchase price; $846 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of U.S. cities
Looking to retire in the Keystone State? Harrisburg‘s cost of living is 10% lower than the national average, and Pennsylvania offers retirement tax benefits that exempt retirement income, including pensions and Social Security. Seniors also have access to high-quality healthcare at the best hospitals in the Harrisburg area, including UPMC Harrisburg and the nearby Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. There are also fantastic options for things to do in Harrisburg! Visit the galleries at the Art Association of Harrisburg, Susquehanna Art Museum, or Millworks—which doubles as a restaurant and brewery! Dive into local and national history by taking a tour of renowned Harrisburg museums, such as The National Civil War Museum, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, or the historic John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. Meet dozens of local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and great brews at Broad Street Market. Or head to the scenic Harrisburg attraction, City Island—where you can cheer on the Harrisburg Senators (MiLB) at FNB Field, take a riverboat tour, go mini golfing, or hang out on the beach.
Lancaster, PA
- Population: 59,321
- Home Price: $127,500 median purchase price; $920 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 20% of U.S. cities
With the combination of small-town charm and accessible amenities like Lancaster General Health, Lancaster is considered one of the best places to retire for good reason! This small Pennsylvania city offers residents one of the lowest sales taxes in the country and no state taxes on retirement benefits, including Social Security, 401(k)s, and IRAs. Lancaster also offers several things to do for seniors. Browse Lancaster Central Market—America’s oldest continuously-running farmers market—for fresh food, baked goods, handmade items, and more. Catch live theatrical performances of classics like 9 to 5, Something Rotten, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and more at the Fulton Theatre. Spend the day in Downtown Lancaster shopping for unique finds in vintage shops and retail boutiques, or grab a bite to eat from Lancaster restaurants at The 300 Block. Pay a visit to The Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum to see more than 100 tree species, native pollinator gardens, and other lush plant life. Or experience a “Plain” lifestyle, including rustic farms, local restaurants, and authentic craft goods by taking a horse-and-buggy tour through the Amish countryside!
Pittsburgh, PA
- Population: 301,286
- Home Price: $134,800 median purchase price; $984 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 5% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 19% of U.S. cities
Retiring on a budget is made possible in Pittsburgh, the legendary Steel City. Its low cost of living makes it great for young professionals and retirees alike, with significant savings in the categories of housing, healthcare, and goods and services—plus, retirement income isn’t taxed by the state. On top of the city’s affordability, you’ll also find plenty of things to do in Pittsburgh! Walk through a stunning 14-room glass house, explore 23 lush gardens, or attend seasonal flower shows in the midst of Pittsburgh’s urban landscape at Phipps Conservatory. Spend the afternoon watching the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) smash home runs out of PNC Park, or cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) as they score touchdowns at Acrisure Stadium. Enjoy a relaxing day biking, fishing, kayaking, and more with family in the point of Pitt’s “Golden Triangle” at Point State Park. Acquaint yourself with Pittsburgh art, culture, and history at local museums like The Andy Warhol Museum, the Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh, or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Or check out local shops, restaurants, and regular events happening in eclectic Downtown Pittsburgh at Market Square.
Scottsdale, AZ
- Population: 254,995
- Home Price: $493,200 median purchase price; $1,452 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 37% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of U.S. cities
One of the best suburbs of Phoenix, Scottsdale is also one of the happiest cities in the U.S.—and with warm weather year-round and luxury-style living, it’s easy to see why! Those looking to retire in Arizona can benefit from Scottsdale’s central location within the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is home to highly-rated hospitals like Mayo Clinic Hospital Phoenix. Retirees can also take advantage of Arizona’s lack of state taxes on Social Security benefits while living in Scottsdale. As for entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do. Head to amazing golf courses in Scottsdale and surrounding areas—like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and Troon North Golf Club—to practice your swing while enjoying views of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll through a variety of galleries and shops, stop by tasting rooms, and participate in fun community events like the weekly ArtWalks in the Scottsdale Arts District of Old Town Scottsdale. Go for a leisurely hike on the accessible trails while you observe wildlife at McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Or take a trip to experience breathtaking views at sunrise or sunset during a hot air balloon ride over the desert with Rainbow Ryders!
Tampa, FL
- Population: 395,912
- Home Price: $254,600 median purchase price; $1,178 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 7% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 22% of U.S. cities
Fulfill your coastal lifestyle dream in Tampa, one of the best places to retire near the beach. Seniors enjoy its year-round ideal weather, lack of state income tax, and metro amenities like access to public transportation—including The Sunshine Line, which provides free transit for seniors. You can also find great healthcare from Tampa General Hospital, retiree-friendly neighborhoods, and even active retirement communities. With convenient Veterans Affairs locations and the MacDill Air Force Base situated in South Tampa, it’s easy to see why Tampa is also one of the best cities for military retirees. Looking for waterfront fun? Spend your golden years relaxing on the shores of Tampa beaches, including the nearby Ben T Davis Beach and Davis Islands Beach. Discover local cigar shops, boutiques, a weekend market, and some of the best restaurants in Tampa by walking through the city’s historic Ybor City district! Explore habitats like the Wetlands of Florida, Lemur Lookout, and Stingray Beach at the Florida Aquarium. And pick your Florida sports team of choice to support, with options including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and Tampa Tarpons (MiLB).
Youngstown, OH
- Population: 64,152
- Home Price: $46,900 median purchase price; $638 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 18% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of U.S. cities
If you’re searching for the most affordable places to retire, look no further than Youngstown! A budget-friendly place to settle down in your senior years, Youngstown offers retirees easy access to a variety of retirement communities and fantastic healthcare options through high-quality facilities like Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Though it’s not the Buckeye State’s largest city, it’s still jam-packed with art, culture, and fun things to do! Support live musical events from the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, or sit back for performances of classics like Jack and the Beanstalk by the Opera Western Reserve. Attend monthly Senior Art & Learn events or explore artwork spanning hundreds of years at The Butler Institute of American Art. See artifacts, photographs, and full-scale replicas from the city’s steelworking past at The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor, locally known as the Steel Museum. Or take in the serenity of the tree-lined paths and find a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities at Mill Creek MetroParks—which is home to thousands of acres of green space, a golf course, and lakes and ponds for fishing, as well as the Ford Nature Center and Fellows Riverside Gardens.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Retire selections is to help diverse audiences near or in retirement make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each area, we consider factors like cost of living, state and local taxes, attractions, accessibility, healthcare, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
City statistics from AreaVibes
