Relocating for retirement? Whether you’re thinking of downsizing to a city-center apartment, moving near the beach, or other retirement housing option, you can find a variety of fun outdoor activities, scenic views, great healthcare, and affordable costs of living. Here are the best 15 cities for retirement in 2023!
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Asheville, NC
- Austin, TX
- Bend, OR
- Boise, ID
- Charleston, SC
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Lancaster, PA
- Mesa, AZ
- Naples, FL
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Sarasota, FL
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Tampa, FL
Ann Arbor, MI
Photo via @rhalseyphoto
- Population: 118,087
- Home Price: $250,200 median purchase price; $1,114 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 11% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of U.S. cities
If you’re someone who appreciates seasonal changes and a tight-knit community vibe, Ann Arbor is one of the best places to live in retirement. One of the advantages of a college town—with top tailgating school, the University of Michigan located in the heart of the city—is that you’ll get to experience urban living, community involvement, dining, and shopping all in one place! On top of that, retired residents can rest assured they get the best healthcare in Michigan from Michigan Medicine. If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, choose from activities like hiking and boating at Huron River Water Trail or visiting Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. On the weekends, feel the buzzing atmosphere at the historic Main Street that’s lined with book shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Art lovers can look forward to yearly festivals like the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the country’s largest art fair, while music and film lovers can check out Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).
Asheville, NC
Photo via @joey.herzberg.360
- Population: 87,531
- Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities
Considered one of the best places to live in the South, Asheville is one of the best retirement towns in North Carolina! With affordable housing and tax exemptions for Social Security retirement benefits, this North Carolina city helps you stretch your dollar further. In addition to veteran services and long-term care, there are many hospitals in the area, including Mission Hospital, which is recognized as one of the best hospitals in North Carolina. Residents and their visitors will enjoy Asheville’s warm summers and short, mild winters. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville gives residents stunning mountain views and outdoor activities like road-tripping along the Blue Ridge Parkway or camping at the Great Smoky Mountains. Want to go back to school for retirement? The University of North Carolina Asheville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers award-winning education programs and events for seniors!
Austin, TX
Photo via @aerialaustin_
- Population: 907,779
- Home Price: $257,800 median purchase price; $1,106 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 7% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of U.S. cities
Renowned for its warm weather, variety of housing options, and being a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, senior living in Austin is exciting and lively. Residents can choose from a diverse range of retirement housing options like waterfront homes, senior communities, gated communities, and more. Plus, did you know Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World? The city is home to 250+ music venues, and it hosts major music festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Music Festival. And the bonus of having ideal weather year-round is you get to enjoy outdoor activities like going on a cruise with your partner on Lady Bird Lake, relaxing in Barton Springs Pool, or exploring McKinney Falls State Park with your grandchildren. Continue learning in your retirement years for free at Texas State University with up to six credit hours per semester.
Bend, OR
Photo via @fisheyeaerialmedia
- Population: 84,416
- Home Price: $295,300 median purchase price; $1,024 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 22% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of U.S. cities
Located 3,623 feet above sea level and surrounded by scenic mountain views, Bend is one of the best communities to retire in Oregon! This small city is an affordable alternative to Portland, with safe neighborhoods, more space, and independent living communities like The Alexander. Nature photographers and active seniors are sure to love the majestic views of the Cascade Range and abundance of trails like The Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway or the Deschutes River Trail. Residents can also choose from a variety of well-maintained golf courses like Widgi Creek Golf Club or River’s Edge Golf Course. In terms of healthcare, seniors can rely on the best, like St. Charles Medical Center or High Lakes Medical Center.
Boise, ID
Photo via @visitboise
- Population: 218,677
- Home Price: $191,000 median purchase price; $834 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 1% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of U.S. cities
Enjoy your golden years among the spruce and pine forests abundant in Boise! Nicknamed the City of Trees, Boise is one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest, and with crime rates 24% lower than the national average, Idaho’s capital city is a safe place to settle down. Plus, retirees can take advantage of benefits like no state taxation on Social Security and no state estate tax, as well as have access to top-rated hospitals in the city like St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center. With warm summers and snowy winters, there are plenty of fun things to do in Boise—especially if you like outdoor recreation! Head out on the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile trail perfect for walking, running, and cycling, or visit Boise National Forest for weekend camping, hiking, and more.
Charleston, SC
Photo via @charlestonvacays
- Population: 129,888
- Home Price: $269,400 median purchase price; $1,052 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 10% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of U.S. cities
Want to retire in a charming coastal city? Check out the historical 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 one of the best medical centers in Charleston—MUSC Health – University Medical Center. Plus, there are no taxes on Social Security benefits in South Carolina, and the state offers some of the lowest property taxes in the country, so retirees can get a bang for their buck. When finding things to do in Charleston, you can explore any of the historical attractions or experience King Street‘s boutiques, art galleries, fine dining, and more.
Fort Wayne, IN
Photo via @downtownfortwayne
- Population: 260,954
- Home Price: $103,100 median purchase price; $681 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 14% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 25% of U.S. cities
If you’re looking for a quiet town with easy commutes and convenient amenities, consider Fort Wayne. Its low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and tax exemption 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. Visit parks and gardens like Promenade Park or the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory for a calming stroll. Residents can also participate in the thriving art scene, with attractions like the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Embassy Theatre.
Lancaster, PA
Photo via @mikeyrob.pics
- Population: 59,341
- Home Price: $109,300 median purchase price; $806 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of U.S. cities
With the combination of small-town charm and accessible amenities like Lancaster General Health, Lancaster consistently ranks as one of the best places to retire—and 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—which include Social Security, 401(k)s, and IRAs. Lancaster offers several things to do for seniors, including Central Market Place, America’s oldest, continuously-running farmers market. Be sure to visit outdoor conservatory Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum and the Amish countryside, too!
Mesa, AZ
Photo via @imartinezphoto
- Population: 470,456
- Home Price: $168,500 median purchase price; $907 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of U.S. cities
If you want to retire to a place where the sun shines all year long, don’t forget about Mesa! Enjoy your retirement in resort-style, 55+ communities nestled throughout this Phoenix suburb and stay active with all the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Avid golfers will love perfecting their game at one of the 25 golf courses in the area—and if you’re a baseball fan, you’ll be able to catch some Major League Baseball Spring Training. Beyond all that, Mesa’s cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. And retirees can feel comfortable knowing that the award-winning Banner Desert Medical Center is available for healthcare needs.
Naples, FL
Photo via @fromthe_states
- Population: 20,980
- Home Price: $770,000 median purchase price; $1,189 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 72% higher than the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of U.S. cities
Thinking of living near the ocean for retirement? Consider relocating to Naples, where you’ll find high-end shopping, beautiful weather, and white sandy beaches all in one place. With short and mild winters, retirees can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, like golfing at Tiburón Golf Club, birdwatching at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and hopping on a sightseeing cruise. Sports fans can look forward to cheering on the semi-pro soccer team, Naples United FC (NPSL), and watching the US Open Pickleball Championships. The city also has much to offer in the local art scene, with companies and venues like The Naples Players, Naples Shakespeare Festival, and Artis—Naples. One of the advantages of living in The Sunshine State is residents get to enjoy tax exemption on income and inheritance taxes. You can also rest assured that you’ll be well-taken care of at world-class medical facilities like NCH Healthcare and Physicians Regional.
Pittsburgh, PA
Photo via @prachi9
- Population: 305,305
- Home Price: $100,800 median purchase price; $844 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 7% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 12% of U.S. cities
If you’re looking for small-town friendliness paired with the benefits of big-city living, Pittsburgh has both! This cultural city also has tons of art galleries and museums for retirees to explore, like the Carnegie Museum of Art and Andy Warhol Museum. Cheer on a number of professional sports teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), and Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) in the comfort of your own city. Or, if you want to travel, the whole world is at your fingertips, thanks to the Pittsburgh International Airport. Living in Pittsburgh means you’ll be tax-exempt for retirement benefits and close to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a nationally-ranked healthcare facility.
Port St Lucie, FL
Photo via @aerialartfl1
- Population: 175,652
- Home Price: $149,400 median purchase price; $1,170 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 1% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of U.S. cities
Port St. Lucie is a laid-back city in eastern Florida that’s perfect for those wanting to relax in retirement. Located about halfway between Miami and Orlando, Port St. Lucie offers retirees affordable housing and no taxes on Social Security, pension, IRA, or 401(k) incomes. PSL offers great healthcare at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, as well as home services from Interim Healthcare. With fantastic year-round weather and a location on the St. Lucie River, PSL is a haven for those who love boating and fishing, and has several areas like the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens where you can enjoy native Florida plants and animals. Retirees can also visit the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery and play 54 holes of championship golf at PGA Village.
Sarasota, FL
Photo via @chasingthedronelife
- Population: 54,425
- Home Price: $190,500 median purchase price; $951 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 4% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of U.S. cities
Have you always dreamed of retiring near the beach? Sarasota is one of the best places to retire in Florida! Retirement in Sarasota means no state income tax, affordable housing, and beautiful Gulf Coast views and weather. Residents can spend their days relaxing on one of Sarasota’s stunning beaches in Lido Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, or Manasota Key. Retirees also have access to fantastic healthcare at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which is nationally-ranked in rehabilitation. Plus, you can golf at top courses in Sarasota like University Park Country Club and Tatum Ridge Golf Links. Check out other Sarasota attractions like The Ringling Circus Museum, as well as Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and Sarasota Opera.
Scottsdale, AZ
Photo via @straightforwarddrone
- Population: 234,495
- Home Price: $405,500 median purchase price; $1,184 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 26% above the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of U.S. cities
Scottsdale is one of the best suburbs of Phoenix and, with warm weather year-round, luxury-style living, and close proximity to Phoenix, it’s easy to see why! Those looking to retire in an Arizona city can benefit from Scottsdale’s central location in the Phoenix metro, which is home to highly-rated hospitals like Mayo Clinic Hospital Phoenix. Retirees can also enjoy no state taxes on Social Security benefits while living in Scottsdale! As for entertainment, there’s no shortage of amazing golf courses in Scottsdale to practice your swing and take in views of the Sonoran Desert, like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and Troon North Golf Club. Or stroll through Old Town Scottsdale and take part in fun events like the Weekly Art Walk and Scottsdale Culinary Fest!
Tampa, FL
Photo via @johnny_visuals
- Population: 361,477
- Home Price: $172,100 median purchase price; $983 median monthly rent
- Cost of Living: 3% below the national average
- Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of U.S. cities
Fulfill your beach-living dream in Tampa, one of the best places to live for retirees. Seniors enjoy its year-round ideal weather and metro amenities like access to public transportation, amazing healthcare from Tampa General Hospital, retiree-friendly neighborhoods, and even active retirement communities. With convenient veterans affairs locations, MacDill Air Force Base situated in South Tampa, and no state income tax, it’s easy to see why Tampa is also one of the best places for veterans to live. But there’s more to Tampa than tropical outdoor recreation on sandy beaches—the city’s historic district, Ybor City, has local cigar shops, boutiques, a weekend market, and some of the best restaurants Tampa has to offer! Florida sports fans can also pick their team of choice to support, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), and Tampa Tarpons (MiLB).
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City statistics from AreaVibes
