Considering the best places to retire? Retirement isn’t what it used to be. Today’s retirees are active, adventurous, and looking for more than just a quiet place to fade into the sunset. They want vibrant communities, excellent healthcare, affordable living, cultural amenities, and opportunities to stay engaged—whether that means hiking, volunteering, starting a second career, or finally taking those art classes.
The challenge? Finding a place that checks all your boxes without draining your retirement savings. With longer lifespans and the need to make retirement funds last 25-30+ years, choosing the right location has never been more important.
We’ve analyzed healthcare quality, cost of living, taxes, climate, crime rates, cultural amenities, and quality of life factors to identify the 15 best places to retire in 2026. Whether you’re looking for beachfront relaxation, mountain adventures, small-town charm, or vibrant city living, there’s a perfect retirement destination waiting for you.
How We Evaluated Cities
Our rankings consider factors that matter most to retirees:
- Affordability: Housing costs, property taxes, state income taxes, and overall cost of living
- Healthcare Access: Hospital quality, specialist availability, and Medicare acceptance rates
- Climate: Year-round weather and natural disaster risks
- Safety: Crime rates and emergency services
- Walkability & Transportation: Ease of getting around without driving
- Social Opportunities: Senior centers, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and active retirement communities
- Recreation: Golf courses, hiking trails, beaches, arts, and entertainment
- Tax Friendliness: How each state taxes retirement income, Social Security, pensions, and estates
Let’s explore the top 15 retirement destinations, organized by region.
SOUTHERN CHARM & AFFORDABILITY
1. Sarasota, Florida
Why Retirees Love It: Sarasota, Florida consistently ranks as one of America’s best retirement destinations, and for good reason. Picture-perfect beaches, world-class arts and culture, no state income tax, and a massive retiree community mean you’ll never lack for friends or activities.
Healthcare: Sarasota Memorial Hospital is nationally recognized, and the area has excellent specialists. The concentration of retirees means healthcare infrastructure is built around senior needs.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $450,000. No state income tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement account withdrawals. Property taxes average 0.9% of home value. Cost of living is about 5% above national average but worth it for the lifestyle.
The Lifestyle: Siesta Key Beach (consistently rated America’s #1 beach), the Ringling Museum, year-round golf, extensive cultural calendar with theater and symphony, active social scene. Winter months bring snowbirds and cultural events peak.
Trade-Offs: Hurricane risk (insurance costs rising), hot/humid summers (June-September), increasingly expensive due to popularity, can feel touristy in winter season.
Perfect For: Active retirees who want beach lifestyle, culture, and social opportunities with Florida tax benefits.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Why Retirees Love It: Charleston, South Carolina offers Southern hospitality, historic charm, coastal living, and four manageable seasons. The food scene is incredible, the architecture is stunning, and the pace of life slows down without being boring.
Healthcare: MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) is a world-class academic medical center. Roper St. Francis Healthcare provides excellent care throughout the region.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $525,000 (has gotten pricier). Property taxes are relatively low. South Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security and offers deductions on other retirement income for those 65+. Cost of living about 8% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Historic downtown perfect for walking, beautiful beaches nearby (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms), Spoleto Festival, incredible restaurants, active arts scene, mild winters. Strong sense of community and history.
Trade-Offs: Hurricane risk, hot/humid summers, traffic and tourism increasing, housing costs rising due to popularity.
Perfect For: Retirees wanting coastal living with culture, history, and Southern charm who can afford moderate costs.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Why Retirees Love It: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is a haven for retirees who value natural beauty, arts, craft beer, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor recreation. It’s progressive, creative, and welcoming.
Healthcare: Mission Hospital and the surrounding healthcare network provide excellent care. Asheville is becoming a medical hub for Western North Carolina.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $475,000 (expensive for the region due to high demand). North Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate. Cost of living about 10% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Blue Ridge Parkway access, hiking trails everywhere, thriving arts district, brewery culture, farm-to-table restaurants, Biltmore Estate, four distinct seasons with mild winters, progressive community vibe.
Trade-Offs: Limited flat terrain (challenging for mobility issues later in life), winter weather can include ice/snow in mountains, expensive for North Carolina, somewhat isolated from major airports.
Perfect For: Active, outdoorsy retirees who value natural beauty, arts, and a progressive community atmosphere.
4. Greenville, South Carolina
Why Retirees Love It: Often overshadowed by Charleston, Greenville, South Carolina offers similar Southern charm, excellent healthcare, and a revitalized downtown at significantly lower costs. It’s the best-kept secret in the Southeast.
Healthcare: Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis are excellent hospital systems. The medical infrastructure rivals much larger cities.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $340,000 (very affordable). Same South Carolina tax benefits as Charleston—no Social Security tax and retirement income deductions. Cost of living about equal to national average.
The Lifestyle: Beautiful downtown with Falls Park on the Reedy as the centerpiece, excellent restaurants (it’s been called a foodie town), Peace Center for performing arts, proximity to mountains and lakes, four seasons with mild winters, strong sense of community.
Trade-Offs: Less coastal access than Charleston, smaller airport with fewer direct flights, less “brand recognition” than bigger cities.
Perfect For: Retirees wanting Southern charm, excellent healthcare, and culture at very affordable prices.
5. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Why Retirees Love It: Port St. Lucie, Florida offers Florida’s treasure coast lifestyle—beaches, boating, golf—at a fraction of Miami or Naples prices. It’s quieter, safer, and built for retirement living.
Healthcare: Cleveland Clinic Tradition and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital provide excellent care. The area continues to expand medical services due to retiree population growth.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $380,000. No state income tax. Property taxes around 1% of home value. Cost of living about 3% below national average (rare for coastal Florida).
The Lifestyle: Beautiful beaches (Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach), extensive golf courses, boating and fishing culture, botanical gardens, spring training baseball, slower pace than South Florida, strong active adult communities.
Trade-Offs: Hurricane risk, hot/humid summers, less cultural amenities than larger Florida cities, somewhat sprawling and car-dependent, limited direct flights from local airport.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious retirees who want Florida beach lifestyle without South Florida prices.
SOUTHWESTERN SUNSHINE
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
Why Retirees Love It: Scottsdale, Arizona is desert living at its finest—300+ days of sunshine, world-class golf, spa resorts, outdoor dining year-round, and a sophisticated arts scene. Winter weather is absolutely perfect.
Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, HonorHealth, and Banner Health systems provide exceptional care. Scottsdale is a medical destination.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $725,000 (expensive but worth it for many). No Social Security tax. Property taxes about 0.6% of home value. Cost of living about 15% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Over 200 golf courses in the area, hiking in McDowell Mountains, Old Town Scottsdale dining and shopping, spring training baseball, vibrant arts scene, luxury spas, perfect winter weather attracts snowbirds and events.
Trade-Offs: Brutally hot summers (110°+ for months), expensive, can feel pretentious in certain areas, requires air conditioning 6+ months/year (high utility bills), very car-dependent.
Perfect For: Affluent retirees who love golf, sunshine, and resort-style living and can afford premium pricing.
7. Prescott, Arizona
Why Retirees Love It: Prescott, Arizona offers Arizona living without the extreme heat. At 5,400 feet elevation, summers are 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It’s small-town friendly with four distinct seasons.
Healthcare: Yavapai Regional Medical Center provides solid care, though specialized treatment may require travel to Phoenix (90 minutes).
The Money Picture: Median home price around $525,000. No Social Security tax. Property taxes about 0.6% of home value. Cost of living about 5% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Historic downtown square (Whiskey Row), excellent hiking trails, Prescott National Forest, four seasons with mild winters and comfortable summers, small-town community feel, courthouse square events, lakes nearby for fishing and boating.
Trade-Offs: Smaller city means fewer cultural options, winter can include snow/ice at elevation, further from major airport, limited shopping and dining compared to larger cities.
Perfect For: Retirees wanting Arizona sunshine with cooler temperatures, small-town feel, and outdoor recreation.
8. San Antonio, Texas
Why Retirees Love It: San Antonio, Texas offers big-city amenities at reasonable prices with no state income tax. The River Walk, rich history, diverse culture, and Tex-Mex food create a unique retirement experience.
Healthcare: Multiple excellent hospital systems including UT Health San Antonio and Methodist Healthcare provide world-class care. Medical infrastructure is extensive due to military presence.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $285,000 (very affordable for a major city). No state income tax. Property taxes about 2.2% of home value (high but offset by no income tax). Cost of living about 5% below national average.
The Lifestyle: River Walk dining and entertainment, five Spanish colonial missions (UNESCO World Heritage sites), vibrant arts scene, professional basketball (Spurs), incredible Tex-Mex and BBQ, mild winters, friendly culture.
Trade-Offs: Hot, humid summers (95°+ for months), high property taxes, sprawling and car-dependent, traffic can be heavy.
Perfect For: Retirees wanting big-city culture and amenities at affordable prices with Texas tax benefits.
MOUNTAIN LIVING
9. Boise, Idaho
Why Retirees Love It: Boise, Idaho offers four seasons, outdoor recreation, low crime, friendly community, and surprising cultural amenities. It’s grown significantly but maintains its Western charm.
Healthcare: St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus provide excellent care. The medical infrastructure has expanded significantly with population growth.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $475,000 (has increased due to migration). Idaho doesn’t tax Social Security and offers a grocery credit for seniors. Property taxes are moderate. Cost of living about 8% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Boise River Greenbelt for walking/biking, world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking, skiing an hour away, vibrant downtown, Basque culture and cuisine, farmer’s markets, four distinct seasons, outdoor-focused lifestyle.
Trade-Offs: Winters can be cold/snowy, growing fast (changing character), limited direct flights, increasingly expensive, summer wildfire smoke can be an issue.
Perfect For: Active retirees who prioritize outdoor recreation, four seasons, and safe, friendly communities.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Why Retirees Love It: At the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colorado offers mountain living with 300+ days of sunshine, military-friendly culture, and stunning natural beauty. Denver is close enough for big-city amenities.
Healthcare: UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose Hospital provide excellent care. The military presence ensures strong medical infrastructure.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $465,000. Colorado doesn’t tax Social Security and offers pension/retirement account deductions for seniors. Property taxes about 0.5% of home value (TABOR limits). Cost of living about 10% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Air Force Academy, Olympic Training Center, extensive hiking trails, vibrant arts community, pro hockey team (Eagles), 300+ days of sunshine, four seasons with plenty of snow for skiing but sunny days.
Trade-Offs: Altitude adjustment required (6,000+ feet), winter snow can be significant, conservative political culture may not suit everyone, sprawling and car-dependent.
Perfect For: Retirees who want mountain access, sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, and military-friendly community.
SMALL TOWN GEMS
11. The Villages, Florida
Why Retirees Love It: The Villages is America’s premier age-restricted retirement community—built by retirees, for retirees. It’s a self-contained city with everything designed around active adult living.
Healthcare: The Villages Regional Hospital and UF Health provide excellent care onsite. Everything is designed for easy healthcare access.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $385,000. No state income tax. Low property taxes. Incredibly affordable lifestyle once you’re in—free golf, recreation centers, entertainment included. Cost of living about equal to national average.
The Lifestyle: 50+ golf courses, 3,000+ clubs and organizations, nightly entertainment in town squares, pools and recreation centers everywhere, golf cart lifestyle (cars optional), extremely active social scene, endless activities and events.
Trade-Offs: Age-restricted (55+), can feel like an insular bubble, hot/humid Florida summers, no diversity of age or often opinions, some find it “too” structured, limited outside culture.
Perfect For: Retirees who want an extremely active social life with peers and don’t mind age-restricted living.
12. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Why Retirees Love It: Santa Fe, New Mexico is art, culture, and Southwestern beauty. At 7,000 feet elevation, the climate is mild year-round. The food, galleries, and creative community attract artistic retirees.
Healthcare: CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center provides solid care. Specialized care may require Albuquerque (60 miles).
The Money Picture: Median home price around $575,000 (expensive for New Mexico). New Mexico doesn’t tax Social Security and offers senior exemptions on other retirement income. Property taxes are low. Cost of living about 15% above national average.
The Lifestyle: Over 250 art galleries, Santa Fe Opera, Pueblo-style architecture, incredible New Mexican cuisine, hiking in Santa Fe National Forest, skiing nearby, vibrant cultural calendar, creative community, 300+ days of sunshine.
Trade-Offs: High altitude, expensive for the region, winter can be cold/snowy at elevation, smaller city (limited shopping/services), artistic culture isn’t for everyone.
Perfect For: Culturally-minded, artistic retirees who value Southwestern beauty and don’t mind smaller-city living.
UNEXPECTED WINNERS
13. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why Retirees Love It: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers 60 miles of beaches, 100+ golf courses, mild winters, and extremely affordable living. It’s unpretentious, fun, and built for leisure.
Healthcare: Grand Strand Medical Center and Conway Medical Center provide solid care. The area continues to expand services for the growing retiree population.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $295,000 (very affordable for beachfront). South Carolina tax benefits (no Social Security tax). Property taxes are low. Cost of living about 5% below national average.
The Lifestyle: Beautiful beaches, endless golf, Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex, fishing and boating, mild winters allow year-round outdoor activities, casual beach culture, active adult communities.
Trade-Offs: Hurricane risk, hot/humid summers, can feel touristy (especially in summer), less cultural sophistication than Charleston, traffic in summer season.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious retirees who want beach and golf lifestyle without pretension or high costs.
14. Lakeland, Florida
Why Retirees Love It: Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland, Florida offers Central Florida living at a fraction of the cost. It’s authentic, affordable, and full of lakes (hence the name).
Healthcare: Lakeland Regional Health is excellent, and proximity to Tampa means access to world-class specialists.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $295,000 (incredibly affordable for Florida). No state income tax. Property taxes around 1% of home value. Cost of living about 8% below national average.
The Lifestyle: 38 named lakes within city limits (boating, fishing), Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College, spring training baseball (Detroit Tigers), proximity to beaches (both coasts within 90 minutes), warm year-round.
Trade-Offs: Hot/humid summers, less polished than other Florida cities, hurricane risk, limited cultural scene compared to Tampa/Orlando.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious retirees wanting authentic Florida living with easy access to Tampa and Orlando.
15. Tucson, Arizona
Why Retirees Love It: Tucson, Arizona offers Southwestern beauty, 350 days of sunshine, affordable living, and a laid-back vibe. It’s less expensive than Scottsdale but still offers desert living and outdoor recreation.
Healthcare: Banner University Medical Center and TMC Healthcare provide excellent care. Tucson is a medical hub for Southern Arizona.
The Money Picture: Median home price around $340,000 (affordable). No Social Security tax. Property taxes about 0.7% of home value. Cost of living about equal to national average.
The Lifestyle: Saguaro National Park, extensive hiking trails, Desert Museum, vibrant Mexican culture and food, University of Arizona brings arts and culture, mild winters, outdoor dining year-round, active cycling community.
Trade-Offs: Very hot summers (100°+ for months), farther from major cities, Mexican border proximity concerns some, summer monsoon storms, high summer utility bills.
Perfect For: Retirees wanting desert beauty and sunshine at affordable prices with laid-back Southwestern culture.
How to Choose Your Retirement Destination
The “best” retirement city depends entirely on your priorities, health, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Here’s how to narrow it down:
If Healthcare Is Priority #1: Scottsdale, AZ, Sarasota, FL, Charleston, SC, or San Antonio, TX have exceptional medical infrastructure.
If Budget Matters Most: San Antonio, TX, Myrtle Beach, SC, Lakeland, FL, or Greenville, SC offer the best value.
If You Want Year-Round Warmth: Sarasota, FL, Port St. Lucie, FL, Scottsdale, AZ, or Tucson, AZ deliver sunshine.
If You Want Four Seasons: Asheville, NC, Boise, ID, Colorado Springs, CO, or Prescott, AZ offer seasonal variety.
If Culture & Arts Matter: Santa Fe, NM, Charleston, SC, Asheville, NC, or Sarasota, FL deliver.
If You Want Active Adult Community: The Villages, FL is purpose-built for active retirees.
If Outdoor Recreation Is Life: Boise, ID, Colorado Springs, CO, Asheville, NC, or Prescott, AZ offer endless options.
Before You Decide
Rent Before You Buy: Spend at least 3-6 months in your target city before committing. Experience the off-season—that Florida summer heat or Arizona monsoons might change your mind.
Visit During Different Seasons: Winter and summer can feel like completely different cities in places like Sarasota or Scottsdale.
Calculate All Costs: Factor in property taxes, insurance (especially flood/hurricane), HOA fees, utilities (AC/heating), and healthcare premiums.
Consider Your 80-Year-Old Self: That mountain home in Prescott might be perfect now, but will stairs and altitude be manageable in 20 years? Proximity to excellent healthcare becomes more critical over time.
Think About Social Connections: Moving away from family and friends is romantic until you realize holidays are lonely. Consider proximity to loved ones or cities with strong transplant communities where making friends is easier.
The Final Word
Retirement is your reward for decades of hard work. The right location can make it extraordinary—financially comfortable, socially engaging, physically active, and deeply fulfilling.
Every city on this list has proven itself as a retirement destination where thousands of retirees are thriving. The question isn’t which is objectively “best”—it’s which matches your vision of the perfect retirement.
Take your time, visit multiple options, talk to current retirees in these cities, and trust your instincts. Your perfect retirement destination is waiting.
