Best Cities to Retire In on the West Coast: Finding the Perfect Retirement City for You
As you get older, you may start to think about retirement. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of moving to a warmer climate or living by the beach. If so, think of nowhere else but the West Coast!
This list of the best cities to retire in on the West Coast will highlight the top cities for retirement and will help you better decide where you want to live. With this list, you can make sure that you find an awesome place to enjoy your retirement that fits your needs.
So if you’re thinking about retiring on the West Coast, check this list out for serious cities to consider. Each one has its own unique personality and amenities that make it perfect for retirees!
After you finish with this list of the best cities to retire in on the West Coast, our lists of the best cities to retire in and best cities to retire in on the East Coast will also provide some more excellent information on this topic.
Top 15 Cities to Retire In on the West Coast:
1. Port Townsend, Washington
Highlights: Has a Stunning coastal location, quaint restaurants, and cafes, and excellent seafood and sailing opportunities.
About City: Welcome to Port Townsend, Washington, one of the best cities to retire on the West Coast. This charming town is filled with natural beauty, from its stunning coastal location to its quaint restaurants and cafes. And, with its excellent seafood and sailing opportunities, it’s no wonder retirees love Port Townsend.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy your retirement or an active community with plenty of things to do, Port Townsend is a great place for you.
2. San Marino, California
Highlights: Offers plenty of shopping and dining options, has mild weather year-round, and is home to The Huntington.
About City: Looking for the perfect retirement location on the West Coast? Look no further than San Marino, California. This beautiful city is home to The Huntington – a world-renowned research and educational institution that houses an art museum, botanical gardens, and library. With plenty of shopping and dining options nearby in Pasadena, you’ll never be bored in San Marino. And with mild weather year-round, it’s a lovely place to enjoy your retirement.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Highlights: Has a well-rounded lifestyle, a great food scene, and outstanding retirement communities.
About City: Las Vegas is one of the best cities to retire on the West Coast. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Las Vegas is great for retirees who want to enjoy the outdoors. The city also boasts a well-rounded lifestyle, with a great food scene, outstanding retirement communities, and a location in one of the most tax-friendly states. And of course, there are still all the hotels, casinos, and 24/7 entertainment and nightlife that make Vegas a fun place to retire.
4. Boulder, Colorado
Highlights: Has stunning natural features, a vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants, and a thriving culinary scene.
About City: When you retire to Boulder, Colorado, you can expect to enjoy beautiful scenery, ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, and a thriving culinary scene.
Boulder is located in the Rocky Mountains, just 30 minutes from Denver. The town is well-known for its stunning natural features, including the Flatirons – a series of rocky outcroppings that stand vertically against the sky. But Boulder is more than just a pretty place; it’s also home to a vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants. In fact, Boulder has been dubbed “America’s Foodiest Town” thanks to its abundance of award-winning eateries and craft breweries.
5. Flagstaff, Arizona
Highlights: Has four beautiful seasons, seven national parks and monuments nearby, and fun events throughout the year.
About City: Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the best West Coast cities to retire. With four beautiful seasons, retirees can enjoy an active lifestyle year-round. Flagstaff is known as the “City of Seven Wonders” because of the seven national parks and monuments nearby, including the Grand Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks. In addition to the great outdoors, Flagstaff offers restaurants, breweries, and fun events throughout the year.
6. Henderson, Nevada
Highlights: Offers luxury and convenience, good views, and a wide variety of activities and amenities.
About City: Henderson, Nevada, is one of the best places to retire on the West Coast. The city offers a wide variety of activities and amenities for residents, from golfing and watersports to hiking and shopping. Henderson is also home to some of the best views in the area, with the Las Vegas Strip visible from many parts of the city. If you’re looking for a retirement community that offers both luxury and convenience, Henderson is the ideal place for you.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Highlights: Has a large-town feel, all the peace and serenity of the Southwest, a thriving art scene, and great outdoors.
About City: This picturesque city boasts a large-town feel with all the peace and serenity of the Southwest. Santa Fe is great for retirees who are looking for an active lifestyle with plenty of cultural experiences.
One of the many highlights of Santa Fe is the art scene. The city is home to numerous museums as well as a turquoise jewelry market. In addition, retirees can enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities in the surrounding mountains and forests.
8. Missoula, Montana
Highlights: Has thousands of acres of parks and forests, several blue-ribbon trout fishing streams, and three shopping districts.
About City: Situated against a backdrop of mountains and national forest land in northwestern Montana, Missoula is a hidden gem that is quickly becoming a popular choice for retirees looking to relocate to the west coast.
The city of Missoula is situated on the Clark Fork River and offers retirees easy access to thousands of acres of parks and forests to explore. For those who love fly fishing, there are several blue-ribbon trout fishing streams in the area. Missoula also boasts three shopping districts, a variety of restaurants, and an emerging art scene – there’s something for everyone in Missoula.
9. Yakima, Washington
Highlights: Has 120+ wineries, five American Viticulture Areas, the Yakama Nation Cultural Museum, and a diverse climate and mountains.
About City: With its 120+ wineries and five American Viticulture Areas, this region produces more than half of Washington State’s wine grapes. And what better way to enjoy your retirement than sipping on some of the finest wines in the country?
But that’s not all Yakima has to offer. This central Washington town is also home to the Yakama Nation Cultural Museum, which is perfect for retirees who want to stay active and engaged. And with a diverse climate and mountains in the area, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy all year round, from skiing and biking in the winter to golf and hiking in the summer.
10. Palm Desert, California
Highlights: Many golf courses, shopping districts, restaurants, and warm sunny weather.
About City: Palm Desert, California, is one of the best places to retire in the west. With its many golf courses, shopping districts, and restaurants, retirees will have plenty to keep them busy. The warm sunny weather is perfect for those who want to enjoy all that California has to offer. Palm Desert is a great choice for those looking for an active retirement lifestyle.
11. Prescott, Arizona
Highlights: Offers hiking and golfing opportunities, horseback riding, and visiting Whiskey Row.
About City: Situated in the ponderosa pine forests of Arizona, Prescott is a beautiful city with plenty to offer retirees. For those who love the outdoors, there are hiking and golfing opportunities galore. Horseback riding and visiting Whiskey Row are also popular activities.
Prescott has a rich Old West history and is home to many landmarks. The average temperature in Prescott is 70 degrees, making it a lovely place to enjoy all four seasons.
12. St. George, Utah
Highlights: Has a wide variety of activities, 10 golf courses within a 45-minute radius, and the Zion National Park.
About City: As one of the best cities to retire in, St. George has something for everyone with its hiking, biking, ATV riding, boating, fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, and more. The city is also a golfer’s paradise with 10 courses in a 45-minute radius. Of course, the area’s biggest draw is Zion National Park, one of the top parks in the country. Living in St. George places you just a few hours away from Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
13. Cody, Wyoming
Highlights: Has museums, a re-created frontier town, a rodeo, and no state income tax.
About City: When you retire, you want to choose a place that has everything you need to enjoy your golden years. And Cody, Wyoming definitely fits the bill. This charming city on the west coast has a rich history dating back to the western frontier. It was founded by Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and named after him. Today, Cody is a thriving community with plenty of things to do and see.
There are museums and a re-created frontier town for those who want to learn about the area’s rich history. For those who like to have fun, there’s the rodeo or you can head outdoors for horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking and skiing. And one of the benefits of retiring in Wyoming is that there’s no state income tax.
14. Boise, Idaho
Highlights: Has an active outdoor lifestyle, the 25-mile Boise Greenbelt, and all the amenities of a large city.
About City: When people think of retiring on the West Coast, they often picture beach towns in California. But what about Boise, Idaho? This hidden gem offers an active outdoor lifestyle with all the amenities of a large city. From the 25-mile Boise Greenbelt to the vast Boise National Forest, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore. And if you love hiking, camping, and skiing, you’ll be in heaven.
15. Tucson, Arizona
Highlights: Stunning Sonoran Desert, mountains, and the Saguaro National Park.
About City: This beautiful city is surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert and mountains, so you’ll never run out of things to do. There are miles of trails good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and Saguaro National Park is a must-see for any nature lover. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll be in paradise – Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so you can enjoy world-class Mexican and Native American cuisine.
Editor’s Picks for the Best West Coast Retirement Cities
While every city on this list offers something unique, a few truly stand out for retirees seeking the perfect blend of climate, community, and lifestyle. San Marino, California combines elegance and culture with year-round mild weather and access to world-class amenities. Boise, Idaho is a hidden gem offering an active lifestyle with low cost of living and beautiful surroundings. And for those craving sunshine and outdoor fun, St. George, Utah delivers big with its proximity to national parks, golf courses, and recreational activities. These editor’s picks represent some of the best the West has to offer for a fulfilling retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring on the West Coast
What is the most affordable city to retire in on the West Coast?
Cities like Yakima, Washington and Prescott, Arizona tend to be more affordable compared to California coastal towns. These areas offer a lower cost of living, access to outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life that many retirees enjoy.
Which West Coast cities offer the best healthcare for retirees?
Larger cities like Boise, Idaho, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tucson, Arizona have top-rated healthcare systems and are well-equipped to support older adults. These cities often feature a wide network of hospitals, specialists, and retirement-specific healthcare programs.
Are there tax benefits to retiring in any of these cities?
Yes! States like Nevada and Wyoming have no state income tax, making cities such as Las Vegas, Henderson, and Cody attractive for retirees looking to stretch their savings. Arizona and Idaho also have relatively tax-friendly policies for retirees.
Which cities are best for outdoor-loving retirees?
If you love nature and staying active, cities like Missoula, Boulder, and Flagstaff are great choices. These areas offer easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing—all within beautiful natural settings.
Tips for Choosing the Right Retirement City on the West Coast
When selecting your retirement destination, it’s important to think beyond just the scenery. Start by identifying your lifestyle preferences: do you prefer an urban setting with cultural attractions or a quieter town with access to outdoor recreation? Consider proximity to family, access to healthcare, and cost of living. Visit potential cities beforehand to get a feel for their neighborhoods, weather, and community vibe. And finally, consult a real estate expert or retirement planner to ensure your financial goals align with your location choice. Picking the right city can make all the difference in creating a happy and comfortable retirement.
Best Cities to Retire In on the West Coast Conclusion
There are many great cities to retire in on the West Coast. Each one has its own unique personality and amenities that make it perfect for retirees.
So don’t hesitate to pick a place based on what you want your retirement experience to be like. Some of the best cities to consider for warm weather include San Diego, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, and Palm Springs, while coastal Oregon and Washington are ideal for snow lovers!
Regardless, all of these cities offer beautiful weather, plenty of activities, and a relaxed lifestyle that is perfect for retirees. So, if you’re thinking about retiring on the West Coast, be sure to check out these great cities as well as our lists on best moving companies and best real estate websites.
Please make sure to comment below if you have any feedback on any of these amazing cities. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
