List of the Best Cities to Retire In

Best Cities to Retire in: Finding the Perfect City to Retire in for You

Retirement is something that is looked forward to by most people. It is a time in life when you can relax and enjoy the hard work that you have put in. A big part of retirement, though, is where you live, and that is where this list of the best cities to retire in can help out.

This list of the best cities to retire in will feature 20 quality cities that are perfect for retirement. Whether you are looking for a specific city based on low costs of living, low home prices, and low taxes, or one that has plenty of senior activities and more, this list will have you covered. 

Other factors included a safe environment, as well as a variety of activities for older adults. Also, many of these cities are very walkable. So whether you are still active, need the help of an all-terrain mobility scooter, or are somewhere in between, you will have the freedom to get around as needed.

After reading through this list, I am sure you will want to visit a few of these different cities. So when you plan your trip, make sure to take advantage of our list of the best travel sites for some excellent savings.

 

Top 20 Best Cities to Retire In:

 

 

Retiring in Auburn, Alabama

1. Auburn, Alabama

City Highlights: Low Cost of Living, College Town, Warm Climate.

About Retiring in Auburn: As a college town, Auburn offers a variety of activities and restaurants for the active retiree. The city also boasts a warm climate, and the cost of living is well below the national average. Not just for college students, Auburn ranks high on a lot of different lists as one of the best retirement cities.

 

 

Retiring in Northfield, Minnesota

2. Northfield, Minnesota

City Highlights: Has a Number of Parks, an Active Retiree Community, Close to the Mayo Clinic, Low Cost of Living.

About Retiring in Northfield: Yes, Minnesota can be cold, but if you can get past the long winters, Northfield is a great place to retire. The city has a number of parks, as well as an active retiree community, and is a short drive to the Mayo Clinic. While taxes can be high, the low cost of living is a definite plus.

 

 

Retiring in Austin, Texas

3. Austin, Texas

City Highlights: No Income Tax, Relatively Low Home and Rental Prices, Plenty of Activities for Retirees.

About Retiring in Austin: With no income tax and mild winters, Texas is an ideal retirement location. The city of Austin is particularly appealing with its relatively low home and rental prices and its host of activities. The University of Texas at Austin even offers free classes for seniors. 

 

 

Retiring in Bowling Green, Kentucky

4. Bowling Green, Kentucky

City Highlights: Cost of Living is Below the National Average, Low Crime Rate, College Town, Reasonable Housing Prices.

About Retiring in Bowling Green: Home to the Corvette, the college town of Bowling Green has a cost of living that is below the national average. It also boasts a relatively warm climate most of the year. The city also boasts a low crime rate and very reasonable housing prices.

 

 

Retiring in Cape Coral, Florida

5. Cape Coral, Florida

City Highlights: Beaches and Warm Weather, Low Crime, Cost of Living is at the National Average.

About Retiring in Cape Coral: If beaches and warm weather are not enough, Cape Coral also offers low crime and plenty of volunteering opportunities. While the cost of living is right at the national average, the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico is a definite plus.

 

 

Retiring in Albuquerque, New Mexico

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

City Highlights: Large Selection of Senior Centers, Low Rent Prices, Good Air Quality.

About Retiring in Albuquerque: Albuquerque offers six senior centers inside the city limits, and there are a number of athletic competitions for adults 50 and older. The beautiful city of Albuquerque has a lot to offer active retirees. Low rent prices and good air quality are also great Albuquerque features. They also offer one of the top outlet malls in the US if you enjoy shopping. 

 

 

Retiring in Athens, Georgia

7. Athens, Georgia

City Highlights: Southern Hospitality, Access to Top Hospitals, Moderate Climate.

About Retiring in Athens: Convenient to Atlanta, Athens, Georgia is teeming with southern hospitality. Athens also boasts a moderate climate. The restored Victorian-era downtown has loads to do, ensuring you are not bored in your retirement. Also, top hospitals and median housing costs make Athens a great place to retire.

 

 

Retiring in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

8. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

City Highlights: Affordable Housing, Access to Outdoor Activities, Historical Sites.

About Retiring in Bethlehem: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is situated among rolling hills in the Lehigh Valley. It is about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia and all that a big city has to offer as well. Affordable housing and easy access to parks, trails, and waterways make Bethlehem a great city to retire in for those who love the outdoors and want to experience all four seasons. History lovers and Christmas fanatics will also enjoy Bethlehem. Pre-Colonial and Early American sites abound here, as well as a nationally known Christmas market.

 

 

Retiring in Greenville, South Carolina

9. Greenville, South Carolina

City Highlights: Excellent Downtown Area, Moderate Climate, Lows Cost of Living.

About Retiring in Greenville: Located in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Greenville is consistently recognized as a great place to retire. Some of the highlights are a moderate climate, low cost of living, and a host of amenities. Two major healthcare systems also service the area, making it is easy to access medical facilities throughout the Greenville community.

 

 

Retiring in Harrisonburg, Virginia

10. Harrisonburg, Virginia

City Highlights: Beautiful Scenic Views in the Shenandoah Valley, Full of Culture, Happening Local Food.

About Retiring in Harrisonburg: Known as “The Friendly City,” Harrisonburg, Virginia, is situated in the beautiful and picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The city also boasts a happening local food and drink scene, ensuring you are never bored. If you want to retire in a city that is full of culture and outdoor adventures, Harrisonburg is the place to go.

 

 

Retiring in Ocean Pines, Maryland

11. Ocean Pines, Maryland

City Highlights: Features Waterfront Properties, Two Top-Notch Hospitals, 55+ Community, A Large Selection of Shopping and Dining.

About Retiring in Ocean Pines: Situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean Pines is one of the premier residential communities. The city features more the 9 miles of waterfront property and two top-notch hospitals. The area also features a 55-plus community, catered and independent living facilities, a regional airport, and plenty of shopping and dining options. Plenty of world-class beaches are also nearby.

 

 

Retiring in Iowa City, Iowa

12. Iowa City, Iowa

City Highlights: Home to One of America’s Best Hospitals, Midwest Hospitality, Blue Zone Certification.

About Retiring in Iowa City: Full of midwest hospitality, Iowa City is a growing and dynamic community. Iowa City also has a Blue Zone Certification (this certification goes to cities that offer healthy alternatives in food, transportation, and other areas). It is also home to one of America’s best hospitals, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

 

 

Retiring in Colorado Springs, Colorado

13. Colorado Springs, Colorado

City Highlights: Outdoor Adventures, Generous Tax Exclusions on Retirement Income, Regional Airport.

About Retiring in Colorado Springs: A small town with big-city amenities, Colorado Springs, Colorado boasts endless outdoor adventures. Along with outdoor adventures, it also offers a vibrant cultural scene. The city also boasts a regional airport with non-stop service from 15 cities. This will make it easy to come and go if desired. Lastly, there are generous tax exclusions on retirement income. So if you want to be active in your retirement, Colorado Springs is a great option.

 

 

Retiring in San Marcos, Texas

14. San Marcos, Texas

City Highlights: Plenty of Retirement Communities, Moderate Climate, Fun Culture Scene.

About Retiring in San Marcos: A historic city located between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos, has a thriving economy and fun culture scene. Home to Texas State University, the city has a youthful vibe, but also boasts plenty of retirement communities. With its moderate climate and host of available activities, San Marcos is the perfect place to retire for the young at heart.

 

 

Retiring in Peoria, Arizona

15. Peoria, Arizona

City Highlights: Large Active Adult Community, Desert and Mountain Views, Excellent Medical Facilities.

About Retiring in Peoria: With a large active adult community, Peoria, Arizona is just a short drive from Phoenix, but more affordable than Phoenix. Peoria offers beautiful desert and mountain views as a background to the city. Inside the city, there are well-established medical facilities, shopping, and dining. All this comes together to make Peoria an excellent retirement city in the southwest.

 

 

Retiring in Traverse City, Michigan

16. Traverse City, Michigan

City Highlights: Excellent Beaches, Wineries, Resort Town.

About Retiring in Traverse City: Near the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the resort town of Traverse City boasts a number of pretty beaches. A number of wineries are also in the area, making it easy to have things to do in your retirement. For an all-seasons retirement destination, Traverse City is the place to be.

 

 

Retiring in Brevard, North Carolina

17. Brevard, North Carolina

City Highlights: Cost of Living Below the National Average, Moderate Climate, Very Walkable.

About Retiring in Brevard: Scenic and highly walkable, the town of Brevard also offers a moderate climate. If you love being active, this will allow you to walk and explore all that Brevard has to give. Other pluses include low crime and a cost of living that is below the national average. All of this allows for Brevard to be one of the best cities to retire in. 

 

 

Retiring in Tucson, Arizona

18. Tucson, Arizona

City Highlights: Mountainous Background Views, Low Home and Rent Prices, No Tax on Social Security Income.

About Retiring in Tucson: Surrounded by mountains and parks, the city of Tucson is a desert oasis. Add in the relatively low home and rent prices, and the fact that Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security income, and Tucson is a definite front-runner for best retirement city.

 

 

Retiring in Spokane, Washington

19. Spokane, Washington

City Highlights: No Income Tax, Affordable Housing Options, Plenty of Outdoor Activities.

About Retiring in Spokane: With no income tax and a number of outdoor activities, the city of Spokane is a great retirement city. The city also offers affordable housing options for retirees, as well as an active retirement community. All of this adds up to a place that is an excellent option for retirees from all over.

 

 

Retiring in Jacksonville, Florida

20. Jacksonville, Florida

City Highlights: Warm Climate and Access to Beaches, No Income Tax, Fishing and Boating.

About Retiring in Jacksonville: With much lower housing prices than other coastal Floridian cities, the city of Jacksonville is a warm and beachy retirement city. Add in no income tax and top-notch fishing and boating opportunities, and Jacksonville is a great retirement option.

 

Best Cities to Retire In Conclusion

You have worked hard and are looking for a place to retire; we do not take that decision lightly. That is why we wanted to do some research and provide you with this list of the best cities to retire in. We believe that one of the places listed above will be able to provide you with a great location to spend your retirement. So get started doing your research, and congrats on your retirement!
Also, with many of these cities, you can also hire a helper with any extra needs you may have. This will allow you to live a more freedom-filled life. And whether you are looking to do a long-distance move or move within a few hours of where you are now, there will be plenty for you to explore and enjoy in your new city.
Do you have a city that you think should’ve made this list? Comment below so that we can check it out.