Most people long for retirement after years of arduous work. In some cases, such a dream entails unwinding in a different location. Making a decision about where to live might be difficult during what will ideally be some of your most leisurely years. We’ve listed in this article the 10 best places to retire in the US, the best places to retire in the US on a budget, the best places to retire in the US near water, and the best places to retire in the US with good weather.
10 Best Places to Retire in US
Looking for the best places to retire in the US? Here are the 10 best places to retire in the US:
#1. Lower Merion, Pennsylvania
Lower Merion is one of the 10 best places to retire in the US. It provides a distinctive window into American history with its three distinctive historic districts, over a dozen nationally significant historical landmarks, and two historical organizations, one of which is completely focused on thwarting horse thievery. Additionally, Philadelphia, home to attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the fabled “Rocky” stairs, is only a short distance away (i.e., the Philadelphia Museum of Art).
However, Lower Merion is more than just its past. The township is full of cultural and outdoor things to do, and in 2017 it was named one of the Best Places to Retire. There are many outdoor attractions here, including golf courses, duck ponds, and arboretums, among others. You may even take part in the Main Line Bike Race, which is held in the town every summer or visit one of the 350 theaters and 200 museums that are located within a 15-mile radius.
Check out the Bryn Mawr Film Institute if cinema is your passion. The nonprofit organization, which is located at the historic Seville Theatre not far from the Bryn Mawr College campus, offers a full calendar of screenings, including new, classic, and independent movies, in addition to film discussions, workshops, and educational programs.
Your health is also taken care of at Lower Merion. In addition to PALM the Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion, which provides free medical tests, an on-site nurse, and exercise coaching for all citizens 55 and over, the township is home to Lankenau Medical Center, the No. 10-ranked hospital in the state.
#2. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the 10 best places to retire in the US. It is one of the best locations in the country for retirees, even if you don’t really want to trade in your work hat for Mickey Ears. It offers a particularly high concentration of peaceful neighborhoods, excellent restaurants, and independent shops. However, due to its inland location, you won’t need to worry as much during hurricane season as you would in Florida due to its mild weather and low taxes.
#3. Salem, New Hampshire
Despite being the smallest city on our list, Salem has nearly 30,000 residents, and nearly half of them are 50 and up, making it a great place for retirees to establish a sense of community.
The town’s facilities cater to a variety of interests. The three golf courses in the neighborhood are open to locals, and they may also gamble at Chasers Poker Room and Casino or take their grandchildren to Canobie State Park, a 1902 amusement park that is still open today.
Do you enjoy live music? Salem serves as the home base for the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, or “The Phil.” Visit the Seifert Performing Arts Center all year to see it. The Phil’s Christmas Pops performance, which includes both traditional and contemporary holiday classics, is one festive event on the calendar.
Salem Town Forest offers a variety of biking and hiking pathways for exercise. Visit Salem’s 4,000-year-old maze of rocks and stone structures, known as “America’s Stonehenge,” if you have the travel bug but can’t afford to go abroad. According to rumors, the location was once used as an astronomical calendar.
#4. Charleston, South Carolina
When it comes to retirement locations, Charleston is a no-brainer because it offers a laid-back coastal vibe, southern hospitality, and plenty of things to keep you active for many golden years. The city has stunning mansions and cobblestone streets everywhere you turn and trust us when we say that the food consistently lives up to your expectations. Put your pension toward barbecue, seafood, and other Lowcountry favorites because the cost of living in Charleston is relatively modest compared to those of other big U.S. cities.
#5. Cedar Park, Texas
A retirement in Cedar Park, Texas, can be for you if you want weather worthy of Florida, and plenty of access to parks, lakes, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, unlike the Sunshine State, Lone Star State has no income tax, which is a major attraction for retirees.
A vibrant suburban city with almost 77,000 residents, Cedar Park is only 30 minutes north of Austin and has seen a staggering 44% population growth in the last ten years. It comes as no surprise, really, given the town’s abundance of events, leisure activities, and cultural offerings. While Cedar Park’s close proximity to the state capital is undoubtedly advantageous, you don’t need to leave the community very often.
The town also has excellent outdoor amenities. With its 38-acre lake, volleyball courts, natural pathways, and boat rentals, Brushy Creek Lake Park is popular among locals. If you have a pet, Bark Park can provide entertainment for both of you.
#6. Tampa, Florida
Tampa and its surroundings are the ideal hubs for folks looking for an active life after retirement, making it an even more fantastic alternative for Florida enthusiasts. The city is a wonderful starting point for visiting Clearwater and St. Petersburg because it boasts a wide variety of housing options, a lively Riverwalk, and one of the top airports in the nation.
#7. Franklin, Tennessee
There isn’t much to complain about in this central Tennessee town, especially for individuals in the post-work stage of life, with a number of golf clubs, an abundance of museums and historical sites, and access to Nashville just 30 minutes away.
The city has an extensive calendar of community activities, and its historic quarter is particularly well-liked due to the abundance of unique shops, cafes, and watering holes that can be found there. You can go to one of the many holiday parades and festivals, visit the Franklin Farmers Market once a week, or stop by the “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration when downtown is turned into Victorian England and live actors play well-known Dickens characters.
There is a lot of culture in Franklin as well. If history is your thing, the city is home to multiple centuries-old structures (the bookshop is over 200 years old! ), various Civil War locations, and several nationally designated historic landmarks. The Franklin Theatre has a year-round schedule of concerts, movies, plays, and dance performances. The Lotz House Museum also offers tours of Civil War battlefields and exhibits of items from the conflict.
Franklin has you covered there as well if you’re hankering for some time in nature.
#8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Retirement in Minneapolis means you’re never far from wonderful independent merchants, worthwhile museums, and eating experiences that go far beyond tater to hotdish, so long as you can handle some mighty chilly winters. It is surely one of the 10 best places to retire in the US.
#9. Liberty, Missouri
Consider the price of homes. Liberty’s typical sale price is a pitiful $233,711, much below the $352,800 national average. Better still? In the metropolis, $120,000 in savings goes a long way. Spend it on a ticket to a forthcoming play at the Liberty Performing Arts Theater (the Nutcracker is only $16.50), a $10 trolley tour of the city’s historic center, or some live NCAA sports provided by nearby William Jewell College.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s parks, walking paths, and Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, which is home to 53 acres of native animals, birds, plants, and more. More than half of Liberty’s days are sunny.
Also interesting are the historically distinct locations in Liberty. Visit the Odd Fellows Home complex, which features several buildings from the turn of the 20th century (along with a functioning winery) and the Jesse James Bank Museum, the scene of the nation’s first daytime bank robbery.
Community is very important here. The Liberty Silver Center offers daily meals, activities, fitness courses, and even holiday festivities to people 60 and older. The village of Liberty also offers a wide variety of activities.
#10. Miami, Florida
Miami is a fantastic alternative for people who want a little more than just beaches and golf courses. Florida has long been a favorite place for retirees (due in large part to the pleasant weather and low taxes). Miami may not be as as inexpensive as other places, but there are enough art galleries, Cuban restaurants, and museums there to make the rent worthwhile. For those 55 and older, Miami-Dade County even runs a program called “Active Older Adults” that offers free exercise courses and recreational activities.
Best Places to Retire in the US on a Budget
Moving to a place where living costs are lower could help your retirement savings. You might be able to increase your retirement funds, retire sooner, or have a better quality of life if you sell your house in an expensive area and buy or rent in a location with lower housing expenses. Here are some best places to retire in the US on a budget:
#1. Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio is sometimes considered the “birthplace of aviation” since it was the home of the Wright brothers and because it continues to offer employment possibilities in cutting-edge industries like aerospace and aviation. Volunteering at the National Aviation Hall of Fame or the Dayton Art Institute might be enjoyable for retirees. The Five Rivers MetroParks offer a sizable network of paved bike trails and approximately 16,000 acres of open space if you prefer being outside. Relocating to the area is simple due to the low cost of living. In Dayton, the median monthly cost of owning a property with a mortgage is $1,247, whereas the median cost of renting an apartment is only $824.
#2. Rochester, New York
Living in Rochester means you must like the winter. The city experiences lengthy, lake-effect snow-filled winters. When the snow melts, though, the city comes to life with spring festivals, live music throughout the summer, and beautiful fall foliage. The University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology are only two of the major universities in the region. Community members can receive medical care at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital. Living comfortably in Rochester on a modest retirement income is doable because to the region’s affordable housing expenses. The median monthly cost of homeownership is $1,383, while the median cost of rent is $920. It is sure of the best places to retire in the US on a budget.
#3. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, offers a low cost of living together with a great quality of life. Renters pay an average of $837 per month for housing, while homeowners with mortgages pay a median of $1,363 per month. According to the U.S. News Best Hospitals award roll, The Cleveland Clinic is the fourth-best hospital in the nation. One of the largest public book collections in the nation is found in the Cleveland Public Library.
#4. Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory is one of the best places to retire in the US on a budget. Furniture manufacture is what Hickory is most known for, and the Hickory Furniture Mart carries unique goods created by talented local artists. There are boating and fishing options available on Lake Hickory, which has more than 100 miles of shoreline and is situated along the city’s northern side. The city is situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoys mild weather all year long. Affordable housing lets retirees make do with a meager income. In Hickory, the median cost of home ownership, including mortgage payments, is $1,048 per month. In Hickory, the typical rent for renters is only $708.
Best Places to Retire in US Near Water
Here are some best places to retire in the US near water:
#1. Venice, Florida
Venice, Florida, a retirement haven, has a population of slightly over 26,000, with about 62% of residents 65 and older. The fact that StorageCafe has ranked the city as the best place for snowbirds to go in 2021 and 2022 is not surprising.
The city, which is on the Gulf of Mexico, provides many of entertainment options, such as free park concerts, festivals, and local theater. The average cost of a home sale in 2022 was $450,000.
The slightly higher than average — but still inexpensive — cost of living can be compensated by Florida’s lack of income tax and taxes on specific types of unearned income.
#2. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona is one of the best places to retire in the US near water. Florida’s Daytona Beach has 23 miles of white-sand beaches and is home to the Daytona 500 and much more. As of May 2022, the average price of homes sold in the Atlantic Ocean region was $260,000, making beach living incredibly reasonable.
Nearly 75,000 people call Daytona Beach home, and 20% of them are over the age of 65. The city is so accommodating to retirees that it even has Latitude Margaritaville, a 55+ neighborhood designed in the image of Jimmy Buffet.
Also, Florida has minimal taxes since it doesn’t impose an income tax or a tax on certain categories of unearned income.
#3. Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Carteret County, North Carolina, is an excellent area for active retirees and is a Certified Retirement Community by RetireNC. Cape Carteret, which is a part of the state’s southern outer banks, is situated in the Western Crystal Coast area, which is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and peaceful surroundings.
There are over 68,500 people living in Carteret County, and little over 26% of them are over 65. Homes had a median selling price of $398,000 as of May 2022, making beach life less expensive than the national average.
#4. Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach, Florida, a tranquil seaside community where you can enjoy your golden years, is located along the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, The Mesothelioma Center ranked it as the second-best city in the nation for senior health in 2021.
You may live on the seaside for less than the national average thanks to the median house sale price of $395,000 as of May 2022. You’ll keep more of your money in your pocket because Florida is one of nine states without income taxes or taxes on specific types of unearned income.
Vero Beach is a town with a population of roughly 16,700, making it a tiny community. Since over 30% of the population is over 65, there are many opportunities for socializing. It is sure one of the best places to retire in the US near water.
Best Places to Retire in US With Good Weather
Here are the best places to retire in the US with good weather:
#1. Augusta, Georgia
If you’re looking for a retirement location with lovely summers and warm winters, take a detour to Augusta. Snow is not typical here, despite the fact that daily low temperatures might drop into the 30s in the winter. Due to its low crime rate, accessible housing, and state tax deductions for retirement income, Forbes has rated it one of the best places to retire in 2021. Augusta is one of the the best places to retire in the US with good weather.
#2. Fredericksburg, Texas
Travel + Leisure magazine says that Fredericksburg, Texas is the place to retire if you want to live in a small town. This small town of around 11,000 people, which is about 70 miles between San Antonio and Austin, has a strong German past and is a popular destination for visitors looking for delectable food, fine wine, and unique shopping.
Although summer highs can get into the 90s, Fredericksburg’s average annual high temperature is a moderate 77 degrees.
#3. Naples, Florida
Florida, known as the “Sunshine State,” is home to several cities that are warm and sunny, as evidenced by the fact that there are several Florida cities on this list.
The city of Naples, Florida, is another great option for retirees because it has a high ranking for safety, a high ranking for quality of life, and a high ranking for desirability, earning it the number two spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best places to retire in 2021 and 2022.
It might, however, cost more than some other Florida vacation spots. The neighborhood was also in the line of Hurricane Ian, so it might take a while to restore.
#4. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottdale is one of the the best places to retire in the US with good weather. According to WalletHub, Scottsdale is the greatest city in Arizona for retirees, and Arizona draws a lot of older Americans. The city came in at No. 7 in the website’s rankings for 2022 and is ranked fourth for having the finest quality of life.
Scottsdalealso boasts more than 330 sunny days per year, so if you’re seeking for sun, Scottsdale has enough of it.
Where Is the Cheapest and Safest Place To Retire in the US?
Charleston, Illinois, is the most cheap and secure area to retire. Take advantage of Lake Charleston and all it has to offer by hiking one of its many pathways.
Where Do Most Retirees Live in the US?
Undoubtedly, Florida continues to be a highly sought-after state for retirees, with nine different regions making U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top 25 places to retire. Of the top 25 metro regions for retirement, Florida or Pennsylvania account for more than two-thirds (68%) of the total.
What States Do Not Pay Retirement Taxes?
Here are some states you do not pay retirement taxes:
- Alaska.
- Florida.
- Nevada.
- South Dakota.
- Tennessee.
- Texas.
- Washington.
- Wyoming.
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s idea of retirement is different. Perhaps you dreamed of relaxing on the shore or sailing among azure waters. Or perhaps it’s going on an outdoor adventure or visiting a museum or seeing a play or live performance. Try your best to get the best place.
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