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The 15 Best Places to Retire in the US

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August 25, 2023

best places to retire in the U.S. Charleston South Carolina

It can be overwhelming to try to find the best places to retire in the US. While it’s always nice to dream about our golden years, when we put our OOO notification on forever and settle down in a new place, the United States has plenty of options for retirees seeking an ideal place to settle down. (And no, they’re not all in Florida.) But what separates a great hometown earlier in life from the perfect bases in retirement?

When it comes to choosing a place to retire, affordability is always key—after all, those savings accounts can drain pretty quickly if you aren't mindful. But it’s also important to consider factors like healthcare quality and safety, as well as recreational opportunities, weather, walking scores, and much more.

To help folks strike that perfect balance between stretching your dollar and having fun, WalletHub has released its annual Best & Worst Places to Retire list—a ranking of 182 cities across the United States (including the 150 most populated US cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state) based on affordability, activities, quality of life, and healthcare.

Each of the four metrics takes several factors into consideration. “Affordability” looks at adjusted cost of living and taxpayer-friendliness (among others); “activities” looks at golf courses and art galleries per capita; “quality of life” looks at weather and strength of elder abuse protections; and “healthcare” looks at vaccination rates and quality of public hospitals.

Not surprisingly, Florida continues to prove itself as a retiree hot spot, occupying 5 slots in the top 15. But the list really runs the gamut of both geography and demographics. (In case you’re wondering, WalletHub considers Bridgeport, Connecticut, to be the “worst” city for retirees, followed by Newark, New Jersey.)

Read on for this year’s top 15 best places to retire in the U.S. and decide where you’d like to hang your hat... or, more accurately, park your vintage convertible. (Hey, you deserve it.)

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15. St. Petersburg, Florida
Florida has long been a popular spot for retirees (thanks in large part to the warm weather and low taxes), and St. Petersburg is a particularly lively place to settle down. Aside from having some of the state’s best stretches of sand, the city has become something of a cultural mecca in the past decade—thanks in large part to the Salvador Dalí Museum, home to the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Europe. Other notable attractions include the Morean Arts Center (dedicated to the contemporary glass sculptor Dale Chihuly) and the 26-acre waterfront park at the St. Pete Pier.
Population: 258,201 (median age: 43.1 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in St. Petersburg is about $374,600, which is slightly above the national average. (Prices get lower as you move inland, and up in the millions once you start looking at waterfront properties.) The average rent is $2,000/month for an 872-square-foot unit, though you can find one-bedroom apartments for closer to $1,200 to $1,450 per month.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 361 sunny days per year; average lows of 54°F in winter; average highs of 91°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: St. Petersburg has six Medicare-certified hospitals and 27.3 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Tampa metro area (which includes St. Pete), 75.6 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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14. Denver, Colorado
Why should you retire in Denver? Let us count the ways. There’s fresh mountain air and an abundance of outdoor activities. The restaurant scene is surprisingly good. The economy is steady. There are also plenty of high-quality hospitals, an efficient bus system, and a thriving international airport. Are you packing your bags yet?
Population: 711,463 (median age: 34.6 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Denver is about $563,300, which is much higher than the national average. The average rent is $2,000/month for an 840-square-foot unit, though that number drops closer to $1,300/month in more affordable neighborhoods like Barnum and West Wood.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 115 sunny days per year; average lows of 17°F in winter; average highs of 89°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Denver has seven Medicare-certified hospitals and 36.8 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Denver metro area, 83.5 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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13. Atlanta, Georgia
If you’re hoping to spend your golden years exploring museums, relaxing in parks, and cheering at baseball games, Atlanta may be the spot for you. (The city ranks 5th out of 182 in WalletHub’s “activities” index.) It is also home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—aka the busiest international airport in the world—so finding direct flights to other countries won’t be a problem. Add to that an exploding modern Southern food scene, and there’s about a zero percent chance you’ll ever feel bored (or hungry).
Population: 496,461 (median age: 33.2 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Atlanta is about $377,000, which is slightly higher than the national average. The average rent is just over $1,800 per month for a 969-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 217 sunny days per year; average lows of 34°F in winter; average highs of 89°F in summer
Crime: Violent crime rate below national average; property crime rate above national average
Healthcare: Atlanta has 10 Medicare-certified hospitals and 36.5 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Atlanta metro area, 61 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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12. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis didn’t earn a great score for affordability (WalletHub ranked it 136th out of 182), but its rankings in activities (4th) and healthcare (20th) secured it a top spot in this year’s list. As long as you can tolerate some mightily cold winters, retiring in Minneapolis means you’re never far from great independent retailers, worthwhile museums, and dining experiences that extend far beyond tater tot hotdish. And in case “friendly neighbors” is a requisite for your next move, you’ll be pleased to know that Minnesota Nice is a very real thing.
Population: 425,336 (median age: 32.3 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Minneapolis is about $328,000, which is lower than the national average. The average rent is $1,680/month for a 775-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 198 sunny days per year; average lows of 6°F in winter; average highs of 82°F in summer
Crime: Violent crime rate below national average; property crime rate above national average
Healthcare: Minneapolis has four Medicare-certified hospitals and 33.9 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Minneapolis metro area, 77.4 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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11. Casper, Wyoming
Not a big fan of city life? Casper is perfect for those seeking a Ron Swanson–style retirement, with activities like fly-fishing, canoeing, and hiking right outside your door—not to mention day-trip access to Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain national parks. In terms of culture, there are plenty of art museums, planetariums, and historic sites to keep you busy (plus some interactive museums for the grandkids). As an added bonus, it’s by far one of the least expensive towns on this list (WalletHub ranked it 5th out of 182 for affordability).
Population: 58,656 (median age: 36.9 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Casper is about $273,600, which is much lower than the national average. The average rent is $1,014/month for an 896-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 220 sunny days per year; average lows of 17°F in winter; average highs of 89°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average
Healthcare: Casper has three Medicare-certified hospitals and 19.7 physicians per 10,000 residents (a bit below the national average). In the Casper metro area, 53.5 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Jay Dash/Courtesy Downtown SLC Alliance
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
While Salt Lake City is intrinsically linked to its Mormon heritage in most people’s minds, the city has a mix of residents. There's also lots to do: Aside from Utah Jazz basketball games and visits to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, most activities here focus on SLC’s jaw-dropping surroundings—the town is even within driving distance of five national parks and several world-renowned ski resorts. And with a shiny new airport terminal that opened in 2020, you’ll have no problem hopping on flights to visit your family (or the Bahamas).
Population: 200,478 (median age: 32.5 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Salt Lake City is about $540,000, which is much higher than the national average. The average rent is $1,662/month for an 823-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 222 sunny days per year; average lows of 22°F in winter; average highs of 93°F in summer
Crime: Violent crime rate below national average; property crime rate above national average
Healthcare: Salt Lake City has eight Medicare-certified hospitals and 23.3 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Salt Lake City metro area, 81.5 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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9. Tampa, Florida
Yet another great option for Florida enthusiasts, Tampa (and its surrounding suburbs) is the perfect hub for people looking for an active life post-retirement. The city itself has plenty of housing options, a buzzing Riverwalk, and one of the best airports in the country. It also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring other great beach towns in the state. Foodies should also take note, as Tampa is known for its restaurants—Rooster & the Till (run by a James Beard semi-finalist) and La Segunda (beloved for its Cuban sandwiches) are two stand-outs.
Population: 387,050 (median age: 35.9 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Tampa is about $390,700, which is higher than the national average. The average rent is $1,920/month for a 925-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 246 sunny days per year; average lows of 52°F in winter; average highs of 90°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Tampa has five Medicare-certified hospitals and 24.3 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Tampa metro area, 75.6 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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8. Wilmington, Delaware
Joe Biden may have relocated from Wilmington to Washington, but the northern Delaware city should not be forgotten. The waterfront area is lovely during the summer, while the food scene is a year-round draw—in fact, the city’s recent wave of new restaurants led us to dub Wilmington one of the best places to visit in 2023. Spend your retirement years enjoying wagyu empanadas at Bardea Steak, mint-flecked lamb shoulder at Le Cavalier, and Indian street food staples at The Chancery Market.
Population: 70,750 (median age: 35.9 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Wilmington is about $295,900, which is lower than the national average. The average rent is $1,506/month for an 870-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 199 sunny days per year; average lows of 24°F in winter; average highs of 85°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Wilmington has two Medicare-certified hospitals and 23.8 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In New Castle County (which includes Wilmington), 89.4 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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7. Scottsdale, Arizona
Earning high marks for both activities and quality in life (in fact, it ranks 4th in the latter category), Scottsdale is easily one of the best places to retire in the US. It is a famously popular spot for golfers, but it also boasts plenty of destination spas, incredible art and architecture, and James Beard Award-winning restaurants to keep retirees of all types interested. Just be prepared for really, really hot summers (luckily the A/C is strong in these parts).
Population: 242,753 (median age: 47.7 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Scottsdale is about $776,400, which is much higher than the national average. The average rent is $2,059/month for a 947-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 330 sunny days per year; average lows of 36°F in winter; average highs of 106°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Scottsdale has four Medicare-certified hospitals and 20.1 physicians per 10,000 residents (below the national average). In Maricopa County (which includes Scottsdale), 70.9 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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6. San Francisco, California
Needless to say, San Francisco does not earn high marks for affordability (WalletHub placed it in a dismal 160th place in that category). But what it lacks in cheap rent it more than makes up for in activities—and we’re not just talking about postcard pushers like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. You could spend an entire day strolling through the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (you don’t have to clock into work anymore, remember?) or crisscrossing the city onboard a classic cable car. And when you need to escape the noise, some of California’s most beautiful natural sites—like Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes—are just a quick drive away.
Population: 815,201 (median age: 38.3 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in San Francisco is about $1,269,600, which is—surprise!—staggeringly higher than the national average. Things aren’t any better for renters: The average rent is $3,336 for a 736-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 260 sunny days per year; average lows of 47°F in winter; average highs of 71°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: San Francisco has 12 Medicare-certified hospitals and 44.1 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the San Francisco metro area, 93.4 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
While Fort Lauderdale is still very much about the beaches, the city’s appeal extends far beyond the coastline these days. Retirees will probably love the abundance of waterfront condos, sure, but days can also be spent touring art galleries in Flagler Village, taking cooking classes at Sistrunk Market, and sampling the constant stream of new restaurants. And when the time comes to scratch that travel itch, several cruise terminals and an international airport are just around the corner.
Population: 181,668 (median age: 42 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Fort Lauderdale is about $521,000, which is higher than the national average. The average rent is $2,718/month for a 958-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 246 sunny days per year; average lows of 59°F in winter; average highs of 90°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Fort Lauderdale has three Medicare-certified hospitals and 22.4 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In Broward County (which includes Fort Lauderdale), 88.4 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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4. Miami, Florida
Miami is a particularly great option for folks who want beaches and golf courses, but not just beaches and golf courses. It may not be quite as affordable as other cities, but Miami has enough art galleries, Cuban food, and museums to justify the rent. (And who wouldn’t love the chance to drive down to Key West whenever they want?) Miami-Dade County even offers an “Active Older Adults Program” that provides free fitness classes and leisure activities for people aged 55+.
Population: 439,890 (median age: 40.1 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Miami is about $549,400, which is higher than the national average. The average rent is $2,438/month for an 891-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 249 sunny days per year; average lows of 60°F in winter; average highs of 91°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Miami has nine Medicare-certified hospitals and 22.8 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Miami metro area, 95 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati may not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to settling down, but WalletHub ranked the city 3rd (out of 183) in terms of retirement-friendly activities. (It had more middling results for healthcare, quality of life, and affordability.) Even if you aren’t a huge Bengals or Reds fan, you’ll still find plenty of museums, botanical gardens, and parks to keep you busy and happy.
Population: 308,935 (median age: 32.4 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Cincinnati is about $239,500, which is lower than the national average. The average rent is $1,300/month for an 866-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 176 sunny days per year; average lows of 22°F in winter; average highs of 87°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Cincinnati has 13 Medicare-certified hospitals and 37.1 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Cincinnati metro area, 68.9 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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2. Orlando, Florida
Even if you don’t necessarily want to trade your work hat for Mickey Ears, Orlando is one of the country’s best cities for retirees. We’ve already mentioned the warm weather and low taxes of Florida, but Orlando has a particular abundance of quiet communities, great restaurants, and independent stores—and its inland location means you won’t have to worry quite as much during hurricane season. (Bonus: Given Orlando’s proximity to theme parks, it'll be easy to convince your grandkids to visit, too.)
Population: 309,154 (median age: 33.9 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Orlando is about $372,400, which is slightly lower than the national average. The average rent is $1,940/month for a 964-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? No
Climate: 236 sunny days per year; average lows of 49°F in winter; average highs of 92°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Orlando has six Medicare-certified hospitals and 20.4 physicians per 10,000 residents (below the national average). In the Orlando metro area, 83.9 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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1. Charleston, South Carolina
Offering a relaxed coastal vibe, southern hospitality, and enough activities to keep you busy for many golden years, Charleston is a no-brainer when it comes to retirement destinations. Everywhere you look, the city has a gorgeous mansion or cobblestone street to explore—and trust us, the food here routinely exceeds the hype. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other major US. cities, so go ahead and put your pension towards barbecue, seafood, and regional Lowcountry classics.
Population: 151,612 (median age: 35.3 years)
Cost of living: The median home cost in Charleston is about $520,000, which is higher than the national average. The average rent is $1,989/month for a 967-square-foot unit.
Income tax on social security? Yes
Climate: 230 sunny days per year; average lows of 38°F in winter; average highs of 91°F in summer
Crime: Both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Charleston has five Medicare-certified hospitals and 47.8 physicians per 10,000 residents (above the national average). In the Charleston metro area, 73.8 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.