The 10 Best Places To Retire Give Good Design For the Golden Years

It’s estimated that 4.1 million Americans will retire next year (and then again in 2027), and of them, hundreds of thousands will likely consider the best places to retire. Last year, some 258,000 Americans moved specifically for retirement, according to the most recent research from HireAHelper. So with more retirees packing up their homes and—in some cases—fishing out their passports, we decided to reach out to experts. We tapped realtors, personal finance advisors, and international moving specialists to determine both the best places for retirees within the US and abroad. Among their picks, you’ll find big cities and small town vibes, states with advantageous tax rates, and regions celebrated for their sublime weather. And while some spots will look familiar (nobody should be shocked to see Florida on the list), others may be more surprising.

“If your retirement plan is just ‘move where everyone else moves,’ I can safely predict that you’ll end up overpaying and underliving,” says Nathan Richardson, founder of the real estate company CashForHome. “Follow the infrastructure instead of following the herd, and look for healthcare access, walkability/transit, safety with actual life around you, and a pace that matches your spirit… think of it as a second launch, and pick your city like you’re picking your next identity.”

In addition to talking to our experts, we pored over studies like the Best Places to Retire list from U.S. News & World Report for US cities, as well as this year’s Expat Insider Survey by InterNations for the best cities abroad. We also considered metrics like safety, affordability, access to healthcare, and—because we love a city with exceptional art and design—cultural offerings.

This southwest Florida city—situated on the Gulf of Mexico and famous for its golf courses—snagged the first spot on the most recent Best Places to Retire list from U.S. News & World Report. Desirable weather, access to beaches, and a median age of 65.5 no doubt contribute to its popularity among retirees. As real estate agent Miltiadis Kastanis of Compass points out, South Florida, in general, has plenty of draws.

“South Florida continues to be one of the top retirement destinations in the U.S. thanks to its unique blend of lifestyle and financial advantages,” says Kastanis. “Retirees are drawn to Florida’s lack of state income tax, as well as South Florida’s year-round warm climate, world-class healthcare system, and diverse cultural offerings.” However, retiring in paradise does have its price. While the national average home value is $370,489, the median home value here is $1,239,805.

“I often recommend Scottsdale, Arizona, which offers excellent healthcare, desert warmth, and a slower pace that appeals to retirees,” says Kastanis. And he’s not alone. Scottsdale has landed near the top of various “Best Places to Retire” lists, including ones from Niche and WalletHub. Arizona has no tax on Social Security, no inheritance tax, and a flat income tax rate of 2.5%. Plus, the fact that Scottsdale is home to dozens of retirement communities is a testament to the city’s popularity among aging populations. And these don’t look like the senior centers of yesteryear. With pools and calendars full of recreational activities, they’re more like five-star resorts.

Other reasons for Scottsdale’s popularity include ample opportunities for outdoor adventure (like hiking Camelback Mountain, for example), plenty of art-centric events (such as a free weekly ArtWalk), and a walkable Old Town bustling with shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

For the retirees who still appreciate fall and winter, global real estate advisor Karen Holt of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty says the Queen City is the place to be. “Charlotte has four seasons with access to both coast and mountains, plus expansive green spaces and plenty of nearby hiking trails.” Other major benefits for retirees, according to Holt, include no state tax on Social Security income, a lower cost of living compared to major metro areas, and excellent real estate value. “Retirees can get more space, quality, and land for the investment,” she says.

The U.S. News ranking agrees with Holt, giving Charlotte a top 10 spot on its list for retirees. The city’s median home value ($397,862) is right in the ballpark of the national average ($370,489), and the ranking points out that Charlotte offers a greater value of living compared to similarly sized cities. But financials aside, the cultural offerings in town are also a major plus, with institutions like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Mint Museum (devoted to international art and design), and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center all easily accessible for locals.

Florida and Arizona are familiar destinations on retiree wish lists, but Pennsylvania? Don’t sleep on it, particularly Pittsburgh, says Richardson. “Yes, it’s cloudy, but that’s why housing is still cheap,” he says. “Healthcare is world-class, cultural life is strong, and neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Shadyside feel like small villages inside a big city. Think of it as New York for introverts.”

Pittsburgh did land in the top 40 (33rd, to be exact) of the best places to retire on the U.S. News list, with a median home value of $206,135 compared to the national average of $370,489. And beyond housing costs, Pittsburgh is one of the more affordable major cities for monthly bills, according to a recent report from doxo, a bill-paying service. According to the report, residents of Pittsburgh spend a median of $1,775 each month on the 13 most common household bills, which is about 14% less than the national average and welcome news for anyone living on a fixed income.

Here’s another city that landed in the U.S. News top 40 (30th specifically). It’s also a place that Richardson recommends. Calling it “the Goldilocks city,” he says, “It’s not too big and not too small, it has low taxes and a walkable downtown, plus it has medical access without the insanity of Florida hospital waitlists. One of my sellers moved there from Miami and told me, ‘It’s like living in Charleston without the tourists or price tag.’”

On the financial front, Greenville offers two tax perks: there’s no state income tax on Social Security and state sales tax is only 5% for those aged 85 and up. Add to that a mild climate and plenty of reasons to be outside year round, including scenic strolls along the 28-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System or a self-guided tour of the over 160 public art pieces around town.

“San Antonio has Texas-sized charm and is also way more affordable than Austin,” says Richardson. According to the U.S. News ranking, the median home value in San Antonio is below the national average at $241,733, while the average in Austin is well above it at $584,446. Texas is also one of the few states with no state income tax, a major perk for retirees on a fixed income.

Additionally, says Richardson, “military bases and universities mean the city isn’t 100% retirees, which keeps life interesting. VA access is a huge perk.” In addition to proximity to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the San Antonio VA Clinic, veterans in the area have commissary shopping privileges for cheaper groceries and household items. World-class cultural institutions—like the San Antonio Museum of Art and McNay Art Museum—plus the city’s lively Riverwalk are just the icing on the cake.

While the South gets a lot of attention from aging populations, the Pacific Northwest deserves some serious consideration, too. “Vancouver, Washington, is a popular spot for retirees,” says Michael LaCivita, a certified financial planner at Domain Money. “It has no state income tax and sits right across from Portland, Oregon, which has no sales tax. Therefore, it’s great for shopping. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities, easy access to water, and generally mild weather.”

When you’re not exploring the area’s dynamic culinary scene (farmers markets, breweries, and waterfront dining abound), you’ll be busy kayaking Vancouver Lake, cycling the Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail, or hiking the 20 miles of paved trails within the city.

At the very least, looking beyond the US borders for retirement offers an adventure. Free from the demands of daily work, you can learn a new language, take up a hobby (like sketching medieval architecture), become an expert in a niche area (like Vinho Verde wine), or enjoy other perks of a far-flung destination. (If this sounds enticing for non-retirees, consider our list of the best countries for Americans to move to.)

On a more practical level, international living may save you a sizable amount on housing, healthcare, and daily expenses such as groceries. All of the above has contributed to a growing number of American retirees going abroad. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2024, over 760,000 Americans received their social security while living abroad, about a 43% increase from 2019.

Though it may be on the other side of the Atlantic, it’s hard to ignore Spain, which clinched the first spot in the Quality of Life ranking in this year’s Expat Insider Survey by InterNations. A rich array of leisure activities, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming culture all helped nab the superlative spot. Alastair Johnson, co-founder of Moving to Spain, an agency that helps internationals settle into the Iberian destination, says that a slow lifestyle adds to the country’s expat appeal, particularly for retirees. “People take time to enjoy food, company, and culture.” Plus, he adds, “the weather lends itself to walking, eating al fresco, and socializing. People retiring here also comment on how older generations are still active and welcomed in the community.”

Additionally, high-quality healthcare in Spain costs a fraction of what it does in the US. “Fully comprehensive coverage in Spain can cost as little as 15% of an equivalent policy in the US,” says Johnson. “And access to English-speaking healthcare professionals is easy in most parts of Spain. Overall, Moving to Spain estimates that the cost of living in Spain is roughly 30% cheaper than the US and around 25% cheaper than the UK, giving you more bang for your retirement savings.

As for which city to choose, each year, Moving to Spain releases a Best Places to Retire in Spain ranking. This year, Calpe took the first spot. “As part of the Marina Alta region, Calpe is renowned for its stunning beauty, crowned by the Peñón de Ifach,” says Johnson. A large limestone outcrop rising over 1,000 feet above the sea, the Peñón de Ifach is part of a natural park connected to the shore by a narrow isthmus and noted for its diverse plant life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Johnson says Calpe has spectacular seafood, with restaurants that line a promenade. Plus, “excellent infrastructure and healthcare, good English proficiency, and a large percentage of expats and retirees mean that there’s everything you need in the area.”

“This walkable, charming town in Portugal’s Algarve region has everything locals need without the tourist crush of Lagos or Albufeira,” says Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps Americans move abroad. “The city has 300 days of sun and is connected to the rest of the region via an easy commuter train, while the nearest beach is two miles from the city center,” she says. “Although you’ll want to learn some Portuguese to improve your experience and show your respect, you’ll find English spoken everywhere in Tavira.”

Kastanis agrees, noting that the destination has been a hot pick among retirees. “Internationally, Portugal, especially the Algarve region, is increasingly popular with retirees. It offers a relatively low cost of living, a safe environment, access to quality healthcare, and a welcoming expat community,” he says.

Beyond the beach, expats can expect classic Portuguese architecture, with white-washed buildings and terracotta roofs, plus a medieval castle in the center of town. They’ll also have access to plenty of art, in both galleries and museums—like the Tavira Municipal Museum, which is spread across multiple museums and shines a light on the area’s Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences.

They can also expect a relatively smooth experience securing long-term visas and public healthcare. “A couple will only need about $1,500/month in passive income to qualify for Portugal’s D7 retirement visa,” says Barnett. “Or, you can invest about $585,000 to apply for a golden visa. Americans qualify for public healthcare after three months of residency.”

Cobblestone streets, throughways lined with vibrant street art, and stunning examples of 18th-century Mexican Baroque architecture all contribute to the charm of San Miguel de Allende. The 16th-century city, which is about four hours north of Mexico City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that happened to land on our own list of The 27 Most Beautiful Cities in the World. But more than just a pretty destination, it’s also a smart option for American retirees considering a move abroad.

“San Miguel de Allende, Mexico lets retirees live in a community at maybe a quarter of the US cost,” says Ben Mizes, a real estate agent and investor, as well as the co-founder of Clever Real Estate. Adding to that, Mizes points out that Mexico has policies that make it relatively easy for Americans to attain residency and buy a home. “Either temporary or permanent residency is common when retirees demonstrate they have enough income and savings,” he says.

Currently, the monthly income requirement for temporary residency is around $4,100, while it’s around $7,100 for permanent residency. Or, applicants can demonstrate savings/investments of either $70,000 for temporary residency or $280,000 for permanent residency.

Mexico, in general, landed third on the Expat Insider Survey for 2025, with its many leisure options highlighted as a plus as well as its welcoming culture. In fact, the country clinched the first spot in the Ease of Settling In category, thanks to its friendly locals.