What Are the Best Places in the US to Retire In?

Retirement has the potential to be one of the most enjoyable stages of your life, especially if you choose the right city to move to when your working days are behind you. However, choosing where you’re going to move when you’re ready to retire can either make or break your retirement.

Today, learn more about some of the best cities in the US to retire in. But first, let’s take a look at some factors to consider when choosing where you want to go when you retire.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Locale

Before we dive into our list of the best US cities to retire in, let’s look at some factors you should consider when doing your retirement planning.

First, think about the cost of living and how much it’s going to cost to make your dream a reality. Even if you have a healthy pension and a good amount of money in your retirement, you don’t want to move to a place that’s going to deplete your cash quickly.

If you want to visit some of the more expensive places in the United States, that’s fine, but you won’t want to make your home base one with a high cost of living, high property taxes, and other hefty costs.

Secondly, think about your friends and family, how much you want to see them, and how close they live to the area that you’re thinking of moving to.

If you’re fine seeing your kids and grandkids occasionally and on holidays, the world is your retirement community and you can move anywhere. If you’ve been looking forward to helping babysit your grandkids, you’ll need to retire to a place that’s within driving distance of where your family lives.

Finally, think about some of your personal preferences. Do you hate wintertime and snowy weather?

If so, you’ll want to move to a warm location or split your retirement between two areas with opposing climates. If you’ve spent your entire life living in the mountains and want to live in an urban environment, spend some time looking at metropolitan areas that can give you a taste of big-city living.

Once you know what matters the most to you, you can make a decision about where you want to spend your post-working life. With that, let’s look at some of the best retirement destinations in the United States.

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, Florida has long been considered one of the most popular spots for retirees, thanks in large part to its gorgeous weather, Florida’s tax structure, and more. The average wintertime temperature in Sarasota is in the 60s or 70s, which makes it one of the mildest areas when it comes to climate.

While summers can get hot, quick access to the ocean or pools provides people with a fun way to keep cool, even in the face of rising temperatures. Siesta Key Beach, known for its powder-white sands, is considered one of the cleanest, safest beaches in the US, and it’s in Sarasota, so you can enjoy this famous locale anytime you’d like.

Sarasota also has a thriving cultural scene, including famous museums, the Ringling Museum of Art, and multiple theaters. If you enjoy the finer things in life, this is a great spot to spend your post-work life.

Sarasota has a lower cost of living than many other coastal areas, at least for now. The city has boomed in popularity in recent years, so housing and other expenses may go up in the future, but if you’re on the verge of retirement, this beach town is as affordable as any that you’ll find.

Asheville, North Carolina

Some people prefer the idea of keeping the beach as a vacation destination and not where they spend their entire lives. If you’re more interested in living in the mountains, but don’t want to move to a small, rural area, Asheville, North Carolina offers the perfect blend of both.

Tucked away in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is widely known for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and thriving arts community.

If you like spending time outdoors, it’s hard to find a place more perfect for you than Asheville. The area has plenty of outdoor activities available, ranging from hiking to golf, The fact that the climate provides four distinct seasons ensures that you’re sure to find the perfect time of year to be outside and take advantage of those opportunities.

The Mission Health System, one of the most extensive and well-respected health networks in the nation has a significant presence in the area, which is great news for those who have retired. The cost of living in Asheville is considered “moderate,” with affordable housing and generally low utility costs. Overall, Asheville is one of the best cities to retire to.

Prescott, Arizona

The first two entries on our list have been on the East Coast, so let’s take a trip out west. Many people assume that Arizona has scorching hot summers, but that’s not true for the entire state. Prescott, Arizona has four distinct seasons and generally mild temperatures all year long.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, this part of Arizona even gets snow from time to time.

The town is also known for its strong sense of civic pride and community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local neighborhood both on social and political levels. Continuing to find purpose and connection with others when your working days are behind you is important, which makes Prescott an even better option.

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing job fields in Prescott, which is crucial for those who are aging, as most retirees are. Prescott is one of the most popular retirement spots in Arizona, but it still remains one of the most affordable. With so many of the boxes that you should look for in a retirement destination checked, Prescott is a great choice.

Austin, Texas

Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin may seem like a surprising addition to this list, especially when you consider its catchphrase which encourages residents and visitors to “keep Austin weird.” The city is certainly a bit eccentric, but that’s part of its charm.

Just because you’ve retired doesn’t mean that you have to give up the thing that you love. If you’re a fan of live music you can find it in Austin every night of the week.

In addition to music, Austin also has a thriving cultural scene filled with art museums, theaters, galleries, and more. Even if art isn’t your favorite thing, Austin has a beautiful landscape that allows for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Since physical activity becomes even more important as we age, finding a place that’s conducive to outdoor activities is important.

Unlike many other states, Texas has no state income tax, which makes it incredibly attractive to retirees who want to make every dollar count. While some homes in the area have increased in value and price because of how popular Austin is, there are several types of housing available, and overall, the city is considered quite affordable.

Embracing Your Next Chapter

Whether you’re on the brink of retirement or still have a few years to go, the fact remains that one day, you won’t need to set an alarm so you can get to work on time. Where do you want to be waking up when that day comes?

Whether you like the idea of being close to the beach, prefer the mountains, or you want a thriving cultural area that offers city living, these four retirement destinations are some of the best that our country has to offer.

Embrace your next chapter of life and put down your new roots somewhere that brings you joy.