Top 5 Cities for Seniors to Retire

Summary: Choosing a retirement city requires a sharp focus on healthcare, cost of living, taxes and lifestyle. Popular picks are Florida, Virginia, Idaho, North Carolina, and Arizona, but the decision goes beyond sunny weather and affordable homes.

As you get close to retirement, it may be in your best interest to move to a city that is more favorable to retirees. This decision involves more than just finding a warmer place to live. The best cities to retire also offer easy access to quality healthcare and no taxes on Social Security benefits. Let’s explore the best places to retire in the U.S., focusing on key factors that make a location ideal.

Why location matters for your retirement

Whether you enjoy coastal living, a vibrant urban setting, or a quiet suburban community, location matters when choosing to retire. This decision impacts every aspect of your retirement experience, from financial security to quality of life.

How your choice of city can affect your finances

Your retirement destination can impact your ability to maintain your desired lifestyle and make your retirement savings last. In the best states for retirement, cost of living variations can be dramatic and tax considerations play a crucial role. Housing market differences in the best places to retire can also affect your retirement savings.

Healthcare access and quality across states

Healthcare access is another critical factor in the best states for you to retire. As we age, our healthcare needs typically increase. This makes access to quality medical care essential for a comfortable retirement. For people in the retirement age who are on Medicare, you should also look into how moving to a different state may impact your Medicare coverage. While Medicare Part A & B and Medicare Supplemental Insurance coverages carry over state lines, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription coverage may differ from state to state.

5 best cities to retire

Every year, U.S. News & World Report names the best places to retire, based on affordability, access to healthcare, taxes for retirees, and overall desirability of a city. We used U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, as well as those on Niche.com for this list of five of the best cities to retire in the U.S.

1. Naples, Florida

Retirees love Florida because of the warm weather and the tax benefits such as no state income taxes and no taxes on Social Security. Because of these benefits, rankings on the best cities for retirees usually include many Florida communities. However, for 2025 Naples ranks as the number one spot for retirees.

While the cost of living in Naples is a bit on the high end, it is less congested and has less crime than some of the bigger cities in Florida, such as Tampa and Miami. Niche.com ranks Naples as one of the best places to live and retire in Florida.

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Retirees looking for a more affordable place to retire may want to consider Virginia Beach, Virginia. This city has an A rating from Niche.com, scoring high for health and fitness and outdoor activities. In Virginia, Social Security isn’t taxed and the state also enables qualifying individuals age 65 and older to subtract a certain amount from their income, which helps lower their state income tax.

3. Boise, Idaho

Outdoor enthusiasts should consider retiring in Boise, Idaho. The area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and trail running. This capital city is often listed as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Property taxes and sales taxes are low and there is no tax on Social Security. However, home prices are on the high end and income from retirement accounts is subject to a flat tax rate of 5.8%.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina, is a good place to settle for “half back” retirees, who left colder states to move to Florida, then couldn’t take the heat and humidity and decided to move halfway back. The state has a low flat income tax rate and doesn’t tax Social Security. Raleigh gets all four seasons, but usually doesn’t experience extreme cold or hot weather. The cost of living there is on par with the national average.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is ranked by Niche.com as the number one city for retirees. It is known for its low humidity, warm climate and abundant healthcare options, making it ideal for retirees seeking both comfort and health security. The city offers a range of senior-focused recreational activities and has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience.

Essential factors to consider when choosing where to retire

If these five cities don’t interest you, there are many other best cities to retire that may be more appealing for what you are looking for. Here are some factors you should consider when deciding on the best states to retire:

Evaluating your retirement budget

When evaluating your retirement budget, create a comprehensive plan that includes property taxes, state taxes on retirement income, healthcare costs and lifestyle expenses like travel and entertainment. This is crucial when selecting from the best states for retirement.

Healthcare planning

Healthcare planning in the best states to retire involves researching healthcare infrastructure in potential retirement destinations and considering proximity to healthcare facilities and long-term care options. For instance, while Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides the same coverage nationwide, eligibility and benefits vary significantly state by state for additional coverage options like Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement insurance plans.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement.

Lifestyle and community factors

Lifestyle and community factors are equally important when looking at the best places to retire in the U.S. Evaluate climate preferences and health needs, research community centers, volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning options. Also, you should consider proximity to family and friends when choosing from the best states for retirement.

Planning your interstate move for retirement

Start planning your move about 2-3 years before your intended relocation. Research and visit potential best places to retire in the US during different seasons. You should also gradually declutter and prepare your current home for sale and build connections in your new community before moving.

Create a detailed timeline for your move. This should include researching and choosing a location, finding a new home, selling your current home, updating legal documents, transferring medical care, and establishing new banking relationships.

To ensure a smooth transition to any of our picks from the great places to retire, update all legal documents (including your will and driver’s license) and understand residency requirements. You should also plan your healthcare transition by finding new providers and reviewing insurance coverage changes. Also, adjust your financial accounts and understand tax implications. Finally, research community groups in your new location while planning to stay in touch with current friends and family.

Your path to the perfect retirement location

Choosing from the best states to retire is a consequential decision for your retirement years. Carefully weigh factors like cost of living, healthcare access, tax implications, and lifestyle opportunities to find a location that meets your practical needs and fulfills your retirement dreams.

Remember, thorough planning is key to a successful retirement transition. Take time to research your options, visit potential best places to retire in the US, and consider how each choice aligns with your values.

Given the importance of this decision, consider speaking with retirement planning professionals to guide you in making an informed choice about the best places to retire. At Mutual of Omaha, we understand the complex nature of retirement planning and are here to help you navigate it. Our resources in retirement planning can help you explore options that align with your vision for the future.

FAQs

Q1. What states offer the best tax advantages for retirees?

Some of the best states for retirement in terms of taxes include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming, because they don’t tax retirement income. Consider the overall tax picture when choosing the best places to retire in the U.S.

Q2. How do I ensure my Medicare coverage transfers to my new state?

If you’re already retired and currently have Medicare coverage, your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) transfers automatically when you move to a different state. For Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement insurance plans or Part D coverage, you must enroll in a new plan in your new location during a Special Enrollment Period.

Not enrolled in Medicare and have questions? Visit our Advice Center to learn more.

Q3. What’s the ideal timeline for planning a retirement move?

Start planning your move to great places to retire 2-3 years before your intended relocation date. Use the first year for research and exploration, the second year for decision-making and initial preparations, and the final year for executing your move.

Q4. Should I rent or buy in my chosen retirement location?

The decision to rent or buy in the best places to retire in the US depends on various factors, including market conditions, your financial situation, and how long you plan to stay. Consider these aspects carefully before making your choice in the best states for retirement.

Sources

1. CBS News, Minnesota ranked best in nation for health care, study finds, 2024
2. PR Newswire, Tampa General Hospital Ranked One of America’s Top Specialized Hospitals for Cancer, Cardiac and Orthopedic Care, 2024
3. S. News & World Report, 2025 Best Places to Retire, 2024
4. Kiplinger’s, Retirement Taxes: How All 50 States Tax Retirees, 2024
5. Virginia Department of Taxation, Virginia Taxes and Your Retirement

Disclosure:

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