Best Places to Retire in the U.S.

Find your ideal retirement spot

You’ve spent decades wisely saving for retirement, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. Now, as you prepare for your golden years and plan out the next steps in life, you’re probably thinking about where to live.

What’s the answer? Well, that’s entirely up to you! Close your eyes and conjure up a happy place. Is it somewhere with endless sunny beaches or majestic mountain views? A gorgeous, green golf mecca? An affordable spot with great entertainment and shopping options? No matter where it is, make sure it’s the right place for you!

We’ve identified some of the best cities for retirees in each U.S. region. So kick back, dream a little dream and explore the possibilities!

Best places to retire in the West

Want an escape from bigger populations but still have access to the big-city cultural offerings? You might like to retire out West. These Western cities have tons of recreational opportunities, an affordable cost of living and a variety of housing options. Here are some of the best cities in the West for retirees:

Monterey Peninsula, California

Very little traffic, affluent, quiet neighborhoods, and home to 20 world-class golf courses. Take a swing on iconic PGA Tour tracks like Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Located on the Puget Sound, Gig Harbor has affordable home prices and excellent health care options. There also are a variety of volunteer, continuing education, and arts and cultural opportunities.

Boulder City, Nevada

An exclusive, affluent, senior-friendly resort city with a population of about 16,000, a half-hour’s drive to the Las Vegas Strip and excellent medical facilities.

Littleton, Colorado

Picturesque, mile-high mountainside views, plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, not much traffic, and easy access to health care options.

Best cities for retirees in the Southwest

Are you drawn to a warmer, drier climate year-round? Want to bask in the raw beauty of rugged, rustic landscapes? If so, then the Southwest is the place for you. Here are some popular retirement locations:

Plano, Texas

Suburb within a 20-minute drive from downtown Dallas. It has a low cost of living, a pleasant climate, a robust economy, lots of chances to see concerts or public arts performances, sporting events and access to world-class medical facilities. Not quite ready to quit working entirely, or still want to earn a little cash in your retirement? Plano and the nearby Grand Prairie suburb have many employment opportunities for people 65 and older.

Sun City West, Arizona

Low tax burden, quiet, quaint neighborhoods, and great health care providers. Plus, lots of food options and access to amenities like golf, bowling and social clubs.

Surprise, Arizona

Has one of the lowest crime rates in the region and a growing, healthy real estate market. It’s also the MLB Spring Training home to the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, and has entertainment and exercise options for active older adults.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Aside from casino gaming, there are seemingly endless entertainment and options to explore. There’s also no state income tax or taxes on senior benefits like Social Security or retirement accounts.

Retiring in the Midwest

Retire to America’s heartland! Maybe you’re interested in bigger metros in Illinois, Minnesota or Missouri. Or, you’d prefer to live among the Great Plains, the rolling hills or somewhere in between. If you crave natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, the Midwest is where you want to be. The area is attractive to retirees thanks to a low cost of living (allowing you to stretch your dollars), general economic stability and access to good health care.

Overland Park, Kansas

Good quality of life, affordable housing, low taxes, a low crime rate and is part of the Kansas City metro. You’ll find a quieter, suburban feel, with access to big-city amenities. It’s also close to an international airport — a benefit for retirees who love to get away.

The Village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois

A quaint, scenic, affluent suburb of Chicago with quiet neighborhoods, affordable health care and a low crime rate. It’s close to O’Hare Airport (for those who love to travel), has many cultural events throughout the year like ballets, concerts and symphony orchestra performances, and has great parks and other outdoor recreational venues for active seniors.

Columbus, Ohio

A distinctive college town with a small-town feel. Its unique mixture of retail options and cultural pursuits (like lecture series, visiting scholars, concerts, and sporting events) makes Columbus a feast for intellectually curious people. It also has a great blend of new and historic neighborhoods. And note that Social Security benefits are tax exempt, and other tax incentives are available.

Top retirement locations in the Southeast

Whether you’re looking to retire in the mountains, in a bigger city or by the beach, find your paradise in the Southeast!

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Scenic city nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Bella Vista offers an affordable, quiet way of life, with new, affluent neighborhoods, bountiful amenities, seven of the state’s premier golf courses, and access to great health care facilities nearby.

Naples, Florida

A popular retirement location with a higher standard of living. A tax-friendly golf haven with lots of high-end shops and restaurants, retirees in Naples can enjoy mild to warm weather all year long, take part in area recreational and social opportunities for seniors, and have access to great medical care.

Athens, Georgia

A golfer’s delight, with lots of natural terrain for outdoor adventures. There are also opportunities to take senior-oriented courses offered at the University of Georgia. And while you’re there, watch the Georgia Bulldogs play football “between the hedges” of Chinese privet, originally planted in 1929 at Sanford Stadium.

Spend your golden years in the Northeast

Want to settle somewhere along the Atlantic and spend your days by the sea? Or be close to entertainment meccas without the bustle of the crowds? The Northeast might be for you. Here are some options:

Great Neck, New York

Located on a peninsula on the North Shore of Long Island, but a 90-minute drive to Manhattan (so you can still get your fix of the city). There’s easy access to medical centers and more affordable housing. Fewer people and less traffic with great dining and culinary options.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

An easily navigable big city with a low cost of living, a good transportation network, safe neighborhoods, excellent museums, and proximity to world-class health care facilities.

Kennebunk, Maine

A quaint beachside town with affordable housing, a low crime rate, eclectic, locally-owned boutiques, and plenty of walking trails to enjoy.

Retire happy in your new city

It’s never too early to start planning for your future, so consider this list a springboard to begin charting your path. If you need help with your retirement move, U-Pack has you covered — with 240 service centers across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Get a free moving quote online or call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to get started.