Retirement should feel a bit like going on vacation forever, right? That’s why some retirees turn vacation homes into full-time dwellings to spend their golden years. Places in the U.S. primed for vacationers typically feature warm weather and leisure activities, but the homes here often run on the expensive side.
MagnifyMoney researchers compiled a list of the largest metros with between 5% and 30% of its housing stock dedicated to secondary homes and ranked them based on seven metrics, including affordability, access to health care and — of course — fun things to do. Here are the best vacation spots to retire.
Image Credit: Viktor_Gladkov/istockphoto.
Key findings
- The South — unsurprisingly — dominates the list of best vacation spots to retire. Nine of the top 10 metros are in the South.
- What do the top 10 metros have in common? Mainly, a high percentage of residents 65 or older. Among the 107 metros ranked, none in the top 10 ranks outside No. 24 for the percentage of older residents.
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45. Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Vacation homes rate: 23.10%
- Residents 65 and older: 20.90%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,101
- Older adults below poverty line: 6%
- Recreation establishments rate: 9.50%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.40%
- Average daily temperature: 43
- Score: 55.6
Image Credit: travelview / iStock.
44. St. George, Utah
- Vacation homes rate: 12.40%
- Residents 65 and older: 20.90%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,038
- Older adults below poverty line: 5.80%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.40%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.60%
- Average daily temperature: 57
- Score: 56.1
Image Credit: MojaveNC.
43. Branson, Missouri
- Vacation homes rate: 18.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 21.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $777
- Older adults below poverty line: 10.50%
- Recreation establishments rate: 7.30%
- Health care establishments rate: 5.50%
- Average daily temperature: 58
- Score: 57.9
Image Credit: KTrimble / Wiki Commons.
42. Show Low, Arizona
- Vacation homes rate: 28.50%
- Residents 65 and older: 17.40%
- Monthly housing costs: $546
- Older adults below poverty line: 13.10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.30%
- Average daily temperature: 54
- Score: 59.1
Image Credit: Ixnayonthetimmay / Wiki Commons.
41. Shelton, Washington
- Vacation homes rate: 20.20%
- Residents 65 and older: 22.50%
- Monthly housing costs: $990
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.70%
- Recreation establishments rate: 9.60%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.90%
- Average daily temperature: 50
- Score: 59.6
Image Credit: Dee / iStock.
40. Meadville, Pennsylvania
- Vacation homes rate: 13.10%
- Residents 65 and older: 20.00%
- Monthly housing costs: $678
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.80%
- Average daily temperature: 49
- Score: 59.9
Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Wiki Commons.
39. Fergus Falls, Minnesota
- Vacation homes rate: 27.30%
- Residents 65 and older: 23.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $803
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.60%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.20%
- Average daily temperature: 41
- Score: 60.2
Image Credit: Barbara Gabay / iStock.
38. Duluth, Minnesota
- Vacation homes rate: 12.70%
- Residents 65 and older: 18.70%
- Monthly housing costs: $839
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.70%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.60%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.50%
- Average daily temperature: 38
- Score: 60.5
Image Credit: istockphoto.
37. Big Rapids, Michigan
- Vacation homes rate: 20.60%
- Residents 65 and older: 18.10%
- Monthly housing costs: $703
- Older adults below poverty line: 9.60%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.40%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.40%
- Average daily temperature: 47
- Score: 60.8
Image Credit: Kenneth_Keifer / iStock.
36. Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Vacation homes rate: 12.40%
- Residents 65 and older: 22.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,039
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.90%
- Average daily temperature: 47
- Score: 62.6
Image Credit: jdwfoto / iStock.
35. Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Vacation homes rate: 8.70%
- Residents 65 and older: 23.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $723
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.60%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.80%
- Average daily temperature: 62
- Score: 64.6
Image Credit: Sean Pavone / istockphoto.
34. Bennington, Vermont
- Vacation homes rate: 25.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 22.50%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,003
- Older adults below poverty line: 8%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.60%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.70%
- Average daily temperature: 44
- Score: 64.6
Image Credit: travelview / istockphoto.
33. Kapaa, Hawaii
- Vacation homes rate: 14.20%
- Residents 65 and older: 19.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,379
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.40%
- Recreation establishments rate: 9.00%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.80%
- Average daily temperature: 79
- Score: 64.9
Image Credit: Travis.Thurston / Wiki Commons.
32. Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 10.30%
- Residents 65 and older: 26.10%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,031
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.80%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.90%
- Average daily temperature: 76
- Score: 64.9
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
31. Boone, North Carolina
- Vacation homes rate: 29.10%
- Residents 65 and older: 15.50%
- Monthly housing costs: $840
- Older adults below poverty line: 5.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 8.70%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.50%
- Average daily temperature: 52
- Score: 65.8
Image Credit: allison from Hickory, NC, USA / Wiki Commons.
30. Cape Coral, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 23.00%
- Residents 65 and older: 28.10%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,049
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 8.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.70%
- Average daily temperature: 76
- Score: 65.8
Image Credit: MatthiasOtt/istockphoto.
29. Somerset, Pennsylvania
- Vacation homes rate: 13.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 21.80%
- Monthly housing costs: $638
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.00%
- Average daily temperature: 49
- Score: 66.7
Image Credit: zrfphoto / iStock.
28. Berlin, New Hampshire
- Vacation homes rate: 26.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 23.10%
- Monthly housing costs: $792
- Older adults below poverty line: 10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 3.60%
- Average daily temperature: 41
- Score: 67.3
Image Credit: Jon Platek / Wiki Commons.
27. Cadillac, Michigan
- Vacation homes rate: 21.80%
- Residents 65 and older: 19.20%
- Monthly housing costs: $730
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.80%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.70%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.80%
- Average daily temperature: 45
- Score: 67.5
Image Credit: Max Melstrom / Wiki Commons.
26. Marquette, Michigan
- Vacation homes rate: 15.50%
- Residents 65 and older: 18.40%
- Monthly housing costs: $773
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.30%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.00%
- Average daily temperature: 40
- Score: 68.1
Image Credit: ehrlif /iStock.
25. Marinette, Wisconsin
- Vacation homes rate: 28.30%
- Residents 65 and older: 23.40%
- Monthly housing costs: $651
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.60%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.70%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.90%
- Average daily temperature: 43
- Score: 68.1
Image Credit: baluzek / iStock.
24. Glens Falls, New York
- Vacation homes rate: 16.80%
- Residents 65 and older: 20.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $961
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.40%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.40%
- Health care establishments rate: 3.70%
- Average daily temperature: 45
- Score: 68.4
Image Credit: Public domain.
23. Sevierville, Tennessee
- Vacation homes rate: 20.50%
- Residents 65 and older: 19.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $760
- Older adults below poverty line: 8%
- Recreation establishments rate: 5.70%
- Health care establishments rate: 4.30%
- Average daily temperature: 58
- Score: 68.7
Image Credit: Brian Stansberry / Wiki Commons.
22. Traverse City, Michigan
- Vacation homes rate: 22.80%
- Residents 65 and older: 21.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $942
- Older adults below poverty line: 5.60%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.10%
- Average daily temperature: 46
- Score: 68.7
Image Credit: William Love / iStock.
21. Ocala, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 6.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 28.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $737
- Older adults below poverty line: 8%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.50%
- Average daily temperature: 72
- Score: 70.5
Image Credit: Douglas Rissing / iStock.
20. Sonora, California
- Vacation homes rate: 22.60%
- Residents 65 and older: 25.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,129
- Older adults below poverty line: 9.40%
- Recreation establishments rate: 13.80%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.40%
- Average daily temperature: 52
- Score: 71.1
Image Credit: Thatslegit / Wiki Commons.
19. Newport, Oregon
- Vacation homes rate: 25.60%
- Residents 65 and older: 27.90%
- Monthly housing costs: $910
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.80%
- Recreation establishments rate: 6.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.00%
- Average daily temperature: 52
- Score: 71.6
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
18. Truckee, California
- Vacation homes rate: 19.40%
- Residents 65 and older: 26.50%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,428
- Older adults below poverty line: 7.10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.00%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.60%
- Average daily temperature: 53
- Score: 71.6
Image Credit: Finetooth / Wiki Commons.
17. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
- Vacation homes rate: 16.60%
- Residents 65 and older: 29.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $752
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.30%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.80%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.10%
- Average daily temperature: 64
- Score: 71.6
Image Credit: Lisay.
16. Prescott Valley, Arizona
- Vacation homes rate: 10.00%
- Residents 65 and older: 30.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $901
- Older adults below poverty line: 8%
- Recreation establishments rate: 13.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.80%
- Average daily temperature: 61
- Score: 72.5
Image Credit: Marine 69-71 / Wiki Commons.
15. Warren, Pennsylvania
- Vacation homes rate: 20.40%
- Residents 65 and older: 22.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $614
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.30%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.30%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.50%
- Average daily temperature: 48
- Score: 73.4
Image Credit: Pubdog / Wiki Commons.
14. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Vacation homes rate: 19.70%
- Residents 65 and older: 25.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,149
- Older adults below poverty line: 4.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 8.80%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.20%
- Average daily temperature: 68
- Score: 74
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
13. Grand Rapids, Minnesota
- Vacation homes rate: 24.50%
- Residents 65 and older: 22.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $806
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.90%
- Recreation establishments rate: 15.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.40%
- Average daily temperature: 39
- Score: 74.6
Image Credit: Tammi Mild / iStock.
12. North Port, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 15.80%
- Residents 65 and older: 31.70%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,055
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.50%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.60%
- Average daily temperature: 74
- Score: 75.1
Image Credit: Rino Landa.
11. Cullowhee, North Carolina
- Vacation homes rate: 26.70%
- Residents 65 and older: 19.20%
- Monthly housing costs: $660
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.00%
- Health care establishments rate: 3.40%
- Average daily temperature: 53
- Score: 81.3
Image Credit: RichardKenni.
10. Salisbury, Maryland
- Vacation homes rate: 28.80%
- Residents 65 and older: 23.40%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,023
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.20%
- Recreation establishments rate: 10.70%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.90%
- Average daily temperature: 59
- Score: 81.9
Image Credit: Famartin / WikiMedia Commons.
9. Homosassa Springs, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 10.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 36.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $639
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.10%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.20%
- Average daily temperature: 73
- Score: 82.2
Image Credit: Pete G.
8. Naples, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 27.20%
- Residents 65 and older: 31.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $1,272
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.40%
- Recreation establishments rate: 9.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.90%
- Average daily temperature: 76
- Score: 82.7
Image Credit: Elisa.rolle.
7. Sebastian, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 12.20%
- Residents 65 and older: 32.30%
- Monthly housing costs: $888
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.60%
- Recreation establishments rate: 11.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.80%
- Average daily temperature: 75
- Score: 83.3
Image Credit: Ebyabe .
6. Payson, Arizona
- Vacation homes rate: 22.30%
- Residents 65 and older: 28.40%
- Monthly housing costs: $660
- Older adults below poverty line: 9.40%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.90%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.60%
- Average daily temperature: 62
- Score: 85.7
Image Credit: Ken Lund / Flickr.
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Vacation homes rate: 25.30%
- Residents 65 and older: 25.20%
- Monthly housing costs: $904
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.50%
- Recreation establishments rate: 8.80%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.70%
- Average daily temperature: 65
- Score: 88
Image Credit: strickke.
4. Punta Gorda, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 18.60%
- Residents 65 and older: 39.60%
- Monthly housing costs: $856
- Older adults below poverty line: 6.70%
- Recreation establishments rate: 12.20%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.40%
- Average daily temperature: 76
- Score: 90.9
Image Credit: Sanibel sun .
3. The Villages, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 12.10%
- Residents 65 and older: 56.70%
- Monthly housing costs: $687
- Older adults below poverty line: 5.20%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.30%
- Average daily temperature: 73
- Score: 96.2
Image Credit: allymime/pixabay.
2. Sebring, Florida
- Vacation homes rate: 14.90%
- Residents 65 and older: 35.20%
- Monthly housing costs: $604
- Older adults below poverty line: 8.80%
- Recreation establishments rate: 16.40%
- Health care establishments rate: 1.70%
- Average daily temperature: 75
- Score: 97.4
Image Credit: Ebyabe.
1. Georgetown, South Carolina
- Vacation homes rate: 23.40%
- Residents 65 and older: 27.00%
- Monthly housing costs: $812
- Older adults below poverty line: 9.20%
- Recreation establishments rate: 14.10%
- Health care establishments rate: 2.70%
- Average daily temperature: 66
- Score: 100
Image Credit: Thomson200 / Wiki Commons.
Methodology
To rank the best vacation spots to retire, MagnifyMoney researchers analyzed data for seven metrics:
- Density of vacation homes. Researchers started with a list of the 200 largest metros by the percentage of vacation homes. Researchers then filtered for the metros with between 5% and 30% of its housing stock dedicated to secondary homes, narrowing the final list to 107 metros. Less than 5% suggested there wasn’t much demand. U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2015-19 five-year estimates).
- Percentage of residents 65 and older.U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2015-19 five-year estimates).
- Median monthly housing costs.U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2015-19 five-year estimates).
- Percentage of adults 65 and older living below the poverty line.U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2015-19 five-year estimates).
- Density of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. This is the number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments as a percentage of all establishments. U.S. Census Bureau 2019 County Business Patterns data.
- Density of health care establishments. This is the number of health care establishments as a percentage of all establishments. U.S. Census Bureau 2019 County Business Patterns data.
- Average daily temperature. This measures the average daily temperature for the five years preceding May 2021. Researchers assumed warmer places were better. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Researchers created an index based on rankings from the seven metrics. The metros were ranked from highest to lowest based on this index score.
This article
originally appeared on MagnifyMoney.com and was
syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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