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Wondering where to retire? We found 9 of America’s best cities for retirees

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Retirement is a time to explore new hobbies, travel, and relax. But most importantly, it’s about finding the perfect place to settle down. The U.S. is home to some incredible retirement communities that offer comfort, convenience, and a high standard of living. We looked around government websites and local guide websites to curate this list of the top 10 U.S. cities with the best retirement communities, along with their population and why they’re ideal for retirees.

Take a look!

1. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, FLorida

Sarasota, FLorida Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.

Population: approx. 60,000

With its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and a vast array of recreational activities, Sarasota makes retirement feel like a permanent vacation. The city also boasts top-notch medical facilities, which is a crucial factor for many retirees. The lower cost of living compared to national averages and no state income tax makes Sarasota an economically smart choice. Sarasota’s location provides easy access to other major Florida cities, like Tampa and Fort Myers. This means retirees can enjoy the benefits of big-city attractions and airports without having to live in a crowded urban area.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina Photo Credit: iStock

Population: approx. 94,000

Asheville, North Carolina, has emerged as a sought-after destination for retirees seeking a fulfilling and enriching retirement experience. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a unique combination of natural beauty, a thriving arts scene, and a welcoming community. Retirees are drawn to Asheville for its pleasant climate, with mild winters and comfortable summers, allowing for a range of outdoor activities year-round. The surrounding mountains provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and scenic drives, allowing retirees to stay active and connect with nature. The city’s vibrant downtown area is known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, craft breweries, live music venues, and farm-to-table restaurants, offering retirees a diverse range of cultural experiences. Additionally, Asheville is renowned for its thriving arts and crafts community, making it an ideal destination for those with a passion for creativity and artistic pursuits.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona Photo Credit: iStock

Population: approx. 258,000

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a prime destination for retirees seeking a fulfilling and vibrant retirement experience. Known for its warm climate, stunning desert landscapes, and a plethora of recreational activities, Scottsdale offers retirees a perfect balance of relaxation and engagement. With its world-class golf courses, hiking trails, and cultural attractions like museums and art galleries, retirees can enjoy an active lifestyle while immersing themselves in the city’s rich arts and cultural scene. The city also boasts excellent healthcare facilities, a variety of retirement communities, and a welcoming community that fosters social connections and lifelong friendships. Whether it’s exploring the charming Old Town, attending community events, or simply enjoying the breathtaking sunsets, Scottsdale provides retirees with a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement experience.

4. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Image Credit: Cwieders / iStock.

Population: approx. 60,000

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers retirees an ideal combination of charm, affordability, and a high quality of life. Known for its rich history, picturesque farmland, and vibrant arts scene, Lancaster provides retirees with a welcoming community, diverse cultural experiences, affordable living options, and access to excellent healthcare facilities. Retirees can enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling retirement surrounded by scenic beauty, engaging in local events, exploring historic sites, and embracing the warmth and hospitality of the Lancaster community.

5. Naples, Florida

Sunset over the fishing pier and Gulf of Mexico in Naples, Florida.

Population: approx. 22,000

Naples, Florida, is a coveted retirement destination renowned for stunning coastlines, upscale shopping, and gourmet dining, offering a luxurious retirement lifestyle.  The city boasts world-class golf courses, beautiful nature preserves, and access to boating and fishing activities. Retirees can also indulge in upscale shopping, fine dining, and cultural experiences in the city’s vibrant downtown area. Naples has excellent healthcare facilities, ensuring top-quality medical care for retirees.

6. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

San Antonio, Texas Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

Population: approx. 1.5 million

San Antonio offers a unique blend of Texan charm and modern living. Its retirement communities are known for their active lifestyle programs. Additionally, the cost of living in San Antonio is lower than many other major cities in the U.S., making it a great place for a budget-friendly retirement without sacrificing lifestyle quality.

7. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado

Population: approx. 108,000

Boulder is perfect for retirees who love the outdoors. With the Rocky Mountains at your doorstep, activities like hiking, biking, and skiing are plentiful. The city is also known for its health-conscious lifestyle and high-quality healthcare facilities, which are vital for many retirees.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu

Honolulu Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Population: approx. 347,000

With its year-round warm weather, stunning beaches, and breathtaking natural beauty, Honolulu, Hawaii, is a dream retirement destination, offering retirees a tropical paradise with a high quality of life. Retirees can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking in the surrounding mountains. The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene, with diverse cuisine, world-class shopping, and a rich history to explore. In addition, Honolulu has excellent healthcare facilities and a strong sense of community, providing retirees with peace of mind and opportunities for social engagement. Embracing the aloha spirit, Honolulu offers retirees a relaxed and fulfilling retirement experience in a truly unique and captivating setting.

9. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Population: approx. 121,000

Boasting a vibrant arts scene, top-notch healthcare, and a friendly community, Ann Arbor, Michigan is a haven for retirees. With an array of outdoor activities and the University of Michigan offering lifelong learning opportunities, intellectual stimulation is never far away. This coupled with a manageable cost of living and a safe, picturesque environment, Ann Arbor is an inviting and dynamic destination to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.

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Alex Andonovska

Alex Andonovska is a staff writer at Cheapism and MediaFeed, based in Porto, Portugal. With 12 years of writing and editing at places like TheVintageNews.com, she’s your go-to for all things travel, food, and lifestyle. Alex specializes in turning “shower thoughts” into well-researched articles and sharing fun facts that are mostly useless but sure to bring a smile to your face. When she's not working, you'll find her exploring second-hand shops, antique stores, and flea markets.