Choosing where to retire is a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider: your budget, the weather, your preferred lifestyle, access to medical care, and more. In addition, you’ll likely want to end up somewhere with a sizable population of those 65 and older, so you know you’ll have a like-minded community. In compiling our list of the best places to retire in 2024, we considered everything from affordability to amount of sunshine, and included sleepier small towns like Sleepy Hollow, NY as well as bustling cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico.

You might see that we have only included two Florida cities, despite it being a well-known place for retirees to land. While Florida offers exceptional tax benefits—the state won’t tax any of your retirement income—the threat of hurricanes looms large over the state, and our research showed that home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years. We also wanted to include locations all over the country, even though the west coast is considerably more expensive—for some, even on a budget, moving to California or Washington might be a possibility if downsizing is an option—your housing needs might change in retirement. In addition, the cities we featured have lower costs-of-living than others you might find in the region.

Weigh your priorities for retirement, read through our list of the 35 best places to retire in 2024, and discover the perfect place for you to land during your golden years.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in the USA by Affordability

The 10 cities here are ones with lower costs-of-living than the country’s average. Many of them have the added benefits of being scenic, with great food, community, and medical faciities.

Population data sourced from Census.gov

10. Casper, WY

Population: 58,543

Share of Population 65+: 16.2%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -10%

Average Income: $40,686

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Wyoming is known as one of the tax-friendliest states—it has no income tax and one of the lowest property tax rates, with an average effective tax rate of 0.57%. It has a very low crime rate and is strikingly beautiful; Grand Teton National Park is in Wyoming. In addition, Casper has a bustling senior center and YMCA, full of fun activities to keep retirees busy.

9. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Population: 106,095

Share of Population 65+: 13.9%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -10%

Average Income: $59,174

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Green Bay often ranks high on lists of cities with the happiest residents; locals enjoy the low crime rate, good air quality, and general warmth in the community. There are area trails throughout the city, so you can walk, jog, and snowshoe to your heart’s content. In the summer, they Fox River offers sunset cruises. While Wisconsin does tax most retirement income, the tax bracket is relatively low, starting at just 4%.

8. Savannah, Georgia

Population: 148,004

Share of Population 65+: 14.7%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -9.8%

Average Income: $54,748

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

If you want to live on the coast for less, Savannah could be the place for you. Scenic and with temperate weather, the city has lots of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as fishing and boating. It’s also home to many excellent healthcare facilities, including ones with specialities, so getting treatment will be a breeze.

7. Lexington, Kentucky

Population: 320,347

Share of Population 65+: 14.2%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -6%

Average Income: $66,087

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Lexington is a sight to behold in autumn, with an array of red, brown, and yellow leaves dotting the canopy of every tree. When you’re not on a scenic stroll, enjoy the city’s lively restaurant scene—which includes tasting some of its famous bourbon. The cost of living is low, and educational opportunities for seniors are plentiful, allowing you to stay sharp as you get older.

6. Rochester, New York

Population: 209,352

Share of Population 65+: 12.5%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -11%

Average Income: $44,156

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

Even though Rochester’s cost-of-living is just 1% below the national average, it’s the housing costs that stand out to us: they’re 4% lower than the national average and 46% lower than New York’s average. Most residents love Rochester’s warm and welcoming atmosphere; it’s an easy place to keep up a social life and commit to community activities, with ample parks and other recreation.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio

Population: 309,513

Share of Population 65+: 12.9%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -4%

Average Income: $49,191

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

While Ohio taxes most types of retirement income, its tax brackets are very low: 2.75% on income between $26,051 and $100,000, and 3.5% on anything that exceeds $100,000. Cincinnati frequently shows up on lists of the most affordable US cities, and is home to many diverse neighborhoods, great food, and top-tier medical facilities.

4. Roanoke, Virginia

Population: 97,847

Share of Population 65+: 17.6%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -16%

Average Income: $51,523

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Virginia has some of the strongest elder-abuse protections in the country, making it a safer place for retirees to live. Roanoke itself is located in the beautiful Blue Mountains and has restaurants, shops, farmers markets, and more community-centered activities. Many residents love that they live in a city but are mere minutes away from the country, complete with ample outdoor recreation.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Population: 302,898

Share of Population 65+: 15.1%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -8%

Average Income: $60,187

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Not only does Pennsylvania not tax any retirement income, it has a very low flat rate of 3.07% for all other income, which is helpful for retirees who wish to continue working part-time or on a consultancy basis. The city of Pittsburgh is a particularly great place to land, with three seasons of comfortable climate, lots of medical facilities, and an urban design that favors biking and walking.

2. Brownsville, Texas

Population: 189,382

Share of Population 65+: 12.3%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -15%

Average Income: $46,735

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Brownsville is on the southeastern corner of Texas, and just a stone’s throw away from Mexico. This means the city has excellent Tex-Mex to enjoy, as well as a particularly lovely art museum: the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. It has a comfortable, semi-tropical climate year-round, and is one of the most tax-friendly places to retire: Texas does not tax any form of retirement income, as there is no personal income tax in the state.

1. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Population: 251,350

Share of Population 65+: 14.6%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -9%

Average Income: $54,416

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Winston-Salem is a walkable, buzzing city with lots of cultural activities, opportunities for socialization, and low housing costs. The metro is full of local hiking trails and state parks, and has mild weather so you can enjoy the outdoors. Note that North Carolina does tax pensions, IRAs, and 401(k) distributions, but the state income tax is low and will be decreasing over the next few years, dropping to 3.99% by 2027.

Top 5 Coastal Retreats for Beach Lovers

Beach life is a possibility, even on a budget. Myrtle Beach, for example, has a low cost-of-living and many miles of sand.

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Population: 153,672

Share of Population 65+: 16.3%

Cost of Living: -9.6%

Average Income: $83,891

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Besides being home to lovely beaches—Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, to name two—Charleston has loads of activities suitable for retirees, including golf courses, live music, and shopping. The weather is excellent year-round, and retirees can enjoy a special tax break from the state: the Homestead Tax Exemption allows an exemption of the first $50,000 on your legal residence. The exemption is only for those 65 or older.

4. Milford, Delaware

Population: 12,981

Share of Population 65+: 24.1%

Cost of Living: +8%

Average Income: $53,472

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Delaware is largely considered an expensive state to live in, but Milford is a pocket where the cost of living is only about 8% above the national average—not bad for a place that’s only a 15-minute drive from Slaughter Beach. Popular Rehoboth Beach is only about one hour away. The downtown area boasts numerous restaurants and boutiques, and Delaware has some of the lowest property tax states of any state.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Population: 38,417

Share of Population 65+: 22.3%

Cost of Living: -8%

Average Income: $50,558

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

In addition to the 60 miles of shoreline, retirees love the two state parks in Myrtle Beach—Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park—that offer additional outdoor recreation options, like biking and hiking. If you’re a golf lover, this resort city has you covered: it features courses designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer. In addition, the state has a lower cost of living and affordable housing options. And while South Carolina will tax any non-Social Security retirement income, it does allow a $10,000 exemption.

2. Portland, Maine

Population: 68,424

Share of Population 65+: 16.8%

Cost of Living: +12.5%

Average Income: $71,498

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Portland, Maine offers coast living without the humidity of the southern cities. While winters can be chilly, Portland has a wealth of positives to recommend it: diverse food options, with lots of fresh seafood, a thriving arts scene with numerous museums and theaters, and excellent, quality healthcare. The taxes in Maine are a mixed bag: it does tax some retirement income, but there’s a pension exclusion up to $35,000—and all federal pension income is exempt.

1. Jacksonville, Florida

Population: 971,319

Share of Population 65+: 14.4%

Cost of Living: -4.3%

Average Income: $64,138

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Jacksonville boasts 22 miles of white sand beaches for sunning, swimming, and more. It’s also adjacent to the St. John’s River, for fishing and boating opportunities. Florida, of course, is well-known for being very tax-friendly to retirees—not only will the state allow you to keep your retirement income tax-free, but there are no estate or inheritance taxes to worry about.

Top 5 Mountain Havens for Nature Enthusiasts

If you love to hike, bike, and walk in nature, look for a mountain city or town. You can opt for sunnier Knoxville or choose a place with seasons, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities in the snow—Cheyenne, WY offers excellent tax benefits.

5. Reno, Nevada

Population: 273,448

Share of Population 65+: 15.8%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +18.6%

Average Income: $73,073

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Reno is right on the Nevada-California border, and most commonly known for its casinos and nightlife. There’s another side to the “Biggest Little City in the World,” though—it's less than one hour away from the Lake Tahoe ski area, and hundreds of hiking trails in the Sierras. In addition, Nevada is considered a very tax-friendly state—none of your retirement income will be taxed.

4. Cheyenne, WY

Population: 64,610

Share of Population 65+: 17.5%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +0.3%

Average Income: $74,989

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

If a more rural lifestyle is calling to you, take a look at Cheyenne. Nearby Curt Gowdy State Park—a short 24 mile drive—has over 30 miles of hiking trails; many residents enjoy horseback riding, bicycling, and other outdoor activities as well. Each summer, Wyoming’s capital also hosts the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, Frontier Days.

3. Spokane, WA

Population: 230,160

Share of Population 65+: 16.2%

Cost of Living: +3%

Average Income: $63,316

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Spokane, an inland city in Washington, is much less expensive than the state’s largest city of Seattle. Its longtime motto is "Near Nature, Near Perfect” and the local activities are a reflection of that: Retirees enjoy the many mountain lakes, the Spokane River, and the Columbia River, all of which offer fishing, boating, and water sport opportunities. In addition, the state does not have a personal income tax; it does, however, have a capital gains tax of 7% on the sale of some long-term capital assets that exceed $250,000 in one year.

2. Knoxville, TN

Population: 195,889

Share of Population 65+: 14.2%

Cost of Living: -8.2%

Average Income: $48,309

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Located one hour from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville offers myriad outdoor recreation activities, including over 100 miles of trails within the city itself. Evenings are full of fun, too: Knoxville is known for its bustling arts scene, with outdoor music festivals and theaters. As a college town, it also has excellent medical facilities, thanks to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

1. Albuquerque, NM

Population: 561,008

Share of Population 65+: 16.6%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -8%

Average Income: $61,503

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

Albuquerque is known for its excellent food, especially anything made with local hatch chiles, which grow abundantly in its sunny climate. The city offers striking views of the Sandia Mountains and has numerous hiking trails and golf courses, as well as casinos to enjoy in the evening. Unfortunately, New Mexico is one of the least tax-friendly states: it will tax nearly all retirement income. Until 2023, the state was one of only a few to tax social security, but they made a slight change to the rule: as long as you make less than $100,000 ($150,000 for married couples), your social security is exempt.

Top 5 Warm Weather Destinations for Year-Round Sun

Want to live somewhere where you rarely need to check the weather forecast? The southwest—and the south—offer many places to retire where the sun seems to shine nearly every day of the year.

5. Fresno, California

Population: 545,567

Share of Population 65+: 11.9%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +3.7%

Average Income: $63,001

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

With convenient access to some of California’s greatest natural attractions—Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks—Fresno attracts those who want to live in California but don’t want to pay California prices. The central city is much more affordable than other places in the state, and is sunny for most of the year. Unfortunately, California will tax pension and income from 401(k) accounts, and the tax rate varies quite a bit depending on your income—the Golden State has 10 tax brackets, more than most other states.

4. Round Rock, Texas

Population: 126,697

Share of Population 65+: 10.3%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +16.9%

Average Income: $91,888

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Round Rock is a great place to be if you want to live in a smaller city but want access to a larger one—it’s only 25 minutes to downtown Austin, but has a lower cost of living than the city center. Most of the year is warm and sunny, though summers can be blazing hot (sometimes over 100 degrees) and in January, the evenings can get down to 35. Still, the city has its own downtown with lots of activities and top-tier medical facilities, due to the many universities in the region.

3. Augusta, Georgia

Population: 202,096

Share of Population 65+: 14.5%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -20%

Average Income: $50,492

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

The city of Augusta was recognized by the AARP as an age-friendly city, with revitalized public transportation, sidewalks, and an active downtown. Georgia rarely snows, making it a great place for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and golfing. In addition, the local college—Augusta University—allows residents age 62 or older to take classes in art history, literature, and more. While Georgia taxes most retirement income, there is a decent exemption: taxpayers over 62 can exclude up to $35,000 of their income and those over 65 can exclude up to $65,000.

2. Pensacola, Florida

Population: 58,876

Share of Population 65+: 20.2%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -11%

Average Income: $67,722

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Pensacola has over 200 days of sunshine each year, which is why many of its residents love to walk, bike, play pickleball, or enjoy a game of golf. The city, located on the Gulf of Mexico, has a bounty of fresh seafood and miles of beaches to enjoy. It has a sizable retiree community as well, making it certain that you’ll find a community to spend time with.

1. Tucson, Arizona

Population: 546,574

Share of Population 65+: 15.2%

Cost of Living: -3%

Average Income: $52,049

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Residents of Tucson love the stunning sunsets and rich culture—it’s a lively little city, and only two hours away from the larger metropolis of Phoenix. You should love warm weather, though—Arizona’s summer months can meet or exceed 100 degrees. In addition, note that while the state taxes all retirement income except social security, its income tax rate is very low—2.5%.

Top 5 Urban Centers with Vibrant Senior Communities

The benefit of being in a place with a larger population of seniors and retirees means there will be a bounty of services set up with you in mind—everything from cultural events to specialized medical centers.

5. Livonia, Michigan

Population: 93,779

Share of Population 65+: 21.7%

Cost of Living for Retirees: -8.2%

Average Income: $92,458

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

While Livonia is technically a suburb of Detroit, it is a short drive from Ann Arbor as well, giving you access to both cities. The area is dense, so there are lots of housing options to choose from—everything from condos to adorable Craftsman homes. Livonia has lots of cultural activities, including live music and theater, and has a 65+ population over 20%.

4. North Port, Florida

Population: 85,099

Share of Population 65+: 28.4%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +5.3%

Average Income: $78,815

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

While North Port is more of a suburban environment, it is close to major cities: Fort Myers is a 60-minute drive and it’ll take you about 90 minutes to get to Tampa. Because of significant population growth over the last 10 years, North Port is also planning new development to create a more robust downtown. Retiring there now—in a state with excellent tax benefits—could allow you to get in while home prices are still relatively low. North Port has one of the highest concentrations of retirees anywhere in the country, so you know you’ll be able to find a vibrant, bustling community.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Population: 243,050

Share of Population 65+: 25.1%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +13%

Average Income: $104,197

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Residents of Scottsdale love the diversity of restaurants, the local arts scene, and the welcoming atmosphere. It’s close to many nationally-known attractions and places, like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Phoenix, and is home to many golf courses, hiking trails, and parks. The icing on the cake? Arizona has over 300 days of sunshine every year.

2. Georgetown, Texas

Population: 86,507

Share of Population 65+: 28.5%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +16.9%

Average Income: $87,465

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Good

Georgetown is home to many senior living centers and facilities, which exist to support its large population of those over 65 (almost 30%). A quick 25-minute drive to the larger city of Austin, Georgetown has a stunning hill country landscape, a low crime rate, and lots of activities to keep you busy. There’s a local theater—the Georgetown Palace—that has live entertainment such as plays and musicals.

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Population: 89,008

Share of Population 65+: 24.6%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +12%

Average Income: $67,663

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

Santa Fe is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico, and is a big tourist hub for the state with a booming arts and culture scene (including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum), a rich history and culture, and lots of unique dining options. It has a crime rate lower than the national average and is sunny over 200 days of the year. Unfortunately, New Mexico ranks poorly on taxes: the state taxes most retirement income, though Social Security is exempt if you earn less than $100,000 per year.

Top 5 Rural Towns to Retire Off the Beaten Path

Looking to live somewhere quiet? These rural towns and hamlets offer stunning vistas and a slowed-down lifestyle.

5. Bozeman, Montana

Population: 56,123

Share of Population 65+: 10.7%

Cost of Living: +25.7%

Average Income: $74,113

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

While Bozeman has many of the luxuries that come with living in a city—restaurants, galleries, shopping, and events—it feels like living in a quiet mountain town. Surrounded by the Bridger, Gallatin and Tobacco Root mountains and only 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is an outdoor lover’s paradise. A great benefit to living in Bozeman: with Montana State University situated there, you’ll have access to excellent healthcare options.

4. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Population: 56,733

Share of Population 65+: 19.5%

Cost of Living: -5.3%

Average Income: $65,786

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

Coeur d'Alene is a vacation resort town that’s popular with those who enjoy nature—it has a wealth of lakes, parks, and trails for you to explore. Even though it’s quiet, the city has a downtown area for retirees to enjoy events, restaurants, breweries and much more. In addition, it has a low cost of living that makes it affordable for many. The catch? Idaho isn’t the tax-friendliest state—it taxes pensions and 401(k) distributions, but the tax rate is a flat rate of 5.8%.

3. Eagle, Colorado

Population: 7,443

Share of Population 65+: 6.7%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +27%

Average Income: $101,373

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Mixed

The town of Eagle is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering picturesque vistas in every direction. It has ample opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors, such as biking and hiking trails. It’s a small town, but does have a walkable downtown and an overall lower cost of living than similar mountain towns in Colorado. Located in Colorado’s “banana belt,” it also has drier and warmer weather than other parts of the state.

2. Astoria, Oregon

Population: 10,182

Share of Population 65+: 19.3%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +7.1%

Average Income: $69,463

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

Located on the Columbia River, Astoria is a scenic place with lots of retiree-friendly activities: museums, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation are all popular here. Cannon Beach is only a 30 mile drive away for some fun in the sand, and the area is home to many local culinary delights like Dungeness crab and oysters. Unfortunately, Oregon does tax most forms of retirement income (except for Social Security)—it’s income tax ranges from 4.75% to 9.9%.

1. Sleepy Hollow, New York

Population: 11,001

Share of Population 65+: 17.4%

Cost of Living for Retirees: +8%

Average Income for Population 65+: $98,580

State Tax Rating for Retirees: Poor

Sleepy Hollow is a safe and quiet community that’s only a short commuter train ride away from New York—which means you can enjoy a small village lifestyle but still have access to Broadway shows and big shopping opportunities. The homes are stunning—many dating back to the early 1900s—and locals love to visit the hamlet’s restaurants, many of which focus on fresh, local produce.

Best Places To Retire Ranked By Cost-Of-Living

The cities detailed above are broken down in the chart below based on their cost of living for retirees ranked from lowest to highest:

Bottom Line

Your best place to retire will likely depend on a combination of factors, including what you value and what your assets are. If you need less space, it’s a good idea to think about downsizing. If you are on a budget, it’s a good idea to think about retirement destinations that are tax-friendly and have a lower cost of living than the national average. No matter your situation, it’s a good idea to talk to a Certified Financial Planner® to see what your options are and any options for optimizing your tax situation and your retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a retirement location?

This answer will be different for everyone, as it is largely based on what your priorities are. The first factor, however, will likely be budget: some people simply cannot afford to retire in an expensive place such as California or Hawaii, and wish to make their retirement savings last as long as possible. Besides that, it’s important to consider the weather you prefer, whether you wish to live in an urban, suburban, or rural environment, and which amenities are non-negotiable. From there, you can begin to narrow your list.

What makes a place ideal for retirement?

An ideal retirement location typically offers a blend of affordable cost of living, low crime rates, quality healthcare facilities, recreational and cultural opportunities, and a favorable climate. Personal preferences, such as proximity to family or specific hobbies, also play a significant role.

How are the best places to retire determined?

The best places to retire are usually determined through analyses that consider various factors, including cost of living, healthcare accessibility, tax rates for retirees, climate, social engagement opportunities, and safety. Surveys and studies by financial and retirement-focused publications often use these criteria to compile their lists.

Are there resources to help me research the best places to retire in the U.S.?

Numerous resources are available for researching retirement locations, including:

• Retirement-focused publications and websites that rank cities and states based on various criteria.
• Government and nonprofit organizations offering data on crime rates, healthcare quality, and cost of living.
• Online forums and social media groups where current retirees share their experiences and advice.

How can retirees assess the healthcare facilities in a potential retirement destination?

There are many online rankings and reviews that can help you understand how well-ranked and respected a certain medical facility is. That said, it’s also wise to ensure that you will be able to access any specialty medical services in the place you retire—a place with a robust university medical system is more likely to have a wealth of specialists than a small-town hospital network. Know where all the hospitals are and how far away they are before you decide to settle down in a city.