Choosing the ideal place to retire is a momentous decision that influences one's quality of life in later years. With countless options across the United States, this guide delves into the top 13 retirement destinations, each offering unique advantages. From serene coastal communities to vibrant urban centers, these locales cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Factors such as cost of living, healthcare access, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities play pivotal roles in the selection process.
Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or a mix of both, this compilation will illuminate the best retirement destinations, ensuring a fulfilling and satisfying retirement experience.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Affectionately called the ATL, the city of Atlanta is a thriving hub for workers that also does well by retirees. If you want to stay close to home while taking in a variety of local experiences, you can do a lot worse than Atlanta.
Sports fans can catch a Hawks, Falcons, Braves, or Thrashers game when the teams are at home. You can get acquainted with sea life at the Georgia Aquarium, while history buffs can visit sites like The National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
2. Casper, Wyoming
Casper, Wyoming may be the way to Yellowstone National Park, but the city has much more to offer, especially for retirees. You can learn about its past with walking tours of its downtown historic district with buildings dating back to the early 1900s.
The city’s arts and culture scene rivals that of larger cities, with art galleries, murals, museums, performing arts centers, and the theater. Its restaurants are the perfect mix of national and local cuisine. You won’t hesitate to call Casper your new home.
3. Cincinnati, Ohio
One of Cincy’s most appealing attributes is the number of festivals the city hosts throughout the year, like the Cincinnati Coffee Festival, Cincy Blues Fest, the Asian Food Fest, and The Great Pumpkin Fest for when the grandkids come to visit.
Music is a big deal in Cincinnati and the city’s series of free concerts and other musical shows underscore that importance. Listeners of all musical genres will be delighted by the diversity of the music culture, which ranges from indie music to jazz and everything in between.
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For decades, Fort Lauderdale has been the ultimate spring break location, where thousands of college students from around the country descend upon the city. Retirees will find they don’t have to be a college student to enjoy being there.
Moving to Fort Lauderdale means choosing one of 31 distinct neighborhoods to live in and enjoying 24 miles of stunning beaches. Budget-minded retirees have any number of free activities to engage in, like visiting natural parks and going on art walks.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may be called Sin City, but it’s also a cool place to retire. Of course, the city has an electrifying nightlife with its numerous casinos, but there’s an entire life to be had off the Las Vegas Strip, even though that’s fun, too.
Embark on an adventurous ATV tour of the Las Vegas desert or go climbing in Red Rock. To see Las Vegas from high above the sky, take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. Have a need for speed? NASCAR’s Racing Experience will fulfill that.
6. Miami, Florida
Snowbirds will be drawn to the year-round warm climate of Miami, and who wouldn’t relish the chance to stop shoveling snow and ice from their walkways every winter? Miami is a snow-free paradise for people from cold weather states.
Miami is famed for its miles of beaches and boating culture. To get a taste of life on the water, there are several cruise ships to the Caribbean leaving from PortMiiami. Retiree landlubbers can rejoice: there are miles of sand to enjoy from South Beach to North Beach and even dog-friendly beaches.
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is in a cold weather state, but its natural beauty makes it worth the while. Wherever you are in the city, you’re never more than six blocks away from a park. Golf is wildly popular within the state, and some of the country’s most picturesque courses are located in Minneapolis.
Retirees who happen to be fans of the late, great musician Prince can see his beloved hometown through his eyes. His home and studio, named Paisley Park, is open for tours, allowing visitors to see where he created some of his biggest hits.
8. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida is the theme park center of the world, with Universal Orlando, Seaworld, Legoland Florida, and Walt Disney World calling the city home. While those are fun places for retirees to visit on their own or with extended family, Orlando has more experiences in store.
Foodies and non-foodies alike can take a stroll along the city’s famous restaurant row, with culinary choices ranging from Mediterranean, Greek, and Turkish restaurants to Japanese and sushi spots, and Steak and seafood restaurants to American-style delis.
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has several steep mountainsides, more than other similar-sized cities. Instead of climbing them, you can spend your days on the mountains riding on the Duquesne and Monongahela inclines or funicular railways.
The inclines are made to carry people and cargo up and down the mountains and resemble individual trolley cars. Commuters use them to travel back and forth to downtown Pittsburgh, but they’re also a terrific way to get familiar with the dynamic city by way of its skyline.
10. Scottsdale, Arizona
Anyone who’s looking to enjoy the health benefits of a dry climate along with a vibrant community can find that in Scottsdale. The city has world-class dining, resorts, and art galleries, but its natural environment is what’ll keep you staying there.
The Sonoran Desert is by far one of the most amazing places on earth. Did you know there are five ways to experience it? You can travel by lake, hot air balloon, horseback, hike, or take an off-road desert tour.
11. St. Petersburg, Florida
Does your retirement dream involve lounging on the beach day after day? Then retiring to St. Petersburg, Florida might be the place for you. Next to the glorious white-sand beaches are the beautiful clear blue waters of Tampa Bay.
In between trips to the beach, you can take a relaxing stroll through some of the city’s green spaces, like the Sunken Gardens. You'll get a close-up look at the state’s flamingos housed in the gardens, along with more than 50,000 other exotic bird and plant species.
12. Tampa, Florida
After you’ve watched a Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, or Lightning game, buy yourself a one or three-day Riverwalk Attraction Pass and treat yourself to any of the seven available attractions, including The Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Pirate Water Taxi.
Tampa also has some amazing shopping areas that can’t be missed. Hyde Park Village is an outdoor shopping district with a unique mix of chain and independently-owned shops. The upscale International Plaza and Bay Street shopping center has more than 200 shops, including 16 full-scale restaurants.
13. Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, and the Brandywine Valley are the home of President Joseph R. Biden, and as soon as you arrive, you’ll see why it’s his home retreat when he’s away from The White House. The scenery is stunning all year with an abundance of attractions that goes with it.
Called a part of America's garden capital, Wilmington boasts several public gardens and state parks. You can take in the scenic views and byways by car, or play a few rounds of golf in some of the city’s exceptional courses.
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I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.
Hi Steve!
This was a lot of good information without it being too much. Just enough to get what you wanted. It helps to make the research easy to understand.
Thank you Sandra! We are trying to do our best to help people out and provide value.