When you get around to the age of retirement, you might dream of packing everything up and moving to a new place. Whether you’re chasing the perfect weather, moving closer to family, or simply looking for an easier pace of life, there are plenty of options for retirees looking to relocate. Florida is the obvious destination for many, with excellent tax incentives for retirees and warm weather throughout the year. If you’re looking for a place to retire, in Florida or another state, check out this list of 15 American cities that are becoming retiree hot spots! 

1. Orlando, Florida

For anyone who has a desire for top-rated entertainment in retirement, Orlando is the place to be! World-renowned for its many theme parks and shows, Orlando will have you on the edge of your seat in retirement. With sunny, moderate weather throughout the year, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round. As a bonus, since the city is such a haven for retirees, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a community for yourself. 

2. Tampa, Florida 

If your heart is set on Florida, but you think your budget won’t allow it, you should consider Tampa. As compared to other major cities in Florida, Tampa’s cost of living is quite reasonable, without having to sacrifice the tax incentives or healthcare. In addition to this, the neighborhoods tend to be more diverse if that is important to you.

3. Wilmington, North Carolina 

When you think of a beach town, Wilmington is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, Wilmington is quickly becoming a retiree’s paradise. Since it has not been a retirement community for decades, it still has lots of affordable places to live, as well as excellent healthcare. Though it’s not Florida, Wilmington has great weather all year round with a vibrant foods, arts, and cultural scene. Not to mention the beaches nearby! 

4. Naples, Florida

The great thing about Naples is that it is not a traditional retirement community. Since Naples does not  overwhelmingly house retirees, it is a more diverse place than most retirement cities. With natural beauty including white sand beaches and beautiful trees, Naples is an inspiring place to live. 

5. Greenville, South Carolina 

Although you may not expect it, Greenville constantly pops as one of the up and coming retirement locations in the United States. Located near South Carolina’s mountains, Greenville has the charm of a small town without sacrificing an urban feel, which you can get in nearby Charlotte. With plenty of outdoor activities, as well as easy access to the mountains and beaches not too far away, this South Carolina gem is perfect for retirees who love being outdoors. 

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Lots of people looking to relocate don’t even consider Santa Fe. However this New Mexico city is a great place to retire! Santa Fe has a bounty of recreational activities, featuring outdoor attractions, arts, and culture. With all the modern amenities of a major city, but the charm of a smaller city, Santa Fe creates a unique, retirement-friendly atmosphere. 

7. Charleston, South Carolina 

Along South Carolina’s coast, Charleston is an absolutely iconic town. As the oldest city in the state, Charleston has lots of history and culture to offer its residents. With the stunning beaches nearby, as well as active things like boating, fishing, and cycling, the city is great for anyone seeking an active retirement. As a bonus, your family and friends are bound to always want to visit! 

8. St. Petersburg, Florida

With sunshine nearly every day of the year, St. Petersburg has started to attract lots of retirees! As with other spots in Florida, living in St. Petersburg gives you tax benefits, such as no state income tax. With beaches, water activities, and state parks nearby, people in St. Petersburg can appreciate the ideal weather. The thriving retirement community also enjoys plenty of galleries, museums, and entertainment options. 

9. Madison, Wisconsin 

If you’re attached to the idea of the Midwest in retirement, Madison could be the right spot. This city is the perfect combination of high quality of life and reasonable cost of living. Madison has plenty of beautiful natural elements, such as lakes, parks, walking trails, and cycling trails. If you don’t want to spend retirement outside, there are also culinary gems, a great entertainment scene, and top-rated healthcare. 

10. Atlanta, Georgia

For a southern retirement outside of Florida, consider the modern metropolis of Atlanta. To start, Georgia is much more affordable on average than typical retirement spots in Florida. You’ll enjoy some of the same tax benefits, with up to $65,000 worth of income safe from state taxes. On top of this, you get all the benefits of a major city, such as great healthcare, a major airport, and plenty of entertainment options. For a modern, city retirement, make sure you put Atlanta on your list! 

11. Cincinnati, Ohio

For anyone considering more of a Midwest flair, Cincinnati could be the right place for your retirement. With a low cost of living, great healthcare, and high general quality of life, Cincinnati is a great option. Not only does it have plenty of recreational activities and parks nearby, it also has a thriving arts scene. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a large city, without sacrificing culture, Cincinnati is the right fit! 

12. Scottsdale, Arizona

If you seek sunshine in retirement, head over to Scottsdale, Arizona! Located within easy reach of Phoenix, Scottsdale allows retirees to enjoy the best of the weather, outdoor living, and golf courses. While the cost of homes is higher than other places in the United States, it does have excellent medical care for retirees. As a bonus, since Scottsdale has long been a thriving spot for retirees. So there are plenty of communities of older people you can integrate into!  

13. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

While Fort Lauderdale has been a retirement destination for many years, it continues to attract lots of retirees. With many top-rated golf courses, entertainment options, beaches nearby, and more, you’ll never be bored in Fort Lauderdale! If you need to downsize, the area also has a wide variety of housing options, which make it affordable for retirees in different income brackets. 

14. Charlotte, North Carolina

For a more up and coming retirement community, consider Charlotte, North Carolina. This bustling, banking city, also known as the “Queen City,” offers retirees plenty of benefits. For starters, Charlotte has a more reasonable cost of living than other major cities in the United States, along with the moderate weather many retirees look for. As a major city, it enjoys a lively arts scene and great amenities, such as a major airport and top-notch healthcare. 

15. Pensacola, Florida

Known for its waterfront views and more reasonable cost of living, Pensacola has also become a hot destination for retirees. Located right across the border from Alabama, this city is home to natural beauty, such as state parks, Pensacola Bay, and white sand beaches. When you’re considering retirement, Pensacola offers a great combination of affordability, natural beauty, and ideal weather. 

Retirement Hot Spots in the USA: Cities for Retirees to Consider 

Although lots of retirees dream of flocking to Florida, there are plenty of other options in the United States for people who want to relocate in retirement. Each place offers different benefits and amenities. Before you decide where you want to live out some of your best years, go over this list of retirement hot spots that are on the rise in the US. You might find one that will surprise you and tempt you into retirement!