The 10 Best Places to Retire in the US in 2024

The former capital of Pennsylvania, surrounded by picturesque Amish farmland and manicured suburbs, tops the list of the best-rated American cities for senior citizens. Since it offers an ideal mix of rural and urban culture, Lancaster appeals to various personalities, creating a diverse, retirement-friendly environment.

Although you might see Amish horse-drawn carriages near the city, Lancaster keeps up with modern times and offers every convenience a senior could need. Likewise, Lancaster’s art and culture scene are top-notch, primarily because of the Central Market and the American Music Theater.

However, Lancaster ranks as the best place to retire because it offers low living costs, low crime rates, and low taxes for retirees. The median monthly rate in this city, with a 24% share of the population over sixty, is $1,050, while the median monthly mortgage is around $1,556.

Also known as the Cradle of Naval Aviation and the City of Five Flags, Pensacola, FL, is another desirable location for American seniors. Of course, the first nickname comes from the Naval Air Station, while the second relates to the five nations that ruled over the Florida Panhandle.

So, why is Pensacola one of the top cities for retirement? First, the metro area bordering Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay attracts retirees from across the country with its exquisite blend of nature and history. The pristine beaches can calm and relax anyone, except during the hurricane season, while the mild winters allow for year-round outdoor activities.

Besides the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola has many other touring sites to offer, including a lighthouse and a maritime museum. In addition, the food scene is excellent, with reasonable prices and open dining areas.

Asheville, NC, ranks among the best places to retire in the US for active adults because this mountain city is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On the other hand, Asheville boasts the most breweries per capita than any city in the US, so, no surprises for the nickname the Beer City.

People also refer to Asheville as the Paris of the South, primarily because of the breathtaking Baltimore Estate, the largest private home in America. But, of course, the Vanderbilt mansion is not the only attention-worthy attraction, with Asheville having a thriving art scene and multiple fine dining options.

Most importantly, Asheville, North Carolina, is among the best places to retire because it offers affordable housing, scenic views, a mild climate, and abundant recreational activities.

Toledo, OH, is another affordable city to settle in during your golden years. After all, the city’s slogan, "You will do better in Toledo,” introduced in 1913, still represents what the Glass City is all about. For example, the median monthly rent in Toledo is $767, while the University of Toledo allows residents aged 60 or more to attend classes tuition-free.

Toledo boasts many historic landmarks, but the most prominent attractions include Metroparks Toledo and the Toledo Museum of Art. Located on Lake Erie, Toledo is among the best cities to retire to because it offers a four-season climate with lots of open spaces and jaw-dropping scenery.

Healthcare options in Toledo are top-rated, while the friendly community comprises many cultures in a typical American melting pot fashion. And although the downtown area is bustling during the week, the rest of Toledo offers a peaceful, retirement-friendly atmosphere.

Even though the vast Tampa Bay metro area might look intimidating, the sprawling area encompasses three cities—Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. We’ll focus on the last one because Tampa, FL, has traditionally ranked as one of the best places to retire in the US near water.

If you’ve dreamed of spending your retirement days near the beach, Tampa is the place to go. After all, almost everyone loves the laid-back beach lifestyle, but the Gulf of Mexico also offers access to various water sports and outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, Tampa’s diverse communities often celebrate their Caribbean or European roots, offering a never-ending cycle of events to attend. In other words, Tampa ticks every box for a vibrant, entertaining place to settle in after you retire.

When it comes to the best states to retire to, Florida has no match in the US. That’s why we have another city from the Sunshine State on our list. After all, Naples is a typical example of what you might expect after retiring to Florida, one of the states with no retirement income tax. So, if you are looking for a tax-friendly location, Naples, FL, could be right up your street.

This picturesque city offers access to a booming job market, a below-average crime rate, and an excellent culinary culture. Yet, Naples has a reputation for being an upscale environment, and this wealthy area has relatively high living costs. Thus, it might go on the list of the best places to retire in the US on a budget.

Nonetheless, Naples, FL, remains every retiree’s dream. Who wouldn’t want to spend their golden years surrounded by golf courses, celebrity mansions, and world-class shopping centers?

Since most US seniors focus on housing affordability amidst the rising inflation and the looming recession, we should revisit retiree-friendly places. For instance, Scranton, PA, brings an irresistible small-town appeal thanks to its close-knit neighborhoods and low crime rates.

It’s no secret that The Office popularized Scranton, and this Pennsylvania city grabbed the opportunity by offering Office-themed tours. Meanwhile, retirees in Scranton can enjoy various walking and cycling paths, including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Scranton, PA, ranks among the best retirement cities because it offers below-average living costs and a peaceful lifestyle. The city has an active art scene, with plenty of galleries and festivals to visit year-round. People are friendly across the Electric City, so retiring in Scranton could be wise and cost-effective.

Although Manchester, NH, has several campuses and colleges, making it a student town, many retirees decide to move to this area. Even the yearly average of 60 inches of snowfall doesn’t discourage senior citizens, primarily because Manchester is a tax-friendly haven with world-class healthcare facilities.

Like Naples, FL, Manchester might rank among the most affordable places to retire because living costs in this area are higher than average. House prices skyrocketed over the last years, with the median monthly rent jumping to $1,217.

Nevertheless, Manchester, NH, continues to attract American pensioners. For instance, the McIntyre Ski Area offers discounted ski passes for people aged 65+, while many museums and art galleries provide entertainment and enjoyment for the elderly. Air quality around Manchester is excellent, and the area is abundant with outdoor leisure activities.

Another college town on our list is Ann Arbor, MI, because of the world-famous University of Michigan. At the same time, Ann Arbor is among the best places to retire in the United States, given the unrivaled healthcare seniors could get in this Midwestern city. In addition, Ann Arbor, also known as Tree Town, is famous for the greenery growing along city streets.

Besides the healthy lifestyle, Ann Arbor can offer many employment opportunities for seniors looking for part-time jobs. The fast-growing startup scene and the proximity to Detroit contribute to Ann Arbor’s diverse job market. Meanwhile, the shores of the Huron River provide recreational opportunities like reading, walking, or fishing.

Ann Arbor, MI, is another four-season city among the top places to retire in the US, but the town is at its liveliest during the summer when the Street Art Fair attracts around a half-million attendees.

If you like annual festivals combined with effortless access to the great outdoors, the last city on our list could be your cup of tea. After all, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, is an old town that should meet almost every pensioner’s taste.

Harrisburg is a good place to retire to because the city is only hours away from Philadelphia, Washington DC, or Baltimore. Likewise, the breathtaking Appalachian Trail and the surrounding parks are ideal for outdoor recreation. If that’s not enough, the Gettysburg National Military Park and Hersheypark are within driving distance.

Harrisburg boasts reasonable living costs and an affordable housing market compared to the larger metro areas on the East Coast. Therefore, many retire to Harrisburg to stay close to their families and friends in the big cities.