18 Best Retirement Cities in the U.S. That Are Becoming Popular Hot Spots

One of the most significant decisions retirees must make once they leave the workforce is where they will live. Some decide to stay in their family home, while others choose to move to save money, for better weather, or to be closer to their grandkids.

Many retirees are picking up stakes and moving to other places in the country. As a result, certain cities have become wildly popular. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to soak in the sun or a place with many activities, these best retirement cities in the U.S. may have just what you’re looking for.

1. Atlanta, Georgia – One of the Best Retirement Cities in the U.S.

If you’ve never been to Atlanta, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting cities in the country. Once you see what Atlanta offers, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular destination for retirees. 

The food and Southern hospitality are reasons enough to move to Atlanta, but the lower cost of living especially appeals to retirees on fixed incomes. The city has a rich arts and music scene and is home to numerous historical monuments like the King Center. 

2. Brownsville, Texas

The city of Brownsville is in southern Texas, bordering the Rio Grande River. Its diversity is a wonderful blend of Texan and Mexican cultures, reflected in its people, events, and food.

Far from a sleepy Southern town, there’s abundant things to do in Brownsville. You can go to the beach or attend one of several fiestas and festivals. Fans of space travel can catch a SpaceX launch. If that’s not enough, living costs more than 25 percent less than the national average, making Brownsville an attractive option among the best retirement cities in the U.S.

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3. Chattanooga, Tennessee 

For retirees who want to explore their surroundings without stretching their budget, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has lots of free activities. Every summer, there’s a free concert series near the city center, and several parks are nearby.

The Bluff View Art District gives visitors a taste of the modern and the historical, all overlooking the Tennessee River. The cost of living in Chattanooga is well below the national average, making it an appealing choice among the best retirement cities in the U.S., though the price of utilities is slightly higher than average.

4. Cape Coral, Florida 

Retirees looking for a fun place to live with attractions for the entire family are moving to Cape Coral, Florida. There are more than 1,500 acres of parks for walking, hiking, and biking and hundreds of miles of waterways for boating and fishing.

When the grandkids come to visit, the entire family can enjoy a day of fun at Gator Mike’s for activities like zip lining, wall climbing, miniature golf, and paintball. Afterward, everyone can relax at the Movie in the Park to watch a family-friendly film. With its outdoor activities and welcoming community, Cape Coral is becoming one of the best retirement cities in the U.S.

5. Daytona Beach, Florida 

Daytona Beach may be a popular spring break destination for college students, but it’s also a great place to live. Its cost of living is more than 5 percent lower than the national average, but there’s so much more to the city.

There are miles and miles of white sand beaches perfect for parasailing and jet skiing, hiking, biking, and mural trails, as well as an exciting arts and culture scene. Car racing fans will delight in the Daytona International Speedway being there. With its affordability and vibrant lifestyle, Daytona Beach is earning its place among the best retirement cities in the U.S.

6. Fort Myers, Florida 

A mere 15 minutes away from Cape Coral, Fort Myers is more than just a city. There are also several barrier islands to relocate to, offering numerous beaches for swimming, walking the family dog, or having an oceanside meal.

You can embark on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail if you enjoy canoeing and kayaking. The different neighborhoods of Fort Myers have a multitude of unique attractions, including shopping, cruises, and eco-tours. With its coastal charm and endless recreational options, Fort Myers is becoming one of the best retirement cities in the U.S.

7. Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth natives and transplants will tell you that their barbecue is some of the best you’ll ever have. Barbecue is so popular in the city that it’s an attraction unto itself. Only a city like Fort Worth would have an itinerary of barbecue restaurants to visit.

The food is only one aspect of what they call the Western experience. While Fort Worth is a thoroughly modern city, the ways of the Old West are still present and can be experienced by visiting the city’s stables, museums, and ranches. With its rich culture, great food, and vibrant history, Fort Worth is quickly becoming one of the best retirement cities in the U.S.

8. Henderson, Nevada 

Henderson, Nevada, proves there’s more to the state than the popular cities of Las Vegas and Reno. The community calendar is full of scheduled events most days of the week, so there’s always something to do or someplace to go.

One of the best parts of living in Henderson is its proximity to other landmarks, such as Red Rock National Park and Lake Mead. It’s also within driving distance of Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and Salt Lake City. With its active community, scenic surroundings, and convenient location, Henderson is emerging as one of the best retirement cities in the U.S.

9. Houston, Texas

The cost of living is more than 3 percent less than the national average, and a state that doesn’t have an income tax are some benefits enticing seniors to Houston. As the fourth largest city in the U.S., retirees can find almost everything they need within city limits, making it one of the best retirement cities in the U.S.

Houston’s top attraction for residents and visitors is Space Center Houston, part of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The culinary scene is just as diversified as the people, with various cuisines from Peking duck to boiled crawfish.

10. Mesa, Arizona 

Retirees who want to enjoy outdoor life 12 months of the year flock to Mesa, Arizona. The city hosts popular birding tours, has dozens of golf courses, and offers kayaking and cruising on Canyon and Saguaro Lakes. It also offers the thrill of a hiking or biking wilderness adventure. 

Mesa is also in the heart of the historical Wild West and includes several attractions like the Apache Trail and a ghost town. Mesa is home to several Native American reservations, with the earliest known Indigenous settlement beginning approximately 2,000 years ago. 

11. Mission Viejo, California 

Like many California cities, Mission Viejo has a higher cost of living, but the tradeoff for retirees is a high quality of life. The city is committed to ensuring seniors live their best lives with several services and programs designed just for them. 

The Murray Memo Newsletter details all of the activities available to seniors, including volunteer activities and joining the senior leadership committee. There are also activities, classes, and support services just for seniors. 

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12. Mobile, Alabama 

Mobile, Alabama, is another Southern city attractive to retirees. The low cost of living is one factor, along with relative safety, mild winters, and activities for seniors to participate in. 

Mobile is famous for its varieties of azaleas, among other flowering plants, such as cascading mums. The climate is ideal for year-round blooms, including tropical plants and camellias. Retirees with a green thumb can garden to their heart’s delight. 

13. Port St. Lucie, Florida 

One of the more popular retirement destinations in Florida is Port St. Lucie. If you’re a fan of the New York Mets, you know that’s the city where they hold their spring training camps. Diehard baseball fandom isn’t the only reason to move there.

Housing is affordable, and the cost of living is slightly lower than the national average. It’s in a prime location – between Orlando and Miami, two main entertainment, arts, and culture centers. Golfers can tee up at any of the dozen or so private and public golf courses. 

14. San Antonio, Texas 

The state of Texas doesn’t levy an income tax, which alone convinces many people aged 65 and older to move there. The cost of living, including food, healthcare, housing, and transportation, is almost 10 percent below the national average.

San Antonio is famous for the Alamo and the Spurs professional basketball team, but it’s also a place for outstanding Tex-Mex cuisine. After you’ve dined at some great restaurants, you can visit a rodeo, take a river cruise, or visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. 

15. Santa Fe, New Mexico 

New Mexico’s capital city has a population of 90,000, but the attractions make it feel like a larger city without all of the big city headaches. With 283 days of sunshine and low humidity, retirees can look forward to spending time outdoors. 

Santa Fe has several natural wonders, like Camel Rock, a sandstone formation in the desert that resembles a camel, and the Santa Fe Shatter Cones, which are the remains of a meteor that hit the area over a billion years ago. 

16. Scottsdale, Arizona 

Phoenix may be Arizona’s largest capital city, but retirees aren’t sleeping on Scottsdale, which is a trendy place to retire. The crime rate is falling, the weather is excellent, and the scenic views are breathtaking.        

The cost of living is higher than the national average, but the available amenities make it worth the move for many seniors. Access to high-quality healthcare is easy, and Scottsdale has so many health spas that it’s considered the world’s spa capital. 

17. St. Petersburg, Florida 

Florida’s cities give the rest of the country a run for the money when it comes to attracting retirees, and St. Petersburg is no exception. Not only are the beaches gorgeous, but they’re also inclusive. 

Beachgoers in need of mobility assistance can rent specially-made beach wheelchairs. If arts and culture pursuits are more to your liking, you’ll enjoy visiting the Salvador Dali Museum. The architecture of the building is almost as impressive as the works of art housed inside. 

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18. Toledo, Ohio

The city of Toledo, Ohio is proof that not all retirement meccas are in the South, Southwest, or West Coast. The city is attracting retirees for several reasons. For starters, living costs are nearly 23 percent lower than the national average.

Other attractions include the friendliness of the people, the way communities make new residents feel welcomed, low rents, and inexpensive real estate. Toledo also provides many services geared towards seniors to improve and ensure a higher quality of life.