These Are Some of the Top Retirement Towns in the U.S.

December 12, 2024 — What is the best town to retire to? That is the most frequent question we receive at Topretirements. Of course, our standard answer is that it is a very personal question—it depends on what you are looking for. Do you want to live in the mountains, on the beach, by a lake, in a small town, or a big city? Plus, what do you want to do in your spare time? Will your chosen town be a good fit for those activities? Not to mention factors like climate, medical care, cost of living, taxes, crime, and more. Any list other than the one you create yourself is not going to do the job.

You can see where this is going: answering the question of the best place to retire is not easy. However, some places consistently come up as favorites that fit the description. Here are a few that are frequently mentioned. If they match the criteria you set out in the first paragraph, they might be worth considering. Note that most of these towns are especially suited to outdoor recreation.

Sarasota, FL

Located on Florida’s west (Gulf) coast, Sarasota has a lot to offer. There are barrier islands with beautiful beaches, and the downtown area is rich with cultural possibilities thanks to its history as the former winter quarters of America’s circuses. Additionally, there are hundreds of 55+ and active communities to choose from.

Green Valley, AZ

This desert region south of Tucson is made up of numerous communities, mostly populated by retirees. People come to southern Arizona for the lower cost of living, sunny skies and warm winters, and stunning desert mountains. It consistently ranks as a best place to retire.

New Bern, NC

Another extremely popular retirement town, New Bern boasts a charming, walkable downtown area. It’s small enough to be comfortable but large enough to offer a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The Intracoastal Waterway comes through here.

The Ocean Cities, NJ and MD)

Both of these beach towns are located on the coast and feature excellent beaches, making them ideal for a relaxing lifestyle. They also have golf and many communities to choose from (See NJ Directory).

New Braunfels, TX

Located in the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels’ German heritage adds a unique cultural touch. It’s an interesting and scenic place to consider. Retirees love the people, weather, excellent health care, beautiful hill country and safe living environment, and many good restaurants.

Asheville, NC

This area in western North Carolina frequently tops “best place to retire” lists. It offers mountains, a fairly temperate climate, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, a recent hurricane caused significant damage, so the area will take some time to fully recover. We list over 30 active communities in the area.

Los Alamos, NM

This town has one of the highest concentrations of PhDs per capita in the U.S. The surrounding mountains provide easy access to outdoor wilderness opportunities. Livability.com named Los Alamos one of the top 10 Small Towns in America. 

Bend, OR

Bend is a top destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, biking, and skiing. Located on the Deschutes River on the eastern edge of the Cascades, the area offers great scenic beauty, skiing, mountains, golf, and fishing. The area is loaded with 55+ and active adult communities.

Sequim, WA

This area, nicknamed the “Blue Hole” for its unusually clear skies for Washington, is a favorite among retirees seeking a relaxing lifestyle with a wide variety of outdoor activities available. Sequim’s proximity to the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Dungeness River are appealing features.

Bozeman, MT

A college town with a dynamic vibe, Bozeman is growing quickly. Its population during the 2023 census was 56,123, a 81% increase since 2000.  People are drawn here for its recreation, natural beauty, and quality of life.  If skiing, hiking, hunting, golf, or fishing are your passions, this could be the place for you.

What Other Publications Say About the Best Retirement Towns

There is no shortage of “best places to retire” lists published by various websites and magazines. Here are some of the most recent recommendations for top retirement destinations. Realtor.com has a pretty good list, here are their top 10 retirement communities. The only overlap with our list was Green Valley. Note: Their list was of retirement communities, not towns. We have reviews of most of these communities in our State Directories.

Sun City, FL

King City, OR

The Villages, FL

Manchester, NJ

Monroe, NJ

Seal Beach, CA

Sun City, CA

Laguna Village, CA

Whiting, NJ

Comments: What do you think are the best retirement towns or communities. Let us know in the Comments section below.

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