New Report: These Are the Best Cities to Retire in the U.S. in 2025

When you’re deciding where to live, individual preferences carry a lot of weight. But toss retirement into the mix, and a few factors—like access to health care, mild weather and reasonable cost of living—become essential across the board. In the pre-retirement years, many people dream about living in their favorite beach community or mountain town without thinking about their needs in 15 or 20 years. That won’t fly once you’re retired.

As you consider the best and worst states for retirees, it makes sense to think about the services you’ll need to support you as you age. “As people live longer, quality of life often is also determined by the availability of high-quality long-term services and supports, like community services, home health aides or good facilities,” explains M.T. Connolly, a leading expert on elder justice and the author of The Measure of Our Age. “Because family caregivers provide the bulk of elder care, another important factor is whether there’s decent support for such ‘informal’ caregivers.”

So where will you find retirement-friendly locations in the United States? A new report points the way. For 30 years, the folks behind U.S. News & World Report have provided rankings—from the best colleges to the best credit cards—to help people sort through their options and make some of life’s more challenging decisions. They’ve done it again with a 2025 roundup of the best U.S. cities for retirees. Read on to find out which spots made the cut.

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How were the best cities for retirees determined?

To come up with the 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings, U.S. News & World Report drew on publicly available data, including statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to evaluate 150 cities across the United States. (It’s worth noting that U.S. News evaluated only the most populated cities in the United States and Puerto Rico, so many towns popular with retirees weren’t included in the report.) Using the data, it zeroed in on six factors critical to retirees: happiness, quality of health care, affordability, desirability, tax rates and job-market strength.

From there, it surveyed two groups: those nearing retirement age (45 to 59) and those of retirement age (60 or older). The responses helped U.S. News weigh each of the key elements that factor into where you should live in retirement. It’s why affordability is weighted three times as high as the job market—it makes sense for people at or nearing retirement.

Which city is the best to retire in?

U.S. News & World Report has declared Naples, Florida, the best city for retirees. It could be a good spot for you if you favor a wide range of amenities over the most affordable place to retire.

“Despite its higher cost of living, the benefits of a resource-rich community tend to balance the financial aspects,” explains Christopher Norman, a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging. “In other words, you might get what you pay for. The city’s excellent health care, beautiful beaches and numerous activities contribute to its appeal for retirees.”

Local PJ Smith, owner of Naples Golf to Gulf Real Estate, points out that those familiar with Naples’s vibrant amenities, scenic location and thriving community life tailored to retirees aren’t surprised to see the city nab the top spot. “While the cost of living is on the higher side, Naples’s benefits, including no state income tax and world-class health care, make it an appealing choice,” she says.

Why is Naples the most livable city?

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This Florida city is recognized for its high quality of life and services tailored to seniors. Here are some factors that make it the most livable city for retirees.

Health-care availability

Overlooking cities that put health care first is a big mistake. Whether you’re healthy when you enter retirement or battling acute or chronic issues, you’ll eventually need health-care options that are both high quality and close to where you live.

“As people age, they are likely to develop chronic medical illnesses—whether the condition is diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or age-related cognitive decline. And savvy seniors know that proximity to health care is a major consideration for a retirement setting,” says Gary Small, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist, the chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center and the author of more than a dozen books, including The Longevity Bible.

Proximity to the beach

Living close to the beach is on many retirement wish lists, and for good reason. “Having a view of the ocean, a lake or a river has been shown to increase well-being and mental health,” Dr. Small says. “For many people, being close to the water brings about feelings of calm and elevated overall mood.”

He says he finds it easier to fall asleep near the ocean, where he can hear the rhythm of the waves crashing against the sand, and we agree! File this perk in the happiness column.

Loads of sunshine

Most people feel better when the sun is shining, and Naples has an average of 264 sunny days per year, compared with the national average of 205. “Sunlight lifts mood through release of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, and when exposed to sunshine, the body produces vitamin D, which keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy and supports cognitive function,” Dr. Small says.

Of course, he points out, skin cancer is still a risk and sunscreen is essential. But overall, those extra days of sunny skies are a major win for retirees.

Endless activities

Naples has a lot to do, and there’s truly something for everyone. “From over 90 golf courses to the cultural events at Artis–Naples [visual and performing arts center], retirees have access to various enriching experiences,” says Brandon Blakeley, co-founder of Mirador Living. “Whether you’re a golfer, a theater lover or someone who enjoys a good farmers market, there’s always something to look forward to.”

Relaxed lifestyle

Finding the sweet spot between an active and vibrant city and one without a hectic pace can be challenging, but Naples checks all the boxes. “Naples combines the best of high-end living with a relaxed, laid-back vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere,” Blakeley says. “Naples is an ideal spot for seniors looking to slow their pace without sacrificing an active and connected lifestyle.”

Good housing market

When it comes to the housing market, Naples isn’t the cheapest place to live. But many who live there agree that the city’s other perks make up for the cost, and they’re willing to sacrifice square footage for this prime Gulf Coast location. “Naples is known to have a robust housing market, with a variety of options ranging from luxury condos to charming single-family homes to megamansions,” Smith says.

Prices are higher here than in other areas of the country, she admits. But the city’s cultural charm and neighborly atmosphere give it real appeal. “Naples’s higher cost of living might surprise some readers,” Smith says, “but its unmatched quality of life balances that factor for many retirees.”

No state income tax

Florida’s lack of income tax is a huge bonus for many people. Smith points out that these savings help offset some higher living costs, making the city more financially accessible for retirees drawing income from investments or pensions.

Jobs and schools

While these aspects of a community aren’t necessarily critical for retirees, cities with solid job markets and well-funded schools are beneficial for all residents. “Many retirees are mindful of wanting to help their children and grandchildren through their inheritance, and homes in communities with schools have greater value over time,” Dr. Small explains. “Moreover, older adults often like living in areas with people of varying ages—it helps them to feel young at heart.”

Low crime rate

Naples has a lower crime rate than similarly sized metro areas, which is a positive for anyone of any age. Dr. Small points out that, due to age-related physical illnesses, many older adults are frail and not as mobile as they were in their youth, so they’re particularly concerned about being victims of crime. “Having access to the cultural and health-care resources of an urban area with a low crime rate is especially attractive to many retirees,” he says.

What other cities rounded out the top 10?

In addition to Naples, nine other U.S. cities rounded out the list of the best places to retire. Below, the National Council on Aging’s Norman shares his thoughts on what makes each place an excellent choice for retirement.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach combines the convenience of city living with the scenic beauty of beachfront views, providing retirees with a balanced lifestyle. It also offers economic benefits, like a reasonable cost of living and a state tax exemption from Social Security benefits, making it a financially appealing option for many.

New York City

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Yup, you read that right. One of the world’s most expensive cities has a lot to offer retirees. New York City is an excellent place for those seeking a culturally rich retirement. It’s packed with entertainment options and culinary delights. The Big Apple also boasts an efficient public-transit system and high-caliber health-care facilities. Yes, the cost of living is on the higher end, but if you can swing it, New York City is a great place for settling into your next phase of life.

Sarasota, Florida

It may not be the most affordable state to retire in, but Florida is widely regarded as a retirement paradise, so it’s no surprise that another of its cities made the U.S. News & World Report list. Sarasota is appealing because of its warm climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene. The cost of living is manageable, and it has quality health-care facilities that are more focused on older adults, making it a desirable place for retirement.

Boise, Idaho

This city is known for its affordability, safe environment and plethora of activities that favor an active lifestyle, including hiking and biking. Boise also has a growing network of health-care services that cater well to the needs of retirees.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Combining affordable living, mild weather and superior health care, Raleigh is a smart choice for people approaching retirement. Its academic and cultural scene, enriched by local universities, provides continuous opportunities for learning and entertainment.

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is a cost-effective place to live, especially when it comes to housing. Rich in water activities—courtesy of its extensive beaches and waterways—it’s perfect for those envisioning a retirement filled with outdoor adventures in a sunny setting.

Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville features a low cost of living and high-quality health care in a tranquil environment. It also offers a rich blend of culture and history, which contributes to a dynamic community life that could be fulfilling.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte mixes urban amenities with Southern hospitality. This makes it pretty welcoming for retirees. It also has a moderate climate and easily accessible health care—not to mention it’s relatively affordable.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without missing out on urban advantages. It boasts low living costs, a variety of cultural institutions and beautiful parks, creating a comforting and enriching retirement setting.

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Sources:

• M.T. Connolly, national expert on elder justice, lawyer and author of The Measure of Our Age; email interview, November 2024
• Christopher Norman, board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging; email interview, November 2024
• Gary Small, MD, geriatric psychiatrist, chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center and author of more than a dozen books, including The Longevity Bible; email interview, November 2024
• Brandon Blakeley, co-founder and chief technology officer of Mirador Living; email interview, November 2024
• PJ Smith, owner of Naples Golf to Gulf Real Estate; email interview, November 2024
• U.S. News & World Report: “2025 Best Places to Retire”
• U.S. News & World Report: “What Makes Naples, Florida, the Best Place to Retire in 2025”