Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025-2026

Deciding where to retire isn’t just about finding sunshine and golf courses… It’s about balancing affordability, healthcare, taxes, and happiness. To help you narrow down the options, Think Save Retire analyzed data from over 150 U.S. cities to identify the best places to retire in 2025.

Our research focused on the factors that matter most to retirees: cost of living, healthcare access, tax rates, housing affordability, safety, and overall quality of life. Each location was evaluated using publicly available data from trusted sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, WalletHub, the Tax Foundation, and U.S. News.

The result? A list of destinations that combine comfort, financial stability, and community, no matter what your version of the “good life” looks like.

How We Ranked the Best Retirement Spots

Every city and state received a composite score based on five weighted factors:

All data reflects the most recent updates available as of September 2025.

Top 5 U.S. States to Retire in 2025

1. Florida

• Median Home Value: $410,000
• Cost of Living Index: 103 (3% above national average)
• Tax Notes: No state income tax
• Healthcare Ranking: #16 nationally

Florida still tops retirement lists thanks to its tax advantages and year-round warmth. Naples, Sarasota, and The Villages consistently rank high for healthcare and lifestyle. Just be prepared for elevated home-insurance costs in coastal areas.

2. Minnesota

• Median Home Value: $330,000
• Cost of Living Index: 99 (near national average)
• Tax Notes: Partial tax on Social Security; pension exclusions available
• Healthcare Ranking: #2 nationally

Minnesota’s healthcare quality and community satisfaction scores are among the best in the nation. Cities like Rochester (home to the Mayo Clinic) make it an ideal choice for retirees prioritizing health access over sunshine.

3. Colorado

• Median Home Value: $525,000
• Cost of Living Index: 112
• Tax Notes: Flat income tax = 4.4%
• Healthcare Ranking: #7 nationally

Outdoor lovers often flock to Colorado for its active lifestyle and scenic views. The state offers more than 300 days of sunshine per year and an excellent hospital network along the Front Range. Home prices can be steep in Boulder or Denver, but smaller cities like Pueblo and Grand Junction are far more affordable.

4. Delaware

• Median Home Value: $385,000
• Cost of Living Index: 98
• Tax Notes: No sales tax; low property taxes (~0.6%)
• Healthcare Ranking: #18 nationally

Delaware combines tax perks with coastal proximity. It’s one of the few East Coast states where retirees can live near the beach without massive property taxes or congestion, especially in towns like Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.

5. Wyoming

• Median Home Value: $370,000
• Cost of Living Index: 94
• Tax Notes: No state income tax
• Healthcare Ranking: #26 nationally

For retirees looking for open space and financial freedom, Wyoming honestly shines. With no income tax, low housing costs, and stunning scenery, it’s great for independent retirees. Just remember: rural living may mean longer drives to hospitals or stores.

Top U.S. Cities for Retirees in 2025

These cities scored highest for affordability, healthcare access, and overall happiness.

Naples, Florida

Naples tops nearly every retirement list, and for good reason. It offers exceptional healthcare, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The cost of living is higher, but retirees often say the lifestyle is worth the tradeoff.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh’s blend of affordable housing, top-tier hospitals, and mild winters makes it a favorite among retirees who want access to city amenities without big-city prices.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This coastal destination offers an unbeatable mix of recreation, safety, and moderate living costs. Retirees enjoy miles of shoreline and easy access to healthcare and various cultural attractions.

Boise, Idaho

Boise continues to rise in popularity due to its low crime, outdoor lifestyle, and affordability. It’s a growing metro with a small-town feel, perfect for retirees who enjoy four seasons and an active lifestyle.

Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville’s low cost of living, strong job market, and emerging retiree infrastructure have helped it land among the top 10 cities for seniors. It’s one of the South’s best-kept secrets to this day.

Regional Retirement Highlights

• Southeast: Florida, Alabama, and North Carolina remain retiree favorites for warm weather and no/low income taxes.
• Midwest: Minnesota and Wisconsin rank well for healthcare and safety, but have higher heating costs.
• Mountain West: Colorado and Idaho are perfect for active retirees, but face rising home values.
• East Coast: Delaware and Virginia offer coastal living with better affordability than neighboring states.

5 Worst States to Retire in 2025

While every state has its charm, some fall short when it comes to supporting retirees on a fixed income. High living costs, heavy taxation, and limited healthcare access pushed these states to the bottom of the 2025 rankings.

1. California

• Median Home Value: $850,000
• Cost of Living Index: 142.5 (42.5% above national average)
• Tax Notes: Up to 14.4% income tax; Social Security exempt, but pensions taxed
• Healthcare Ranking: #7 nationally

California’s weather and scenery are unbeatable, but the high cost of living and steep taxes make it difficult for retirees to maintain a fixed income comfortably.

2. New York

• Median Home Value: $713,917
• Cost of Living Index: 124
• Tax Notes: Up to 10.9% income tax; partial exemptions for retirees
• Healthcare Ranking: #8 nationally

Excellent healthcare and culture can’t offset high housing costs, taxes, and utilities. Many retirees choose nearby states like Pennsylvania or Delaware instead.

3. New Jersey

• Median Home Value: $575,000
• Cost of Living Index: 115
• Tax Notes: Up to 10.75% income tax, no tax on Social Security, but property taxes average 2.2%, the highest in the nation
• Healthcare Ranking: #2 nationally

New Jersey offers proximity to major cities and beaches, but it is one of the most expensive states for property owners. The high property taxes alone can offset retirement savings.

4. Massachusetts

• Median Home Value: $660,000
• Cost of Living Index: 145
• Tax Notes: 5% flat income tax; high healthcare and housing costs
• Healthcare Ranking: #1 nationally

Massachusetts offers outstanding healthcare, but at a steep cost. Housing, insurance, and everyday expenses are well above national averages, putting pressure on retirees’ budgets.

5. Alaska

• Median Home Value: $385,000
• Cost of Living Index: 123.8
• Tax Notes: No state income or sales tax
• Healthcare Ranking: #43 nationally

Despite its scenic beauty and lack of income tax, Alaska ranks low for retirees because of its remote location, limited healthcare, and high everyday costs, from groceries to fuel.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Spot for You

Even the best rankings can’t replace personal fit. To narrow down your options:

1. Prioritize your top three needs. Whether that’s taxes, weather, or healthcare access, list what matters most.
2. Run the numbers. Compare property taxes, home prices, and healthcare costs.
3. Visit off-season. Test drive the community before committing.
4. Check healthcare networks. Access varies widely by county.
5. Try a 30-day stay. It’s the simplest way to see if you feel at home.

Final Thoughts

Whether your dream retirement includes beaches, mountains, or simply a cozy midwestern town, the right location balances cost, comfort, and care.

While Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado stand out as 2025’s best choices, retirees in high-cost states like California and New York may need to get creative or relocate to maintain a comfortable retirement.

At the end of the day, the best place to retire isn’t about the lowest taxes or the nicest weather; it’s about finding a place that fits your lifestyle, your health, and your peace of mind.

Methodology & Data Sources

Think Save Retire’s 2025 rankings use verified data from:

• U.S. Census Bureau (housing and income data)
• Tax Foundation (income, sales, and property tax rates)
• WalletHub “Best & Worst States to Retire” 2025
• U.S. News “Best Places to Retire” 2025
• FEMA National Risk Index (climate and disaster risk)
• Medicare.gov & CDC (healthcare access and hospital rankings)

Each state was rated on affordability, healthcare, quality of life, and tax environment. Scores were updated in September 2025.