Where Are The Best Places To Retire In The U.s.?

Retirement is an opportunity to be more intentional about how you spend your time — the pace of your days, the people you connect with, and the experiences that bring meaning and fulfillment. Where you choose to live during this chapter can influence everything from how easily you stay active and engaged to how supported you feel as your lifestyle evolves.

This guide brings together national retirement rankings with Senior Lifestyle’s firsthand experience supporting seniors in communities across the country. The result is a practical look at some of the best places to retire in the U.S. — and what everyday life can look like once you’re there.

National rankings increasingly point to destinations that balance quality of life, healthcare access, and overall value. Today’s retirees are prioritizing places that support independence, social connection, and long-term well-being just as much as financial considerations.

Top Retirement Regions and Cities Across the United States

National retiree destination rankings, including U.S. News & World Report’s expanded Best Places to Retire, evaluate hundreds of cities based on factors such as quality of life, healthcare availability, affordability, and migration trends among adults age 55+. 

Many of the regions that consistently rise to the top also align with what retirees often say matters most: feeling connected, comfortable, and confident in their surroundings.

Florida: Sunshine, Accessibility, and Active Living

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for retirement, appealing to those who seek year-round outdoor living, accessible healthcare, and communities designed to support active, social lifestyles. Coastal access, recreational opportunities, and the absence of state income tax continue to make Florida an attractive option for retirees seeking both ease and engagement.

Senior Lifestyle communities throughout Florida reflect the state’s relaxed, welcoming pace of life. Residents often delight in opportunities to stay active, gather socially, and take advantage of nearby cultural and coastal amenities — all within environments designed to feel supportive and comfortable.

Senior Lifestyle communities in Florida include:

• Addington Place of Jupiter
• Addington Place of Stuart
• Addington Place of Titusville
• Bayshore Memory Care in Naples (#18 city in U.S. News & World Report’s list)
• Mangrove Bay in Jupiter
• The Estate at Hyde Park in Tampa

Pennsylvania: Stability, Healthcare Access, and a Strong Sense of Place

Pennsylvania regularly places multiple cities on national retirement lists, particularly when affordability and healthcare access are prioritized. Cities such as Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster, Scranton, and Allentown are often noted for their balance of value, medical resources, and proximity to cultural amenities.

Senior Lifestyle communities across Pennsylvania often appeal to those who value established neighborhoods, access to respected healthcare systems, and a strong sense of local identity. Many locations are near walkable town centers, cultural institutions, and seasonal celebrations that foster familiarity and connection.

Senior Lifestyle communities in Pennsylvania include:

• Park Creek Place in North Wales
• The Addison of Clen-Moore Place in New Castle
• The Addison of Garden Way Place in Hermitage
• The Addison of Logan Place in New Kensington
• The Addison of Lowrie Place in Butler 
• The Addison of McCullough Place in Johnstown (a short drive from U.S. News’ #8 Altoona) 
• The Addison of Moorehead Place in Indiana, PA
• The Addison of Uniontown
• The Addison of Woodbourne Place in Levittown
• Wellington at Hershey’s Mill in West Chester

California: Natural Beauty and Cultural Access

California continues to appeal to retirees drawn to temperate weather, scenic surroundings, and access to arts and culture. Communities across the state are frequently recognized for quality of life, healthcare access, and opportunities to stay engaged year-round.

In Southern California, Senior Lifestyle offers a community that reflects this balance of natural beauty and everyday comfort.

Senior Lifestyle community in California:

• Meadowbrook at Agoura Hills

New Mexico: Culture, Character, and a Relaxed Pace

New Mexico offers a distinctive blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and an unhurried pace of life. Areas such as Santa Fe are often highlighted for their art scenes, historic character, and mild four-season climate, making the region appealing to retirees who value creativity as well as outdoor access.

Senior Lifestyle’s community in New Mexico supports an active yet relaxed lifestyle shaped by local culture and community connection.

Senior Lifestyle community in New Mexico:

• The Woodmark at Uptown in Albuquerque (suburb Rio Rancho is #6 on U.S. News’ best cities to retire list) 

Colorado: Active Living with Scenic Surroundings

Colorado attracts retirees who like staying active and engaged, with easy access to outdoor recreation alongside cultural venues and healthcare resources. Communities along the Front Range combine mountain views with urban convenience, offering a balance of nature and connectivity.

Senior Lifestyle community in Colorado:

• Liberty Heights in Colorado Springs (U.S. News’ #2 spot to retire in Colorado)

Southeast & Mid-Atlantic: Warmth, Value, and Community Connection

The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions continue to draw retirees with their warmer climates, overall value, and strong community networks. Cities such as Lynchburg, Virginia, and Smyrna, Georgia, are frequently recognized for livability, cultural offerings, and access to everyday amenities.

Senior Lifestyle communities throughout these regions often emphasize neighborly connection, cultural access, and a lifestyle that feels both welcoming and engaging.

Senior Lifestyle communities in Virginia and Georgia include:

• Culpepper Garden in Arlington, VA
• Addington Place of Brunswick in Brunswick, GA 
• Addington Place of Dublin in Dublin, GA
• Addington Place of Johns Creek in Johns Creek, GA
• Camellia Walk of Evans in Evans, GA 
• Renaissance on Peachtree in Atlanta, GA
• The Sheridan at Eastside in Snellville, GA

Illinois & the Chicago Area: Choice, Culture, and Healthcare Access

Illinois — particularly the Chicago metropolitan area — offers one of the widest ranges of retirement living options in the country. From vibrant urban neighborhoods to quieter suburban communities, the region supports a variety of lifestyle preferences while providing access to museums, transportation, and leading healthcare systems.

Senior Lifestyle communities throughout the Chicago area reflect this diversity, allowing retirees to choose the environment that best fits their lifestyle — whether urban, suburban, or somewhere in between.

Senior Lifestyle communities in Illinois: 

• Aspired Living of La Grange
• Lincolnwood Place in Lincolnwood
• Lisle Creek Estates in Lisle
• North Shore Place in Northbrook
• Prairie Green at Dixie Crossing in Chicago Heights
• Prairie Green at Fay’s Point in Blue Island
• The Sheridan at Oak Brook
• The Sheridan at Park Ridge in Park Ridge
• The Sheridan at Tyler Creek in Elgin

• The Breakers at Edgewater Beach

Senior Lifestyle’s Senior Suites communities in Illinois: 

• Senior Suites Auburn Gresham
• Senior Suites Austin 
• Senior Suites Belmont-Cragin 
• Senior Suites Bridgeport 
• Senior Suites Central Station
• Senior Suites Chatham 
• Senior Suites Chicago Norwood Park 
• Senior Suites Gage Park 
• Senior Suites Garfield Ridge 
• Senior Suites Hegewisch 
• Senior Suites Jefferson Park 
• Senior Suites Joliet 
• Senior Suites New City 
• Senior Suites of Fay’s Point 
• Senior Suites of Kelvyn Park 
• Senior Suites of Marquette Village 
• Senior Suites of Midway Village 
• Senior Suites Rainbow Beach 
• Senior Suites Ravenswood Manor 
• Senior Suites South Shore 
• Senior Suites Washington Heights 
• Senior Suites West Humboldt Park 
• Senior Suites Wright Campus

What Makes These Places Stand Out for Retirement

Across regions, retirees consistently point to shared qualities that make a place feel right:

• Opportunities to build meaningful connections through shared meals, events, and everyday interactions.
• Climate options that support preferred lifestyles, whether coastal, temperate, or mountain-based.
• A sense of belonging fostered by walkability, recreation, and community engagement.
• Convenient access to quality healthcare, from major hospital systems to specialty care.

National rankings increasingly show that quality of life now carries as much weight as affordability, with social opportunities, outdoor access, and community feeling playing a central role.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Retirement

Choosing where to retire is a personal decision that reflects your priorities and the life you want to lead. As you research your options, consider:

• Visiting locations in different seasons to understand day-to-day lifestyle.
• Talking with local residents or retirees about their experiences.
• Mapping access to hospitals and specialists.
• Comparing taxes and overall cost of living.
• Looking up nearby amenities such as parks, libraries, markets, and cultural venues.

Live Your Life, Your Style with Senior Lifestyle 

Wherever you choose to retire, feeling supported, connected, and confident in your surroundings matters most. Senior Lifestyle communities are designed to evolve with you — offering welcoming environments, elevated events, restaurant-style dining, and a strong sense of belonging each and every day.

Learn more or schedule a visit to discover how Senior Lifestyle can help you live your life, your style.

The post Where Are the Best Places to Retire in the U.S.? appeared first on Senior Lifestyle.