Top 8 Places to Retire in the US

Article by Sally Norton

Image courtesy of Unsplash

​There are many factors to consider when planning for retirement. However, one of the most important is where you want to settle down. After all, where you live will significantly affect your quality of life. You would most likely want to be comfortable during your golden years. That being said, it can be challenging to decide where to retire. There are simply too many good options. What makes it even worse is that so many retirement communities are out there. This makes it hard to know where to start your search. Furthermore, you should also remember some of the most common red flags if you plan to buy a house to retire to. Fortunately, we've done some work for you and compiled a list of the top eight places to retire in the US.

1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is an excellent place to retire if you enjoy visiting museums, relaxing in parks, and attending baseball games. (According to WalletHub's "activities" ranking, the city is sixth-best out of 182.) The world's busiest international airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is also located there, so getting a direct trip to another country is a breeze. When you factor in the thriving new restaurant scene in the South, you have next to no excuse to be bored (or hungry). However, as the Atlanta housing market expands, so do home prices. In order to avoid paying too much, you should buy a house right away.

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Right now, if you buy a home in the Atlanta area, you'll be investing in one of
the best retirement markets in the United States.

​2. Miami, Florida
Florida has long been a popular retirement destination. Mainly because of the state's warm climate and cheap taxes. However, Miami is a fantastic alternative for those searching for something beyond the state's traditional draws. The rent in Miami may be more than in some other cities, but the city's many cultural attractions – including its Cuban cuisine, museums, and art galleries – more than make up for it. In fact, according to 24/7 Logistics Services, the number of people moving to Florida in recent years has skyrocketed.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio
In terms of retirement-friendly activities, WalletHub rated Cincinnati third (out of 183). This may not be the first city that comes to mind when looking for places to retire in the US. However, it is among the best regarding health care, quality of life, and cost of living. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Cincinnati Bengals or the Cincinnati Reds, you'll have no trouble finding other things to do in the city, such as visiting the many museums, botanical gardens, and parks. Additionally, if you are someone who enjoys snowy winters and hot summers, Cincinnati will be a better option than the southern states.

4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale's beaches are still an important part of the city, but the city's allure has expanded well beyond the sandy shores in recent years. Condos on the water are plentiful, and retirees will enjoy living there. Furthermore, they won't be bored thanks to Flagler Village's art galleries, Sistrunk Market's cooking classes, and the city's never-ending stream of new restaurants. Moreover, if you need to scratch that trip itch, you can do it quickly and easily since there are several cruise ports and an international airport within easy driving distance. In fact, there has been a surge of people moving from Columbus to Florida in recent years. Therefore, if you want to leave the Midwest behind after retiring, Fort Lauderdale may be the perfect place.

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The endless beaches in Fort Lauderdale make it one of the best places to retire in the US.

​5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Although Minneapolis does not do well in the affordability category, it does manage to do great in the categories of activities and health care. If you can stand the bitter weather, retiring in Minneapolis will reward you with access to a wide variety of unique shops, museums, and restaurants beyond the city's signature tater to hot dish. In addition, it's one of the safest large cities in the country. Minneapolis is an excellent option for those looking for easy access to high-quality health care. The city has excellent medical facilities and plenty of options available for senior citizens. Whether you are looking for a full-service hospital or a smaller community clinic, there are plenty of options. Plus, there are several additional senior living options in the area, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

6. Denver, Colorado
What exactly makes Denver a perfect place to spend your retirement years? There are quite a few things that come to mind. The mountain air is clean, and there are many outdoor pursuits. Furthermore, it's a perfect place for a retirement project, like a garden or yard. The restaurant scene is one of the best in the country. In addition, the economy is in a stable state. There are also plenty of high-quality hospitals, an efficient transit system, and a thriving international airport.

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The fresh mountain air and an excellent healthcare system make this a great place to retire.

​7. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is one of the best places to retire in the United States, as evidenced by its high rankings in both costs of living and quality of life. The city is well-known as a golfer's paradise, but retirees of all stripes will find plenty to do here, including world-class spas, museums, and James Beard Award-winning restaurants. Summers will be extremely hot, so plan accordingly. However, there is plenty of variety in the winter, and the weather is less harsh than in many other US cities during the winter. Overall, Scottsdale offers a great combination of the low cost of living and great amenities that make it the ideal retirement destination.

8. Charleston, South Carolina
And last but certainly not least, Charleston is on our list of the top eight places to retire in the US. Charleston should be at the top of your list when considering where to spend your golden years. It has a laid-back coastal vibe, warm southern hospitality, and plenty to do. You can find beautiful mansions and cobblestone streets at every turn, and the city's cuisine consistently exceeds visitors' expectations. It's possible to spend your retirement savings on local specialties like barbecue, seafood, and Low country favorites because of the city's low cost of living compared to other major US cities.

Sally Norton is a freelance copywriter based out of Miami, with a flare for writing optimized articles. Her experience is focused on moving, travel, real estate and overall guides to help people with some challenging projects and endeavors. In her spare time, Sally enjoys yoga and walks with her dogs - Mane & Rex.