Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2020-21

To identify the best places to retire, U.S. News analyzed data for the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. to assess how well they meet Americans' retirement needs and expectations. Top criteria include the happiness of local residents, housing affordability, tax rates and health care quality. For more information on how we rank, read the Best Places to Retire methodology.

Summary

150 matches
150 matches
Sort by:
Real Estate Rankings
Population Size
Average Rent
Median Home Price
Commute Time

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  1. Sarasota, FL
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    Sarasota, FL

    #1 in Best Places to Retire

    Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.6
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    6.2
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.4
    Overall Score
    7.6
    Housing Affordability
    6.2
    Health Care
    6.4
  2. Fort Myers, FL
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    Fort Myers, FL

    #2 in Best Places to Retire

    For many years the Southwest Gulf Coast's population had little growth and remained somewhat isolated from the rest of... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    6.5
    Health Care
    Health Care
    5.9
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    6.5
    Health Care
    5.9
  3. Port St. Lucie, FL
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    Port St. Lucie, FL

    #3 in Best Places to Retire

    Port St. Lucie is nestled along Florida's Treasure Coast, along the state's southeast side, about halfway between Miami... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    6.3
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.2
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    6.3
    Health Care
    6.2
  5. Naples, FL
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    Naples, FL

    #4 in Best Places to Retire

    Nestled between the edges of the Everglades and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico sits Collier County, home to Naples... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    5.4
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    5.4
    Health Care
    6
  6. Lancaster, PA
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    Lancaster, PA

    #5 in Best Places to Retire

    Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. Expansive... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    6.5
    Health Care
    Health Care
    9.2
    Overall Score
    7.4
    Housing Affordability
    6.5
    Health Care
    9.2
  7. Ocala, FL
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    Ocala, FL

    #6 in Best Places to Retire

    Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala maintains deep equestrian roots even as the area evolves into a diverse... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.3
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    7.7
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.4
    Overall Score
    7.3
    Housing Affordability
    7.7
    Health Care
    6.4
  9. Ann Arbor, MI
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    Ann Arbor, MI

    #7 in Best Places to Retire

    Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts. It is at once rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.2
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    5.9
    Health Care
    Health Care
    8.3
    Overall Score
    7.2
    Housing Affordability
    5.9
    Health Care
    8.3
  10. Asheville, NC
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    Asheville, NC

    #8 in Best Places to Retire

    Hailed as "The Land of the Sky," Asheville, North Carolina, is often considered by outsiders to be a delightfully... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    7.2
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.3
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    7.2
    Health Care
    6.3
  11. Miami, FL
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    Miami, FL

    #9 in Best Places to Retire

    Dubbed "The Magic City," Miami is one of the most vibrant metro areas in the U.S., and it's well on its way to becoming... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    5.5
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.4
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    5.5
    Health Care
    6.4
  13. Melbourne, FL
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    Melbourne, FL

    #10 in Best Places to Retire

    Troves of urbanites, families, professionals and retirees enjoy Melbourne, Florida, one of the Space Coast's most... Read More
    Overall Score
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    Housing Affordability
    6.8
    Health Care
    Health Care
    6.1
    Overall Score
    7.1
    Housing Affordability
    6.8
    Health Care
    6.1