Best Places to Retire in the U.S. 

The nest is empty, your investments are sound and you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life. Once the “what’s” and “when’s” about your move decision have been taken care of, the next item to think about is “where.” 

There are so many great options out there for retirees looking for a certain lifestyle, climate or amenities. Whether it’s an action-packed city or a quiet lakeside town, the best place to retire ultimately depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle and priorities. With that in mind, here are some things to think about.  

Cost of Living 

Looking for a retirement location on the budget-friendly side? Popular destinations with low costs for housing, healthcare, and other necessities include states like Mississippi, Arkansas and West Virginia. Moreover, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming have no state income tax, which can save you a lot of money in the long term. Another general rule of thumb: Smaller towns and rural areas are almost always more affordable than big cities. The trade-off is that they’re also probably less convenient and more isolated. 

Climate 

Whether you see yourself as a permanent snowbird, or love the change of seasons, the climate you choose to live in will have a definite impact on your sense of well-being. If you enjoy having plenty of sunshine, states like Florida, Arizona and Nevada have hot sunny weather most of the time. In fact, cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Tampa and Orlando average over 260 sunny days a year. Looking for a more consistent weather pattern? Parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Southern California see little seasonal variation in temperature. On the opposite side of the coin, Maine, one of the most popular move destinations in the U.S., offers a four-season climate with bracing winters, comfortable spring and summers, and autumns with moderate temperatures and gorgeous fall foliage.  

It’s always a good idea to research the average temperatures in places you’re considering, as well as their potential for hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires and other weather-related threats.  

Natural Beauty 

If you want to spend your days enjoying nature, destinations like Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border, Bend in Central Oregon, and Asheville in North Carolina offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating and more. Places like Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, offer mild weather, stunning scenery, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Weaning yourself away from dependency on your automobile? You might want to consider college towns like Boulder, Colorado; Gainesville, Florida or Chapel Hill, North Carolina. These culturally vibrant places offer easy access to biking and hiking trails in a more walkable community. 

Other Must-Haves and Etceteras 

Determine what specific amenities would enhance your retirement – things like cultural attractions, strong healthcare systems or public transit options. Some people can’t live without easy access to golf courses, lakes or hiking trails. For others, proximity to museums, theaters or top medical facilities is essential. Create a list of amenities that would make you happy and research locations that offer most or all of them. 

Finally, do you see your new place as your forever home? If you want to lock in your living costs for the long run or pass on an inheritance, buying may make sense. If you like change or want to keep your options open, renting is probably better. 

Is a Cross-Country Move in the Works?    

Why not let a professional moving company, United Van Lines, take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.       

Get a cross-country moving quote from United Van Lines today.       

Want to get ahead of planning your move? Check out our week-by-week moving checklists and packing tips. If you prefer access to these pro-tips on-the-go, our exclusive House Key magazine is for you.  

Searching for your state and city? Look no further than our state and city guides that are packed with things you want to know, including cost of living, neighborhoods, culture and more.