The Best Places in the US to Retire

Retiring is exciting! When you retire, you enter a new phase of life, and there’s so much ahead of you. You’ll have more free time than ever before, and you can spend it doing activities you enjoy.

Many people consider moving to a new location when they retire, and there are some fantastic places to go beyond your current backyard. Here are some of the best retirement destinations in the contiguous US.

Florida

Florida is a state that’s become almost synonymous with retirement, and it’s easy to see why. Its climate is one thing—the sunshine state averages 237 days of sunshine a year, and even the winter months usually have mild temperatures. You can spend your days lying on beautiful beaches and dozing in the sun—what’s not to love?

Another reason Florida attracts an older population is that it offers appealing tax benefits. There is no income tax, and you won’t be taxed on Social Security benefits either, meaning you can keep most of the money coming in for yourself. You always have the option to file your own taxes, but moving to a new state can be intimidating to say the least, so it might be a better idea to consult with a professional.

There are numerous other benefits to retiring in Florida.

An Active Senior Community

Because Florida has attracted so many seniors, you can retire there knowing that people of your own age surround you. This is great for maintaining an active social life, as you’ll never be short of friends.

A Fun Place to Live

Florida is also home to some of the best amusement parks in the world, including Universal Studios and six Disney parks.

If theme parks and rollercoasters aren’t your things, maybe you’ll enjoy playing a few holes on the numerous golf courses the state has to offer!

The Best Places to Retire in Florida

There are some great places to live in Florida if you’re looking to retire there. Popular destinations include:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Tampa
• Orlando
• Pembroke Pines
• Sarasota

Beyond the Sunshine State

If Florida doesn’t appeal to you, fear not. There are plenty of wonderful retirement destinations around the US, and you’ll easily be able to find something that meets your needs.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is a good place to retire for various reasons, one of which is its low cost of living. According to recent statistics, life in St. Louis costs almost 20 points less than the national average, and there’s still plenty to see and do to fill your days.

Outdoor recreation abounds, with easy access to the Mark Twain National Forest and, closer to home, the city’s beautiful botanical gardens. 

The city is also home to some excellent retirement communities, such as The Gatesworth, a senior living facility just outside of Downtown Clayton.

Nashville, Tennessee

It’s not just music lovers who enjoy life in Nashville. It has become a popular choice for retirees from around the US.

It also offers a low cost of living and tax benefits for seniors, and its moderate climate draws many visitors and residents. The city has good access to healthcare, which is essential for senior living, and there’s plenty on offer to make day-to-day life enjoyable: museum visits, sporting events, quality restaurants, and more. 

Wherever you decide to retire, do plenty of research before you go. If you’re planning a cross-country move, you want to get it right!