Planning for retirement involves choosing the right location that balances affordability, quality of life, healthcare access, and recreational opportunities. WalletHub’s analysis evaluated more than 180 U.S. cities across 45 key metrics to identify the most retiree-friendly destinations.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando claims the top spot with a total score of 61.49, ranking 9th for affordability, 16th for activities, 74th for quality of life, and 35th for healthcare. The city benefits from Florida’s tax advantages, including no state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Orlando excels in recreational offerings and maintains excellent healthcare facilities serving seniors.
Miami, Florida
Miami secures second place with a score of 61.47, ranking 56th for affordability, 2nd for activities, 89th for quality of life, and 27th for healthcare. The city leads the nation in adult volunteer activities, art galleries, and fishing facilities per capita. Miami’s walkability and public transportation access make it particularly appealing for retirees.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis ranks 3rd with 59.63 points, placing 93rd for affordability, 7th for activities, 79th for quality of life, and 6th for healthcare.
The city offers an elderly-friendly job market with over 22% of the working population aged 65 and older. Minneapolis provides excellent healthcare systems and maintains low suicide rates among seniors.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa earns 4th place with 59.61 points, ranking 40th for affordability, 9th for activities, 28th for quality of life, and 93rd for healthcare.
The city combines Florida’s tax benefits with abundant recreational opportunities and reasonable living costs. Tampa offers numerous senior-friendly amenities and cultural attractions.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale rounds out the top five with 59.47 points, ranking 59th for affordability, 13th for activities, 48th for quality of life, and 39th for healthcare.
The coastal city provides excellent fishing facilities and outdoor recreational opportunities while maintaining moderate housing costs and quality healthcare services.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale scores 59.32 points, ranking 110th for affordability, 21st for activities, 3rd for quality of life, and 31st for healthcare. The desert city offers an exceptional quality of life with mild weather and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati achieves the 6th place with 58.17 points, ranking 123rd for affordability, 4th for activities, 70th for quality of life, and 29th for healthcare.
The city provides abundant recreational facilities and cultural attractions while maintaining relatively affordable living costs. Cincinnati offers strong healthcare systems and diverse entertainment options.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg sits in the 7th place with 57.84 points, ranking 40th for affordability, 31st for activities, 26th for quality of life, and 55th for healthcare.
The Gulf Coast city combines waterfront living with cultural amenities and reasonable costs. St. Petersburg provides excellent fishing facilities and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Casper, Wyoming
Casper earns the 8th place with 57.63 points, ranking 3rd for affordability, 72nd for activities, 29th for quality of life, and 88th for healthcare. The city offers exceptionally low living costs and a reasonable quality of life.
Casper provides outdoor recreation opportunities and maintains affordable housing markets for budget-conscious retirees.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta gets the 10th position with 57.34 points. It ranks 70th for affordability, 6th for activities, 120th for quality of life, and 43rd for healthcare.
The metropolitan area provides extensive cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues. Atlanta offers diverse recreational opportunities and accessible healthcare facilities.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas ranks 11th with 57.33 points, ranking 15th for affordability, 5th for activities, 111th for quality of life, and 149th for healthcare. The entertainment capital provides abundant recreational activities and relatively affordable living costs.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh sits at the 12th position with 57.01 points, ranking 121st for affordability, 24th for activities, 44th for quality of life, and 7th for healthcare. The city provides excellent healthcare systems and numerous cultural attractions. Pittsburgh offers affordable housing markets and strong medical facilities for seniors.
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington ranks 13th with 56.68 points, ranking 69th for affordability, 23rd for activities, 129th for quality of life, and 12th for healthcare. The small city provides excellent healthcare access and reasonable recreational opportunities.
Denver, Colorado
Denver sits at 14th with a score of 55.96 points, ranking 91st for affordability, 8th for activities, 99th for quality of life, and 57th for healthcare. The Mile High City provides various outdoor recreational opportunities and cultural attractions.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison ranks 15th with 55.80 points, ranking 118th for affordability, 44th for activities, 7th for quality, and 30th for healthcare. The college town provides an excellent quality of life and healthcare access. Madison offers cultural amenities and educational opportunities through university partnerships.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston stands at 16th position with 55.70, ranking 42nd for affordability, 25th for activities, 66th for quality of life, and 111th for healthcare. The historic city combines Southern charm with coastal living opportunities. Charleston provides excellent fishing facilities and cultural attractions while maintaining reasonable living costs.
