Best Places to Retire: Neighborhood Guide
Apartments and Communities
February 28, 2025
Choosing the best place to retire involves weighing a variety of factors that contribute to your long-term comfort and well-being. Retirement is a chance to adopt a new lifestyle, and the location you choose plays a key role in shaping your daily experiences. For many, affordability and access to quality healthcare top the list of priorities, while others seek areas with vibrant communities, recreational opportunities, or a mild climate that allows for year-round outdoor activities. Safety and local amenities are equally important, ensuring you can enjoy peace of mind and convenience as you settle into your new routine.
Whether you're drawn to the charm of a small town, the energy of a cultural hub, or the tranquility of nature, the best places to retire offer something for everyone. Below, we highlight some of the top retirement destinations in the U.S., each offering unique advantages tailored to retirees’ needs:
- Sarasota, Florida (Lakewood Ranch and Gillespie Park)
- Asheville, North Carolina (Biltmore Forest and North Asheville)
- Austin, Texas (Travis Heights and Mueller)
- Phoenix, Arizona (Ahwatukee Foothills and Paradise Valley)
- Boise, Idaho (North End and Southeast Boise)
What Makes a Great Retirement Destination?
When searching for the best places to retire, a few factors typically stand out:
1. Affordability: Finding a location that fits your budget is important. This includes housing costs, taxes, and the overall cost of living.
2. Things to Do: Activities that cater to different lifestyles—from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences—help to create an enjoyable retirement.
3. Safety: Low crime rates and a peaceful environment are top priorities for many retirees.
4. Healthcare Access: Proximity to high-quality healthcare facilities is a must for retirees who may have health concerns.
5. Climate: A mild, pleasant climate can improve quality of life, making outdoor activities more enjoyable year-round.
Reflecting on these factors will help you make a more informed choice for your next home.
Best Places to Retire in the U.S.
1. Sarasota, Florida
It’s no surprise that a city in the Sunshine State makes the list for top U.S. retirement destinations. Sarasota consistently ranks among the best places to retire in the U.S. With its year-round warm climate, retirees can enjoy beaches, parks, and cultural attractions like art galleries and theaters. Sarasota also has a robust food scene, with many restaurants offering live music from local musicians. The city’s cost of living is lower than many other Florida hotspots, and healthcare options are plentiful, with facilities like Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Neighborhoods like Lakewood Ranch, known for its master-planned community feel, and Gillespie Park, offering charm and walkability, are popular among retirees. Sarasota also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, golf, fishing, and hiking.
Top Sarasota attractions:
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville stands out for its beautiful mountain scenery and vibrant arts scene, making it a great option for retirees seeking a mix of nature and culture. The city’s moderate climate and extensive parks and trails provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Neighborhoods like Biltmore Forest, known for its upscale homes and proximity to the historic Biltmore Estate, and North Asheville, offering a quiet, residential atmosphere with scenic views, are particularly appealing. For the lifelong students, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville offers a wide range of programs that help the 55+ community with life transitions, cultural enrichment, and general learning. While the cost of living in Asheville is higher than the national average, its quality of life and access to healthcare, including facilities like Mission Health, make it an appealing choice for many retirees.
Top Asheville attractions:
3. Austin, Texas
Austin is a popular city for retirees due to its unique blend of modern living and a laid-back atmosphere. The city offers a thriving tech hub, great food, and a warm climate. Neighborhoods like Travis Heights, known for its tree-lined streets and eclectic vibe, and Mueller, a mixed-use community with parks and senior-friendly amenities, are ideal for retirees. While housing prices have increased, Austin still offers an overall lower cost of living than many major cities. Access to top-tier healthcare is another reason retirees flock to this city, with facilities like the University of Texas Dell Medical School.
Top Austin attractions:
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix offers budget-friendly housing options, a sunny climate, and plenty of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for retirees. Its many golf courses, parks, and cultural activities ensure there’s never a dull moment. Residents also benefit from low property taxes and no tax on Social Security benefits. Neighborhoods like Ahwatukee Foothills, known for its tranquility and easy access to South Mountain Park, and Paradise Valley, offering upscale living and proximity to top-tier amenities, are highly sought after. With a range of healthcare providers like Banner Health and Mayo Clinic, retirees can also feel confident in their access to quality care.
Top Phoenix area attractions:
5. Boise, Idaho
Boise’s reputation as one of the best places to retire is growing due to its low crime rate, affordability, and access to nature. The cost of living is relatively low, especially when it comes to housing. Additionally, there is no social security tax at the state level, and property and sales taxes are fairly low. Neighborhoods like North End, celebrated for its historic homes and vibrant community, and Southeast Boise, offering modern conveniences and proximity to the Boise River, are standout options. The city’s climate is a draw for many retirees, offering four distinct seasons, while healthcare facilities like St. Luke’s provide top-notch medical care.
Top Boise attractions:
Retiring with Greystar
When considering the best places to retire, it’s important to evaluate not just the cost but also the lifestyle, amenities, and access to healthcare. From the beaches of Sarasota to the mountains of Boise, each of these cities offers something unique for retirees.At Greystar, we understand the importance of making well-informed decisions. Whether you’re looking for a rental property or considering buying, we offer a variety of communities where you can retire comfortably, knowing that your needs will be met. Use our community search tool and filter for “active adult” to see our 55+ apartment homes.
The best places to retire in the U.S. are waiting for you. Take the time to explore your options and find the community that fits your lifestyle and needs.
The information presented on or through this Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to this Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Any reference to amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures at a Greystar apartment community is general in nature, and each Greystar apartment community may have amenities, services, rules, policies, and procedures that differ from those referenced on this Website. Please consult with your Greystar apartment community for the exact amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures applicable.
This Website may include content provided by third parties, including materials provided by other users, bloggers, and third-party licensors, syndicators, aggregators, and/or reporting services. All statements and/or opinions expressed in these materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by Greystar, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. These materials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Greystar. We are not responsible, or liable to you or any third party, for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties.
