According to a recent survey by U.S. News & World Report, retirees and those nearing retirement want many of the same things when they’re seeking a retirement spot. They want to live in an area with low housing costs and tax rates. They want good healthcare, available jobs, low crime and places to go and things to do. And they want a place where the locals are happy.
In other words, not so different from what matters to most Americans.
The news site reached out to 3,500 people, focusing on those nearing retirement age 45 to 59, as well as those age 60 and older. From a predefined list of options, they were asked to choose the attributes of a retirement destination that were most important to them. It came down to six themes: affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and healthcare quality.
The site analyzed data for the 150 top cities in the U.S. to see how well they met respondents’ needs and expectations. The analysis included data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Tax Foundation, information services company Wolters Kluwer, the Internal Revenue Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The rankings of the best places to retire were based on the overall retirement score, which used a weighted average of the six indexes for each area. The overall retirement score and each index score were calculated on a 10-point scale based on the data sources and scoring methodology.
According to U.S. News’s research, these were the top 15 places to retire in 2025:
15. South Bend, Ind.
This Rust Belt city has no shortage of outdoor activities during the summer with its many inland lakes and Lake Michigan’s beaches and sand dunes, which are 45 minutes away. In the winter, there are ample hiking trails for skiers and a 16,000-square-foot ice trail for skaters. South Bend’s downtown also “boasts the East Race Waterway, the first artificial whitewater course in North America, drawing skilled kayakers and novice leisure seekers who rent inner tubes.” And not to forget, it’s home to the University of Notre Dame.
City Population: 119,280
Median Home Price: $133,774
Median Monthly Rent: $962
Median Age: 37
Median Household Income: $56,890
Unemployment Rate: 5.15%
14. San Francisco
“The metro area's multifaceted personality draws a variety of people, from innovative entrepreneurs to students to retirees. But a housing crunch has made it difficult for the San Francisco metro area to accommodate its population, driving housing prices and rental rates sky-high and significantly increasing the cost of living.” The area’s eclectic neighborhoods “range from the historic streets of the Mission District to the grassy hills of the Presidio to the bustling piers along the Embarcadero.”
City Population: 876,910
Median Home Price: $1,381,264
Median Monthly Rent: $2,432
Median Age: 41
Median Household Income: $145,255
Unemployment Rate: 5.47%
13. Charleston, S.C.
“The region features a unique blend of historic preservation and new development, displayed in its cobblestone walkways and eerie cemeteries, buzzy nightlife and sophisticated art galleries.” The city has no shortage of places to eat, drink and be entertained. It also offers lots of outdoor activities such as yoga classes, water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing.
City Population: 175,795
Median Home Price: $510,515
Median Monthly Rent: $1,607
Median Age: 39
Median Household Income: $92,032
Unemployment Rate: 3.71%
12. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital has no shortage of cultural attractions, restaurants, performance venues, museums and public parks. There is also plenty to do outside the immediate metro area such as hiking, camping and boating in Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park and other outdoor spaces. And nearby southern Maryland and northern Virginia also feature numerous wineries and orchards. The city is serviced by an extensive public transit system.
City Population: 688,462
Median Home Price: $733,536
Median Monthly Rent: $1,928
Median Age: 36
Median Household Income: $117,608
Unemployment Rate: 7.87%
11. Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay, located in the heart of northeast Wisconsin, is the state's oldest settlement. It “boasts a thriving entertainment and arts scene, a revitalized downtown, and two college campuses, creating an energy that may appeal to young families and retirees.” It’s also home to the Green Bay Packers. The city and surrounding areas offer plenty of boutique shopping and museums. Also available is a thriving craft beer industry and an array of restaurant options.
City Population: 111,006
Median Home Price: $180,066
Median Monthly Rent: $927
Median Age: 37
Median Household Income: $63,931
Unemployment Rate: 4.19%
10. Fort Wayne, Ind.
This midsize city in the heart of the Midwest affords “residents access to the amenities one might expect to find in a large metropolis, like entertainment options and a thriving arts scene.” The city offers many family-friendly attractions, including the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Science Central. Running and cycling events are popular with residents and there are several festivals and events held in the city throughout the year.
City Population: 324,953
Median Home Price: $169,485
Median Monthly Rent: $1,078
Median Age: 37
Median Household Income: $71,507
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
9. Charlotte, N.C.
“The city has a strong economic identity—it’s the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. behind New York City—that’s helped drive consistent population growth for decades. Charlotte takes pride in its cityscape, defined by a handful of skyscrapers. But the city’s essence is perhaps better captured in its diverse neighborhoods and suburban areas, each of which has its own style and flair.” Charlotte has its fair share of museums, parks and an exploding brewery scene. The city is also home to several sports teams, including the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and the Carolina Panthers (NFL).
City Population: 862,609
Median Home Price: $359,446
Median Monthly Rent: $1,503
Median Age: 36
Median Household Income: $88,791
Unemployment Rate: 4.82%
8. Huntsville, Ala.
Huntsville is among the fastest-growing metro areas in Alabama, thanks to its ties to aerospace. “The metro area has the most educated population in the state, and a large portion of the population works in engineering and defense thanks to the large presence of NASA and the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal.” Other than the cultural attractions related to space, the city offers plenty of outdoor events and entertainment.
City Population: 237,887
Median Home Price: $245,381
Median Monthly Rent: $1,226
Median Age: 40
Median Household Income: $83,856
Unemployment Rate: 4.57%
7. Jacksonville, Fla.
Situated on the Atlantic coast, Jacksonville is near popular shorelines including Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, both of which are known for their golf courses. The area also has ample outdoor activities “such as camping, hiking and cycling, in state recreation areas like Hanna Park and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.” Restaurants abound in the San Marco and Southside neighborhoods, and there are several fine arts and performing arts venues. The city is also home to sports teams such as the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team (minor league) and the Jaguars (NFL).
City Population: 977,267
Median Home Price: $247,487
Median Monthly Rent: $1,427
Median Age: 39
Median Household Income: $72,564
Unemployment Rate: 4.98%
6. Raleigh, N.C.
This family-friendly city is home to many young, friendly, diverse and educated residents who enjoy “dining out in local restaurants … and gathering over craft beers in one of the region's many microbreweries.” The city also has 200-plus parks and a more than 100-mile greenway system for safe biking and hiking. Raleigh also boasts “family-friendly museums and a growing art and music scene defined by monthly gallery walks, summer concerts and music festivals like Hopscotch.”
City Population: 469,960
Median Home Price: $382,677
Median Monthly Rent: $1,433
Median Age: 37
Median Household Income: $87,708
Unemployment Rate: 4.59%
5. Boise, Idaho
This capital of Idaho has no shortage of rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts and lakes. The Boise foothills “are crisscrossed by more than 180 miles of public trails for Boiseans who enjoy hiking, mountain biking and trail running.” Many locals “hit the trails after work when daylight can extend well past 9 p.m. In the winter, about 15 miles farther up into the hills, residents ski and snowboard at the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.” The region also offers several cultural attractions, including the Opera Idaho, Idaho Dance Theatre, the Boise Philharmonic and Boise Art Museum.
City Population: 277,498
Median Home Price: $422,080
Median Monthly Rent: $1,418
Median Age: 39
Median Household Income: $85,886
Unemployment Rate: 3.24%
4. Sarasota, Fla.
“Sarasota has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture.” The city has a renowned opera house and several rooftop bars. There are plenty of beaches including Siesta Key Beach, which is known for its soft, white sand. The region also has its share of theaters, museums, tiki bars and seaside restaurants.
City Population: 82,472
Median Home Price: $430,652
Median Monthly Rent: $1,652
Median Age: 52
Median Household Income: $80,922
Unemployment Rate: 3.66%
3. New York City
Known as "The City That Never Sleeps," fast-paced New York can be overwhelming to newcomers. There is no shortage of opportunities, diversity and entertainment. The city has some of the world's best theaters, restaurants, museums, parks and cultural activities. It also boasts some of the nation's tallest buildings and historic landmarks. Beyond Manhattan, the city includes four other boroughs with distinct features such as great immigrant food and thriving literary and arts scenes. Residents can connect to suburbs in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York state via regional buses and trains.
City Population: 8,804,330
Median Home Price: $834,096
Median Monthly Rent: $1,852
Median Age: 39
Median Household Income: $87,981
Unemployment Rate: 7.82%
2. Virginia Beach, Va.
This largest city in Virginia, with spectacular ocean views, beautiful waterfront homes and award-winning restaurants, has long been a popular vacation destination. “Despite Virginia Beach's resort city status, its friendly residents and relaxed atmosphere have swayed many to take up a permanent residence” in the city. The city also has the largest concentration of military personnel outside of the Pentagon, offering not only job opportunities but beach events such as the Oceana Air Show and the Patriotic Festival celebrating the armed forces.
City Population: 460,069
Median Home Price: $358,477
Median Monthly Rent: $1,804
Median Age: 39
Median Household Income: $96,805
Unemployment Rate: 4.11%
1. Naples, Fla.
Collier County, the home of Naples and Marco Island, is a popular retirement spot for the rich and powerful. Residents in these cities pay a premium to live closer to the urban coast. “With generally high property values, local municipalities in the area largely rely on property taxes as a primary revenue source.” The area offers pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping. “Closer to the area’s rural interior, meanwhile, cattle graze and seasonal workers pick tomatoes in the fields around Immokalee, a farming community an hour’s drive outside of Naples.”
City Population: 122,578
Median Home Price: $577,796
Median Monthly Rent: $1,754
Median Age: 53
Median Household Income: $98,120
Unemployment Rate: 3.57%
Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025 | U.S. News
