There are a lot of great places to be retired. People looking for just the right spot often consider many factors of the area. These may include the crime rate, the basic infrastructure, the availability of entertainment, and the local economy.
Retirees generally want a place that’s warm and not too big, though there are a few exceptions.
According to SmartAsset, these are the places that the most retirees are moving to.
1. Mesa, Arizona
A safe area that has plenty of warm and hot weather, this is an ideal place for many retirees. It’s close to Phoenix and Scottsdale, so there’s plenty to do. Golf is plentiful, and so are other retirees.
2. San Antonio, Texas
Another hot place with a lot to do, this city is perfect for people who love outdoor activities. It’s also just right for people who want to live somewhere with a lot to do that isn’t in a huge, bustling city.
3. Henderson, Nevada
This city has a high ranking for its quality of life, and it’s got the hot weather throughout much of the year that retirees often want. It’s also close enough to Las Vegas to drive in and see a show or two.
4. St. Petersburg, Florida
This city has all the good things that Florida is known for. It’s right on the ocean, it has plenty of sunny days every year, and it’s got amazing nightlife. It’s also close to Tampa for even more to do.
5. Murfreesboro, Tennessee
With its lovely scenery and its mixture of both urban and rural, Murfreesboro does a great job of delivering a lot to retirees. It also has a lot of hot days every year and a low cost of living.
6. Chattanooga, Tennessee
With its mountain views, amazing geology, and plenty of great lookout points, many people love Chattanooga. It has a mild climate with plenty of sunny days as well as forests to explore.
7. Houston, Texas
Houston is unusual for a retirement spot because it’s a very large city. However, it has everything from golf to live music, and it’s warm. There’s no shortage of opportunities for activities and leisure in Houston.
8. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is a mid-size city with plenty of nature throughout it. There’s a lot to do, including a local zoo, and it’s convenient to Dallas for even more activities. It also has the hot weather retirees so often want.
9. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a mid-size city that has a bustling downtown and a lot of green spaces within it. It has an enormous metro area that offers even more adventures than the city alone. The weather is warm throughout most of the year.
10. Clearwater, Florida
Close to St. Petersburg and Tampa, this entire metro area is full of fun activities. It’s right on the ocean, hot throughout much of the year, and it has a relatively low cost of living to make retirement easier.
11. Cape Coral, Florida
Like other small-to-midsize cities in Florida on this list, the sun, sand, and warm weather are major draws for retirees. It has plenty of public beaches, and it even has manatees.
12. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the only city in the Midwest on this list. It’s also more populated than many of the other cities retirees love. For people who want the feel of a larger city without going any further north, Columbus can be a good fit.
13. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
There’s no end to things to do in Oklahoma. Retirees can visit several well-regarded museums and enjoy both nature and the city. It has a reasonable cost of living and mild winters.
14. Vancouver, Washington
If you don’t mind the rain, Vancouver is a great spot to chill and enjoy yourself. It has a low cost of living and is in the same metro area as Portland, Oregon. If you’re sensitive to the sun, there are few places better than this one to retire in.
15. Billings, Montana
This may not be what most people think of when they think of places to retire, but it’s a popular one. It has great art museums, caves, and mountain views. It’s a place to go when you love being self-reliant.
