Numerous organizations publish annual lists of top retirement spots for people in the USA, including Bankrate, WalletHub, U.S. News, and others. Experts consider multiple independent factors such as affordability and lifestyle and use this information to showcase the “best” places to retire. However, it’s worth remembering that the picture of retirement is different for everyone, so one place isn’t ideal for everyone. Let’s look at two brief examples before jumping to our list.
Example one:
Joe worked in the insurance industry all his adult life. His retirement wish was to remain in his lifelong home, not far from his children and friends. To make that dream come true, he followed a plan which included paying off his mortgage early and waiting until full retirement age to maximize his Social Security benefits. For Joe, creating a financial plan for retirement was beneficial. He also knew that remaining in his lifelong home was what he wanted to do.
Example Two:
Not everyone is as decisive, organized, or financially prepared as Joe. For Margaret, the retirement process is stressful. Due to carrying a high rate mortgage, plus a retirement savings shortfall, Margaret must move. But she has no idea where to go. With a tight budget and three children living in different states, she questions where to move.
The takeaway
Deciding where to retire is complex, particularly if one faces limited resources or emotional or physical challenges. There is no single ideal place to retire, so focus on what works best for you. Circumstances and stage of retirement planning aside, getting solid financial advice to make wise decisions is key. Whenever possible, consult a finance expert who specializes in retirement planning for guidance. It can save you costly mistakes.
Recommendations for best places to retire within the U.S. in 2026
Note that these are presented in alphabetical order by state, not by hierarchy.
- Apache Junction, Arizona: Chosen for an emphasis on senior living and proximity to other cities. This fast-growing community sits about 35 miles east of the Phoenix Metropolitan area and features 36.5 square miles with over 45,000 residents. Apache Junction’s average home value is $368k. Mainly in Pinal County, with a small portion of the city extending into neighboring Maricopa County, the city is close to Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler. Apache Junction is also 30 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This city is beloved for its desert landscapes, nearby mountains and connection to the Apache Trail. It is also known for its proximity to key places such as Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park, and the Superstition Mountain Museum – plus a reconstructed Goldfield Ghost Town. A main draw for seniors is the increasing number of active adult communities that prioritize senior living. The city offers activities for older adults, with entertainment, fitness classes, and games like bingo for residents 60 plus. They also introduced ride reimbursements and meals and activities for qualifying individuals. The city has a bright and sunny climate and top-rate healthcare in the region. Apache Junction is moderately tax friendly for retirees and the state does not tax Social Security benefits. However, other retirement incomes are taxed, and there is a state income tax on other earnings. On the flip side, property taxes are generally low with specific tax relief programs geared for senior homeowners.
- Hot Springs, Arkansas: Chosen for its walkability to pleasant amenities and affordable homes. This resort city is in the Ouachita Mountains among the U.S. Interior Highland. Though summers are hot, and winters cold and wet, this southern location has delightfully pleasant “shoulder seasons” occurring spring and fall each year. Hot Springs, with a population of roughly 38,000 and covering an area of about 33 square miles, is known for its family-friendly community and Hot Springs National Park. The latter, a beloved tourist attraction, features ancient thermal springs, a Grand Promenade that consists of a half mile paved walking path, and accessible visitor centers. As a booming business and social community of Garland County, the town also has an attractive walkable downtown area with shopping and dining. The premier vacation destination is also retirement friendly. Hot Springs offers low-cost living amidst a cosmopolitan atmosphere and affordable homes with average home value of $243k. There are pristine lakes for fishing and boating, thriving fine arts and cultural experiences, championship golf courses, and solid health facilities. Nearby (but not in Hot Springs) is Hot Springs Village, a master-planned residential gated retirement community featuring lakes, golf courses, and amenities. However, Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village are distinct. The city is considered tax-friendly for retirees due to several state-level benefits, though the sales tax is high. Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits, offers deduction for other retirement income, and has a property tax freeze to benefit homeowners 65 or older.
- Spring Hill, Florida: Chosen for its favorable subtropical climate with year-round pleasurable weather for sun lovers. This growing Hernando County community, with about 121k residents, is located on Florida’s west coast within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area. The 62.2 square mile region sits about 43 miles north of Tampa International Airport. Spring Hill boasts a subtropical climate and is known for hot summers and mild winters. Here, you’ll find family-friendly community with local shops, restaurants, parks, gardens, and more. As part of Florida’s Nature Coast, there are bountiful natural attractions such as the nearby Gulf of America offering boating, fishing, and watersports galore. There are also well-maintained golf courses throughout the region and attractions such as Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, home to the live Mermaid Show and Buccaneer Bay water park. Spring Hill’s average home value is $306k. It has a low crime rate compared to bigger cities. It’s also affordable with no state income tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement income. Plus, there are significant property tax exemptions for qualifying seniors.
- Des Moines, Iowa: Chosen for its emphasis on newer housing to meet the needs of seniors, plus a delightful mix of cultural attractions. Des Moines, Iowa, is the state capital located in the Midwestern U.S. The city, situated in central Iowa and in Polk County, lies on the Des Mines River at the juncture with the Raccoon River. The state boasts senior friendly living, with new construction focused on accessibility and comfort. Increasingly, new builds are designed to meet the needs of aging Americans. This includes the addition of special features such as wide paths and doorways, fewer steps, and walk-in and wheelchair friendly showers. Senior oriented communities focus on offering everything from independent living to assisted living or essential services. The population is approximately 212,000, with an average home value of $205k. Greater Des Moines is a Midwestern gem with a big draw for retirees due to the great mix of cultural attractions, such as Des Moines Art Center, Science Center of Iowa, and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Rich in sculpture gardens and green spaces, the city boasts a vibrant yet laid back atmosphere. Iowa is frequently cited as one of the most affordable states for retirees. For 2025, Iowa made significant tax changes that help seniors. For those over 55 or disabled, retirement income is exempt from state income tax. The state income tax is a flat 3.8%, and a specific homestead property tax exemption is available for residents 65 and older.
- Frederick, Maryland: Chosen for its spirit of volunteerism and decent health outcomes. This moderately friendly tax state for seniors made our list due to its high quality of life and caring community. This idyllic city is in north-central Maryland, about 47 miles west of Baltimore and in the outlying region of the Washington Metropolitan area. Frederick is Maryland’s second largest city and boasts an area of 23 square miles with about 90,000 residents living in the region. As a four-season retirement spot, the city stands apart for its walkable 50-block historic district featuring world-class restaurants and art galleries, antique and modern shops, significant churches, and other historic sites such as Civil War battlefields, cemeteries, museums, and more. Frederick has a strong sense of community, offering citizens opportunities for volunteer work and involvement. It also ranks consistently high in health outcomes, with good access to health care facilities. The average home value is $461k. Maryland does not tax Social Security benefits. However, it generally taxes income from pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs at normal state and Frederick County income rates. However, some taxpayers 65 and up may be eligible for retirement income subtraction modifications, depending upon financial situation.
- Midland, Michigan: Chosen for its overall quality of life and affordability. It’s easy to see why it’s ranked 1st by U.S. News and World Report as the best place to retire in the U.S. for 2026. Located in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Central Michigan, about 80 miles north of Lansing, the region is beloved for its natural beauty, bountiful parks, lovely lakes, abundant forests, and vibrant art and culture scene. However, to live here one must also like moderately warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Midland is part of the Tri-Cities, along with Saginaw that sits 24 miles southeast, and Bay City, just 19 miles east of Midland. The 36.06 square mile area boasts a population of over 42,000 citizens, with 23% of its residents above age 45 and 20% over 65, senior representation is appreciated. Midland’s average home value is $229k. Many people also admire the plethora of mid-century modern homes, influenced by architect Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and son of the founder of Dow Chemical Company headquartered in Midland. The city doesn’t disappoint seniors who enjoy outdoor activities. Chippewa Nature Center stands out for its 19 miles of foot trails and exhibits. Likewise, a senior community center invites older citizens to swim, enjoy the spa, and unite for camaraderie. Michigan is relatively tax-friendly for seniors. The state does not tax Social Security retirement benefits, regardless of income. They are also phasing out taxes on other forms of retirement income to include pensions, 401(k)s & IRAs, soon making retirement here a win for senior seeking lower taxes.
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Chosen for its strong sense of community and retirement friendly taxes. Located in south-central Pennsylvania, in the heart of Dutch Country, the area is beloved for its attractive farmlands, Amish communities, historic character, and robust arts and food scene. As one of the oldest inland cities in the U.S., Lancaster is an iconic mix of agricultural tradition, tight-knit communities, old-world charm, and modernity. The city boasts traditional landmarks like the Fulton Opera House, one of the oldest continually operating theatres in the U.S. It’s also home to Wheatland, the estate of James Buchanan, 15th U.S. President. The region boasts a high quality of life, offering four seasons of weather and a calm pace of life as compared to bigger cities like nearby Philadelphia. The city of Lancaster has a population of close to 59,000 and is approximately 7.35 square miles, with average home value of $371k in Lancaster County. Access to decent hospitals and no state tax on retirement income make it welcoming for seniors. Pennsylvania does not tax Social Security, pensions, or 401(k)/IRA income for those aged 60 or older. There’s also no state sales tax on medications, food, or clothing, which is another bonus.
- Maryville, Tennessee: Chosen for its warm southern hospitality and front row to nature. This southern city and county seat of Blount County is known for even more than its welcoming hospitality. Just 16 miles south of Knoxville, the city is situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, a mountain range in Southeastern United States rising along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Not only is the city scenic and peaceful, but outdoor activities are a must. Seniors who enjoy exciting camping excursions, fishing, nature watching, hiking, and more will appreciate nature’s front row seat and easy access to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The delightful suburb has a population of about 32,000, with a cost of living below the national average and an average home value of $383k, with frequent variations due to competition of the real estate market. Folks who live here enjoy a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and delightfully mild winters. This family friendly town welcomes seniors and offers low to moderate taxes due to Tennessee’s lack of state income tax and low property taxes. The sales tax rate is generally higher than other states due to the 7% state tax plus local rates that vary by city and county. Bear in mind that Tennessee’s sales tax is a significant source of tax revenue for the state.
- Richland, Washington: Chosen for its pride in education, high quality health care, safety, and superior lifestyle for seniors. Richland is in the southeastern part of Washington state, at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers. It is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which includes Kennewick and Pasco. Focused on offering quality retirement for the older population, the dense suburb offers excellent healthcare, a high level of educated people, parks, coffee shops, and low poverty and crime rates. The weather features four seasons with hot and dry summers and wet winters. Boasting over 200 wineries within a 50 square mile radius, the region is excellent for people who are ready to toast the scenic views. With a population of just over 65,000, and at about 75 square miles, this Benton County location has an average home value of $463k. Here, boating and fishing on the Columbia, Yakima, or Snake rivers are part of the way of life. Folks can also enjoy walking, hiking or biking on the 23-mile scenic Sacagawea Heritage Trail. Richland made Kiplinger’s 24 Cheapest Places to Retire in the USA list due to its affordable cost of living. Taxes are generally favorable for seniors, primarily because the state of Washington does not have a state income tax. That means retirement income is not taxed at the state level. But folks are cautioned that the local sales tax in Richland is 8.7%, plus there’s a 2.2% additional city sales tax, bringing the total to 10.9%.
- Casper, Wyoming: Chosen for enriching outdoor activities in the heart of the American west. In east-central Wyoming, at the base of Casper Mountain on the North Platte River, sits the historical city of Casper, Wyoming. Per Travel Wyoming, the location marks the only point where the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails intersected during the westward expansion of the mid-1800s. Visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of pathways to the West and increasing public awareness of the historic trails. Casper is also a nature lover’s paradise, boasting a bounty of beauty and activities during each of its four distinct seasons, including snowy winters. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing – plus some of the world’s best fly fishing. This second largest city in the state of Wyoming has approximately 58,700 residents and encompasses 27 square miles. This Natrona County treasure has an affordable housing market, with an average home value of $303k. Casper offers reasonable property taxes and separate residential and property taxes to benefit homeowners. Note that Wyoming does not tax Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s or IRAs, so it’s an affordable state in which to retire.
Best places to retire 2026
Best places to retire 2026 is not exclusive to this list, rather this presentation features best recommendations that tick the boxes of factors that are likely important to folks nearing retirement, such as finding safe and affordable places to live out the golden years. These specially chosen locations within the U.S. may inspire you to think outside the box of popular retirement places – and zero in on what matters the most to you when it comes to bringing your retirement dreams to fruition.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as personal or financial advice. Additionally, statistics are subject to change/fluctuations.
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