Top 10 Cities to Retire in the US in 2025

When you picture retirement, you may picture yourself hiking through picturesque mountains or kayaking on beautiful lakes. Or perhaps you see yourself on a sunny beach fishing or simply relaxing on the sand admiring the sea. How to choose a place where these dreams can come true without all the money in the world explains Investopedia.

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With rising housing prices, inflation, and health care costs, choosing a place to retire where your money will be spent more efficiently is critical. Our list features the 10 best cities in the U.S. to retire, taking into account factors like housing costs, taxes, access to health care, and local amenities.

Every region of the United States has affordable options for retirees, so you may not have to move far. Ultimately, the best place to retire will depend on your goals, budget, and preferred lifestyle.

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Northeast

Hermitage, Pennsylvania
This small town has a median age of 45 and a median household income of $60. Golfers will be happy to know that Hermitage has 614 public golf courses, including the world's only free course.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Don't underestimate this small town of just 17 people. Johnstown has a low median home price of just $809 per month and plenty of fun for outdoor enthusiasts, including skiing, fishing, hiking, and more.

Southeast

Waycross, Georgia
This small city of 13 has affordable housing: the county's median home value is $643, and the average monthly housing cost is $106. Be sure to visit its historic downtown or the Okefenokee Wetlands. Waycross's median home value is the lowest on the list.

Danville City, Virginia
Danville has the lowest transportation costs of any city on the list, at $1. Other expenses are also low, with monthly food costs at $058 and average taxes at $586.

Midwest

Gregory, South Dakota
This tiny town of 1 people has low home prices, with a median home price of $219, and very low climate risk.

South Dakota does not tax Social Security, IRA, 401(k) and pension distributions.

Toledo Ohio
For those who like big cities, Toledo is the place to be. The population is 236, and the number of health care providers is impressive: 646 health care providers, including doctors, clinics, and home care agencies, as well as 887 hospitals in the area. The Toledo Museum of Art offers more than 81 exhibits.

Southwest

Las Vegas, New Mexico
While you won't find the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada, in this small city of 12, it does have some of the lowest housing and transportation costs on the list.

Santa Rosa, New Mexico
This tiny town of just 2 people has a very stable climate. Santa Rosa offers diving, horseback riding, and golf.

West

Pocatello, Idaho
Pocatello is home to 416 medical facilities and 17 county hospitals. History buffs can visit the Idaho Museum of Natural History, located on the campus of the University of Idaho, Pocatello.

Butte Silver Bow, Montana
Wonderful climate and great hiking trails? Check out Butte-Silver Bow, which has the lowest median monthly housing costs of any city in the western region of the list.

Why Affordability Matters in Retirement

As life expectancy increases, finding an affordable place to retire becomes increasingly important.

Home prices are rising: Median home prices increased 2020% from 2024 to 24. Inflation has driven up the cost of food and goods, leading 74% of Americans to say they are concerned about rising prices by the end of 2024, according to Pew Research.

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Another key factor is health care: The typical couple will need more than $300 in health care expenses over their retirement years (not including long-term care).

These expenses can add up quickly, and the cost of living shows no signs of going down. Choosing where to retire can have a significant impact on your financial situation, so it’s important to determine what your priorities are.

You may need easy access to a major airport to visit family, or you may be focused on finding a state with the most favorable tax system. Perhaps your dream is to buy a new home, in which case you want to choose a region with the lowest housing prices.

Everyone has their own priorities, so it is important to consider all these factors when making a decision.

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