25 Most Joyful Retirement Destinations In the US
Choosing the perfect place to retire involves more than just finding a sunny spot. The happiest retirement destinations in the USA offer a blend of culture, beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. These places are not just about relaxation; they’re about living your best life in your golden years.
Let’s explore these top picks to find where you can make the most of your retirement journey.
Naples, Florida
Naples consistently ranks as one of the happiest places to retire, thanks to its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and vibrant arts scene. The city boasts one of the highest concentrations of golf courses in the country, making it a paradise for retirees who love the sport. Its low crime rate and excellent healthcare facilities add to the peace of mind for those looking to enjoy their golden years.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville offers retirees a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known for its thriving arts community, eclectic music scene, and numerous outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking. With four distinct seasons and a welcoming community, Asheville provides a fulfilling retirement experience.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a top choice for retirees seeking sunny weather, luxury living, and plenty of recreational opportunities. The city’s world-class golf courses, spas, and resorts make it a haven for those looking to relax and indulge. Additionally, Scottsdale’s vibrant downtown area offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring there’s always something to do.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a larger city, making it an ideal retirement destination. Known for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches and rich cultural offerings, including the Ringling Museum of Art and numerous theaters, Sarasota attracts retirees who enjoy both relaxation and stimulation. The city’s warm climate and friendly community contribute to its reputation as a happy place to retire.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s unique blend of Southwestern culture, art, and history makes it a captivating place for retirees. The city is home to numerous galleries, museums, and festivals, offering endless opportunities for cultural enrichment. Its high altitude provides a cooler climate, while the stunning desert landscapes and proximity to outdoor adventures make it a serene and fulfilling retirement spot.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic charm, coastal beauty, and Southern hospitality make it a popular choice for retirees. The city offers a mix of well-preserved architecture, beautiful beaches, and a thriving culinary scene, providing a rich and varied lifestyle. Retirees in Charleston can enjoy a relaxed pace of life with plenty of cultural and recreational activities.
Austin, Texas
Austin, known for its vibrant music scene and youthful energy, is an appealing option for retirees looking for an active and engaging environment. The city offers a mild climate, diverse cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community. With its numerous parks, outdoor festivals, and lively downtown, Austin ensures that retirement is anything but boring.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins is a picturesque town at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering retirees access to stunning natural beauty and a laid-back lifestyle. The city is known for its excellent healthcare, friendly community, and a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing. Fort Collins also boasts a vibrant downtown with breweries, shops, and restaurants, making it a well-rounded retirement destination.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s historic squares, charming streets, and coastal location make it a beloved destination for retirees. The city offers a slower pace of life, with plenty of opportunities for walking, exploring, and enjoying the local culture. Savannah’s warm climate, coupled with its friendly residents and beautiful surroundings, makes it an idyllic place to spend one’s retirement.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a nature lover’s paradise, offering retirees a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking to fishing. The city’s high desert climate provides plenty of sunshine year-round, and its stunning landscapes include mountains, rivers, and forests. Bend’s vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and welcoming community contribute to its reputation as a happy place to retire.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s near-perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse neighborhoods make it a top retirement destination. The city offers a wide range of activities, from cultural attractions like Balboa Park to outdoor adventures like surfing and hiking. San Diego’s laid-back vibe, combined with excellent healthcare and senior services, ensures a high quality of life for retirees.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is a college town with a lively atmosphere, offering retirees a mix of cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and intellectual stimulation. The city is surrounded by lakes, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Madison’s vibrant arts scene, coupled with its friendly community and top-notch healthcare, makes it a great place to retire.
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is part of the Research Triangle, offering retirees access to world-class healthcare, a strong sense of community, and a rich cultural life. The city is known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful parks. With a moderate climate and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Durham is an attractive choice for those looking to retire in a dynamic yet relaxed environment.
Boise, Idaho
Boise has become an increasingly popular retirement destination thanks to its low cost of living, friendly community, and access to outdoor activities. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with plenty of parks, trails, and rivers to explore. Boise’s strong sense of community and laid-back lifestyle make it a welcoming place for retirees.
Portland, Maine
Portland is a charming coastal city known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and excellent seafood. Retirees can enjoy the city’s walkable downtown, beautiful waterfront, and numerous cultural events. Portland’s friendly residents and picturesque surroundings make it a peaceful and fulfilling place to retire.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is a thriving small city with a strong sense of community, offering retirees a mix of Southern charm and modern amenities. The city’s revitalized downtown is home to shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, while its surrounding areas offer plenty of outdoor activities. Greenville’s mild climate and affordable cost of living make it an appealing place to retire.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is a historic town just outside Nashville, offering retirees a mix of small-town charm and easy access to big-city amenities. The town is known for its well-preserved historic district, friendly community, and vibrant music scene. Retirees in Franklin can enjoy a relaxed pace of life with plenty of cultural and recreational activities.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering retirees access to stunning natural beauty and a laid-back lifestyle. The town is known for its vineyards, cherry orchards, and beautiful beaches, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Traverse City’s strong sense of community and charming downtown make it a happy place to retire.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and upscale amenities make it a sought-after retirement destination. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and fine dining, providing a luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Retirees in Santa Barbara can enjoy the best of coastal living, with stunning views and a welcoming community.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg offers retirees a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an appealing place to retire. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial sites, scenic parks, and vibrant arts scene. With a mild climate and a strong sense of community, Williamsburg provides a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement experience.
Henderson, Nevada
Henderson is a rapidly growing city just outside Las Vegas, offering retirees access to a warm climate, affordable housing, and plenty of recreational activities. The city’s numerous parks, golf courses, and proximity to Lake Mead make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Henderson’s strong sense of community and low crime rate add to its appeal as a retirement destination.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott is a charming town in the mountains of Arizona, known for its mild climate, historic downtown, and outdoor activities. The town offers a slower pace of life with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Prescott’s friendly community and affordable cost of living make it an attractive place for retirees.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg offers retirees a mix of cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, including museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as its stunning waterfront parks. With a warm climate and a welcoming community, St. Petersburg provides a happy and fulfilling retirement experience.
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham is a small city with a strong sense of community, offering retirees access to stunning natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle. The city is known for its proximity to the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and numerous parks and trails. Bellingham’s vibrant arts scene, friendly residents, and outdoor activities make it a happy place to retire.
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, known as the Horse Capital of the World, offers retirees a mix of Southern charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and horse farms, providing a picturesque setting for retirement. With its friendly community, excellent healthcare, and numerous cultural and recreational activities, Lexington is an appealing place to spend your golden years.
Josh Dudick
Josh is a financial expert with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street as a senior market strategist and trader. His career has spanned from working on the New York Stock Exchange floor to investment management and portfolio trading at Citibank, Chicago Trading Company, and Flow Traders.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business. He has held multiple professional licenses during his career, including FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 55, Nasdaq OMX, Xetra & Eurex (German), and SIX (Swiss) trading licenses. Josh served as a senior trader and strategist, business partner, and head of futures in his former roles on Wall Street.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh currently holds areas of expertise in investing, wealth management, capital markets, taxes, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
Josh currently runs a wealth management business and investment firm. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Top Dollar, where he teaches others how to build 6-figure passive income with smart money strategies that he uses professionally.