Top Cities for Retirement in the US

When thinking about retiring, one of the top considerations is usually whether or not to make a move to a new city. Once you’re not tied down to a particular job or place that offers jobs in your industry, you might want to consider moving to an area that’s more affordable, has a better climate, offers more of the activities you like to enjoy and so on.

So where are some of the top cities deemed especially desirable for retirement?
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Orlando, Florida

If you’ll be putting your home on the market among Calgary real estate with a plan to trade the snow for warmer weather and plenty of sunshine, Orlando is a popular pick – in fact, it took the No. 1 spot in a survey by WalletHub ranking top retirement cities in 2018 with a very high quality of life score. It also gets high marks for affordable and activities – plus, residents don’t have to pay any income tax.

Wenatchee, Washington

While Wenatchee isn’t as well known as places like Orlando, it may be ideal for those who want to live out west but aren’t thrilled with the idea of lots of rain. Sunshine is abundant on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, though the town does experience all four seasons. There are lots of activities available here from hiking and biking to golfing and wine tasting, with many vineyards in the area. It’s located about 150 miles east of Seattle, making it relatively easy to get to the big city too. It also has a low crime rate, a healthy economy and access to quality medical care. And, there’s no state income tax here either.
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Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottdale is almost always on lists of the best places to retire as one of the most well-known retirement spots for older Americans. It has the country’s highest share of population aged 65 and older at 22.4 percent. Here you can also enjoy plenty of warm, dry weather along with a high quality of life, with the city ranking second on WalletHub’s survey just behind Orlando. If you hope to spend your retirement days golfing, it really can’t be beat.

Beaufort, South Carolina

​This charming southern community offers lots to retirees, becoming an increasingly popular retirement spot. A historic river town, it experiences hot summers and mild winters, providing endless golfing and fishing opportunities throughout much of the year. It’s especially popular for kayaking, with thousands of acres of waterways where one can enjoy paddling and watching for all sorts of wildlife like birds and even bottlenose dolphins. Beaufort is also home to some beautiful beaches and has a thriving dining scene that includes fresh seafood and lots of organic produce from area farms.
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​Austin, Texas

US News recently ranked the Texas capital as the fourth best place to retire in the country and also named it the No. 1 place to live in the nation. It’s ideal for those looking for warmer weather, fantastic food, live music, outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Austin is also know of its high quality of life and robust economy.