These Are the Top 10 Cities to Retire In -- One Might Surprise You

Source Motley_fool

Key Points

  • Warm-weather locations dominate the best retirement cities list.

  • One cold-weather location may surprise you.

  • The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook ›

The results are in for the latest U.S. News rankings for the best retirement cities in the United States. For the most part, the list isn't too surprising. Warm-weather locales like Florida and North Carolina dominate the list. But there's one city most retirees wouldn't expect to be on this list. Yet this city is ranked third overall -- an incredible placing for this northeastern metro area.

Statue of Liberty against a backdrop of the American flag.

Image source: Getty Images

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »

You won't believe this city is the third-best retirement location

Here are the top 10 cities to retire in, as ranked by U.S. News:

  1. Naples, Florida

  2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

  3. New York City, New York

  4. Sarasota, Florida

  5. Boise, Idaho

  6. Raleigh, North Carolina

  7. Jacksonville, Florida

  8. Huntsville, Alabama

  9. Charlotte, North Carolina

  10. Fort Wayne, Indiana

For the most part, this list isn't surprising. Cities in Florida -- Naples, Sarasota, and Jacksonville -- are known for their friendly weather and tax friendly climates. Other southern cities including Virginia Beach, Raleigh, and Huntsville enjoy similar benefits. Fort Wayne in Indiana, meanwhile, is known for its low living costs. The national average home price this year is around $370,489 -- more than twice Fort Wayne's average of $183,829! Boise, Idaho is more expensive, but possibly not so for the deluge of Californian retirees flooding the area.

Most surprising on this list is New York City. New York City is more expensive than any other top 10 city on this list, with higher commute times and a higher unemployment rate. But when it comes to entertainment, New York City is arguably second to none. According to U.S. News, retirees are increasingly looking for "a destination that will not only stretch their dollar, but is also a place for enjoyment." So while the city is expensive, its local "happiness" score helped propel it near the top of the list.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income.

One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about these strategies.

View the "Social Security secrets" »

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD climbs above $3,350 as Trump rekindles trade tensionsThe Gold price (XAU/USD) extends its upside to around $3,365 during the early Asian session on Monday. The precious metal edges higher as traders rushed toward the traditional safe-haven assets after US President Donald Trump widened the global trade war with a fresh wave of tariffs.
Author  FXStreet
Jul 14, Mon
The Gold price (XAU/USD) extends its upside to around $3,365 during the early Asian session on Monday. The precious metal edges higher as traders rushed toward the traditional safe-haven assets after US President Donald Trump widened the global trade war with a fresh wave of tariffs.
placeholder
Apple Q4 revenue tops estimates; $1.1B tariff impact forecastApple projected its revenue for the current quarter ending in September well above Wall Street forecasts on Thursday.
Author  Mitrade
Aug 01, Fri
Apple projected its revenue for the current quarter ending in September well above Wall Street forecasts on Thursday.
placeholder
OpenAI Introduces Lowest-Cost ChatGPT Subscription in India with UPI Payment OptionOn Tuesday, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go, its most affordable AI subscription tier, targeting the price-sensitive Indian market. Nick Turley, OpenAI’s Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, announced the launch via an X post, highlighting that users can pay through India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Author  Mitrade
Aug 19, Tue
On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go, its most affordable AI subscription tier, targeting the price-sensitive Indian market. Nick Turley, OpenAI’s Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, announced the launch via an X post, highlighting that users can pay through India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
placeholder
ANZ Raises Gold Price Forecast to $3,800/Oz, Predicts Rally to Continue Through 2026Gold is expected to continue its upward momentum throughout 2025 and into early 2026, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic challenges, and market anticipation of U.S. monetary easing, according to analysts from ANZ in a research note released Wednesday.
Author  Mitrade
Sept 10, Wed
Gold is expected to continue its upward momentum throughout 2025 and into early 2026, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic challenges, and market anticipation of U.S. monetary easing, according to analysts from ANZ in a research note released Wednesday.
placeholder
Samsung Electronics Forecasts Stronger-Than-Expected Q3 Profit on AI Demand Samsung forecasts Q3 profit of 12.1 trillion won, boosted by strong AI chip demand.
Author  Mitrade
Oct 14, Tue
Samsung forecasts Q3 profit of 12.1 trillion won, boosted by strong AI chip demand.
goTop
quote