The question of what is the #1 retirement city in the US does not have one simple answer. While Florida cities often dominate the conversation, the top-ranked location changes depending on the methodology used by different ranking organizations. For prospective retirees, understanding these different approaches is the first step toward finding a location that best fits their personal needs and desires, from financial considerations to lifestyle preferences.
Why is There No Single "#1" Retirement City?
The perception of the "best" retirement city is subjective and depends on what factors a person values most. Reputable studies, while data-driven, weigh different categories differently, leading to varied results. Here are some of the critical metrics considered and how they can affect a city's ranking:
- Affordability: This is a major factor for many retirees on a fixed income. Metrics often include housing costs, cost of living, and state tax policies on retirement income. For instance, a city with lower housing costs and no state income tax will rank higher on affordability-focused lists, like WalletHub's, even if its healthcare infrastructure isn't top-tier.
- Healthcare: Quality and access to medical services become increasingly important with age. Some reports prioritize health outcomes, number of medical facilities per capita, and specific senior care options. A city might have great weather but lack high-quality, accessible healthcare, diminishing its appeal for those with significant medical needs.
- Quality of Life: This is a broader category that can include everything from weather and crime rates to community vitality and air quality. For example, U.S. News & World Report recently gave more weight to resident happiness, which includes measures of wellbeing and natural hazard risk, significantly impacting its 2025 rankings.
- Activities and Amenities: The availability of recreation, culture, and social opportunities is vital for an engaging retirement. This includes access to parks, golf courses, restaurants, museums, and senior centers. A thriving arts scene might boost a city's ranking on one list, while plentiful outdoor recreation might favor it on another.
Top Contenders for 2025, According to Different Rankings
WalletHub's Top Pick: Orlando, Florida
In September 2025, WalletHub named Orlando, Florida, as its #1 retirement city based on an analysis of over 180 cities. The study evaluated 45 metrics across four categories: affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care. Orlando's high ranking is largely attributed to its tax-friendliness and abundant recreational activities. Florida has no state income tax, which is a significant financial benefit for retirees. Orlando also scores well for its numerous recreational opportunities, ranking third overall in activities like fishing, museums, and adult volunteer activities.
U.S. News & World Report's Analysis: Naples, Florida
For 2025, U.S. News & World Report's annual list of Best Places to Retire put Naples, Florida, in the top spot. This ranking system notably shifted its methodology to weigh resident happiness more heavily, reflecting what retirees themselves prioritized in surveys. Naples scored well on desirability, retiree taxes, and job market, offering a destination that combines a pleasant lifestyle with financial and health considerations. Other Florida cities like Sarasota also ranked highly on similar lists for their balance of amenities, healthcare, and beaches.
Other Notable Cities and Their Strengths
Beyond the top two, other cities stand out for specific reasons. Scottsdale, Arizona, is a perennial contender, often praised for its quality of life and activities, though sometimes penalized for its higher cost of living. San Antonio, Texas, provides an excellent combination of culture and affordability, bolstered by Texas's lack of state income tax. For those prioritizing extreme affordability, a city like Casper, Wyoming, might appear high on some lists, though it may score lower on other metrics.
Comparison of Top Retirement City Qualities
| Feature | Orlando, FL (WalletHub #1) | Naples, FL (U.S. News #1) | Scottsdale, AZ (WalletHub #2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ranking Factor | Affordability & Activities | Happiness & Desirability | Quality of Life & Activities |
| Tax Environment | No state income tax | No state income tax | Tax-friendly (no state tax on Social Security) |
| Healthcare Score | Ranks high for senior care facilities per capita | Ranks high for quality healthcare | Strong network, but may cost more |
| Key Attractions | Tax-friendliness, diverse recreational opportunities, theme parks | Desirability, good job market, coastal location, higher-end amenities | Arts and culture, mild weather, golf courses |
| Potential Drawback | Can be hot and humid, heavy traffic | Higher cost of living than other FL cities | Higher cost of living overall |
How to Find Your Personal #1 Retirement City
With multiple reputable rankings available, the key is to determine which city is right for you. It's a personal journey that involves more than just looking at a list. Here are practical steps to find your ideal retirement destination:
- Define Your Priorities: Create a checklist of what matters most. Is it a low cost of living, proximity to family, access to specific medical care, or an active cultural scene? Your priorities will significantly narrow down the options.
- Spend Extended Time There: Never move based solely on a ranking. Visit potential cities during different seasons. A city that seems perfect in the spring might have unbearable summers or winters. Consider renting for a month or two to get a real feel for the community, traffic, and daily life.
- Research the Specifics: Dive into local data beyond the high-level rankings. Check neighborhood-specific crime rates, property tax laws, and proximity to the amenities you care about most, like hospitals or recreational facilities. For example, while one city might have great overall healthcare, access and convenience can vary significantly by neighborhood.
- Balance Finances and Lifestyle: A city might be affordable, but if it lacks the activities that make you happy, the savings might not be worth it. Likewise, a luxury spot might be tempting but can strain your budget. Find a balance that supports both your financial plan and your ideal lifestyle.
Conclusion
There is no consensus on what is the #1 retirement city in the US, as different analysis firms produce different results based on their unique criteria. In 2025, cities like Orlando and Naples, Florida, often vie for the top spot on major lists, but the "best" city is ultimately a personal decision. By understanding the varying methodologies behind the rankings and prioritizing your own needs for affordability, healthcare, and lifestyle, you can effectively navigate the options and discover the perfect place to begin your retirement.
Authoritative Outbound Link
For a detailed breakdown of different ranking methodologies and cities, a retiree can explore the resources from Next Avenue, a platform focused on older adults and retirement. Next Avenue's article, "Rating the Best Places to Retire Lists," provides a comprehensive analysis of various reports and their criteria, helping readers interpret and weigh different rankings.
