25 best cities for an active retirement

There are many factors to consider when choosing a city to retire in: climate, cost of living, healthcare quality and availability. We’ve compiled a list of 25 cities that meet our criteria for retirement-friendly cities, from affordable locations with good weather to places with low crime rates.

Baltimore, Maryland

“Baltimore, Maryland is an ideal city for active retirees. The city has a wide variety of cultural offerings, as well as plenty of green space and outdoor activities. Baltimore also has a vibrant restaurant scene, so it’s easy to find great places to eat.”

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho

Boise is one of the best cities for an active retirement. With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s no surprise that Boise is a great place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The city has more than 200 parks and open spaces, including the Ann Morrison Park which features hiking trails and a bike path along the Boise River. The city also has over 50 miles of paved trails for running or biking that are separated from traffic by wide grassy medians.

There’s plenty more to do in town too: check out one of Boise’s museums or art galleries; spend an afternoon at the zoo; take in some live theater; attend one of many festivals throughout the year (including Idaho Shakespeare Festival). And don’t forget about all those outdoor activities!

Boston, Massachusetts

The city of Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England. It has a rich history and culture that can be seen in its many museums, monuments, and historical sites. Boston has also become known for being a hub for higher education, with many colleges and universities within easy reach of one another.

If you’re looking for an active retirement, then Boston might be the city for you! There are plenty of things to do here: from hiking on nearby trails to checking out local artwork at one of many galleries. You can even take up ice skating at Frog Pond or join one of their sports teams!

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York is the second-cheapest city in this list to live in and has a population that is large, active and highly educated. Plus, with a median home price at over $100,000 you can afford pretty much anything you want here!

Buffalo has one of the largest student populations among cities on this list—the University of Buffalo alone has more than 25K students enrolled. In addition to its large student population, it also boasts an older population of people 65+ who are physically active and highly educated.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• Population: Over 130,000
• Best for outdoorsy people: Cedar Rapids is one of the best places to live if you love being in nature. With over 1,500 acres of parks and green space and more than 80 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some great outdoor activities like hiking or biking, this city will have no problem satisfying your needs.
• Best for families: The average family size in Cedar Rapids is 2.8 people per household—which means you’ll find plenty of schools with small class sizes and high graduation rates. If you want your kids’ education to be taken care of when they join your retirement community later on down the road (and who wouldn’t?), then this could be an ideal destination for everyone involved!
• Best for sports fans: Cedar Rapids has several professional sports teams worth cheering on if you’re into that sort of thing (and let’s face it—who isn’t?). There are minor league baseball games played at Veterans Memorial Stadium every summer as well as major league baseball games played at Principal Park during spring training season every March through October. Other local attractions include an indoor football stadium where University High School football team plays its home games; one indoor soccer field used by several youth clubs; four outdoor soccer fields used by amateur adult leagues; two ice skating rinks open year-round; and many others!

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is a vibrant city with plenty to offer retirees. It has several parks and over 200 miles of paved trails that are open to cyclists. There’s also more than 400 miles of urban trails, which are especially great for runners, walkers and bikers alike. The city’s recreation department has plenty of information on where to go in order to get active in the outdoors.

In addition to its outdoor activities and beautiful green spaces, Columbus offers many indoor sports facilities as well. It also has two golf courses within its limits: Brookside Golf Club and Scioto Country Club. These courses offer not only golfing opportunities but also different dining options that can complement your workout routine or just relax after one ends!

Des Moines, Iowa

Whether you’re looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors or stay active on a cultural level, Des Moines has something for everyone. The city hosts dozens of festivals throughout the year: everything from Italian heritage celebrations at the annual Feast of St. Ambrose festival to hot air balloon races and a tomato battle at its annual Hawkeye Downs Tomato Festival. And because it is home to both Drake University and Iowa State University, Des Moines also offers plenty of opportunities for learning about art, history, theater and other cultural pursuits.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado

One of the best places to live in the U.S., Fort Collins is a rapidly growing city with a population of 250,000 people and an average temperature of 60 degrees year-round. The average annual rainfall is 16 inches, while the average snowfall is 32 inches and there’s an average of 2.8 hours daily sunshine during any month of the year. The cost of living in Fort Collins averages out at $21,000 per year and includes housing options from $1 million homes to low-income apartments or rentals. You’ll find plenty to do here including hiking trails that wind through the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park and bike paths along Cache La Poudre River Trail which connects to Old Town Square where you’ll find shops selling everything from cowboy boots to locally grown produce!

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is a small city with a big heart. It’s home to one of the largest urban downtowns in America and boasts more than 100 years of history. The city has always been recognized for its scenic beauty, friendly people, and thriving economy; in fact, Forbes magazine named it as one of America’s Best Places to Retire in 2013.

In addition to being a great place to retire or raise a family, Grand Rapids offers plenty of opportunities for active adults—from outdoor activities like golfing at Forest Hills Golf Course or paddling on the Grand River (the longest river system flowing through Michigan) during the warmer months to indoor activities like ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle Ice Arena during those colder ones.

Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and it’s home to a population of just over 124,000 people. It’s also the second-largest city in the state—only Bridgeport is larger.

The Hartford-Springfield metropolitan area covers 1,700 square miles and has an estimated population of 1,010,000 people.

Honolulu, Hawaii

The gorgeous weather and stunning views of Honolulu, Hawaii make it one of the best cities for an active retirement. The city has a population of nearly 1 million people and offers plenty of green space and activities to keep you busy. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking and swimming at Ala Moana Beach Park; shopping at Waikiki’s International Market Place; or attending cultural events such as the annual Ukulele Festival or the Honolulu Marathon. On top of all this, Honolulu has no sales tax and low property taxes. While there are some natural disasters that may affect your life in Hawaii (such as earthquakes), overall this is one of the safest places in America!

Indianapolis, Indiana

You can find plenty of things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as the largest single-floor indoor shopping mall in the U.S., Castleton Square. And if you’re more interested in active pursuits, check out one of their many running trails or bike paths—the city has over 300 miles of trails for bikers and runners! There are also several golf courses throughout the city. If you prefer something less physical but equally entertaining, there are plenty of theaters and music venues that offer live performances from local artists and musicians every night.

If you’re not quite ready for retirement yet but want to move somewhere with a low cost of living and high quality of life (and maybe even some great weather), Indianapolis might be a good choice for you too!

Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

If you’re looking for a place to retire that’s affordable, family-friendly and low on crime, Lexington might be just the place for you. This city has it all: low cost of living, great health care facilities (including one of the largest hospital systems in the country), plenty of activities and events throughout the year, a high quality of life rating and more.

While Kentucky has a reputation for being Southern, Lexington has done its best to shake off that stereotype by becoming one of America’s most diverse cities. Its residents come from all over the globe—there are over 100 languages spoken here! With so many cultures represented in this small community (it only has around 345,000 people), there are always new things to learn and experience.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is the state capital and home to over 240,000 people. It has a very low cost of living, with an average home price of around $150,000 and average rent at $764 per month (for all types of housing). Madison has less crime than most other places in America, making it safer for active retirees. It also has excellent amenities for active retirees including public transit that makes getting around easy. Madison has some great parks within walking distance which are perfect for those who enjoy being outdoors.

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin

For an active retirement, this region is a great place to live. It has strong air quality and is consistently ranked among the best cities for outdoor activities of all kinds: hiking, biking, fishing, etc. It also offers the usual list of cultural amenities like theatre and museums alongside more outdoorsy things like parks and trails that let you explore your surroundings on foot or by bike. Plus you’ll find plenty of places to eat delicious food (and drink beer), whether it’s at one of many local breweries or in one of the many restaurants serving up farm-to-table cuisine from local farms

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida

The tenth largest metro area in the United States is also one of the best places to live for your retirement. Orlando has been rated as one of the top ten cities for an active retirement by LivingSocial and Money Magazine, so it’s no surprise that it made this list. This city offers plenty of opportunities for active retirees looking for a good value or simply wanting to retire on a budget.

There are many things to enjoy about living in Orlando: good weather, great education, quality healthcare services, excellent transportation systems and easy access to everything you need (including entertainment). There are also plenty of activities available if you’re interested in sports such as golfing or boating!

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon and Washington

If you’re looking for a city with great access to nature, good climate and economy and an active lifestyle, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is the place for you.

The city is considered one of America’s most walkable cities. It’s also home to over 1,000 acres of parkland (more than any other U.S. city), so there’s plenty of space for walking or biking in nature—especially along the Willamette River which runs through the middle of town.

If you’re into sports, Portland has several sports teams including two major league soccer teams: Portland Timbers FC and Thorns FC; two minor league baseball teams: Portland Diamonds and Hillsboro Hops; as well as numerous basketball, hockey and football teams at various levels who play their games throughout the year at various locations around town (including inside a former warehouse that was converted into an indoor arena).

Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina

Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina

Raleigh is often ranked among the top places to live in America. With more than 540,000 people calling it home, this city has plenty of amenities and activities for retirees to enjoy: from sailing on Lake Lynn (the largest manmade lake in western North Carolina) to watching a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game at PNC Arena or listening to some bluegrass music at King’s Barcade. It also offers a number of museums, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Marbles Kids Museum. If you prefer outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking, Cary is just about 10 miles away from Raleigh; there are over 40 parks within its limits where you can spend your free time outdoors.

Reno-Sparks, Nevada

According to a recent study by WalletHub, Reno-Sparks is one of the best cities for an active retirement. The study compared 182 U.S. cities based on 21 factors related to health care, affordability, and recreation options for seniors.

Reno checks all the boxes when it comes to retirees looking for a place that offers everything from mild winters to plenty of activities and entertainment options—it even has museums dedicated specifically to the “Old West.”

San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas

San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas

San Antonio is the first of three Texan cities to make our list of the best cities for active retirees. The Alamo City has a strong economy, excellent quality of life and low cost of living—all things that make it an attractive place to retire. If you’re looking to move here, consider one of the following neighborhoods:

• Nueva Villita (Lowertown) – This charming neighborhood offers a mix of historic homes and modern residences along with businesses and restaurants within walking distance. It’s located near downtown San Antonio and River Walk historical districts, so you’ll be able to explore all that this city has to offer without ever needing your car!
• King William District – Located just south of downtown San Antonio, this neighborhood provides easy access to major thoroughfares while providing its residents with some peace and quiet thanks to its relative isolation from busy streets like Broadway Street or Commerce Street.

San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, California

If you want to retire in a place with a mild climate, an active economy and lots of things to do, San Diego is your best bet. Despite its reputation as the home of American border culture, this Southern California city has all the bells and whistles of any other big city. But it’s also got more than 700 miles of beaches for when you need some time on the sand; more than 100 golf courses just in case you’re feeling athletic; and lots of museums if that’s your thing. Plus there are plenty of great restaurants offering cuisines from around the world—so much so that several have been awarded Michelin stars.

In fact, San Diego was ranked first for recreation by Forbes magazine in 2018 because there are so many things to do here: go whale watching or scuba diving off La Jolla Cove Beach; hike Torrey Pines State Reserve; take part in one of their many festivals (Earth Day Festival, Taste of Gaslamp); see a show at Humphreys Concerts By The Bay or Balboa Theatre; visit Cabrillo National Monument (where Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed on what would become known as Point Loma) or Balboa Park (home to museums like Natural History Museum).

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Washington

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Washington is a great place for retirees to enjoy the outdoors. The city has many parks and outdoor activities, including hiking, boating and golfing. Seattle also has plenty of museums and restaurants for retirees to visit when they’re not outside enjoying themselves.

Seattle is known for its beautiful landscapes and views of Mt. Rainier, one of the most well-known mountains in Washington state. If you live in Seattle, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time outside enjoying these views—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty else to do! You can visit Pike Place Market where you can eat fresh seafood or watch fishmongers throw salmon around on their carts (you’ve never seen anything like it). You can also stroll through Volunteer Park Conservatory & Gardens where there are over 4 acres worth of flora at your disposal!

The Space Needle is another famous landmark in Seattle; it was built during 1962’s World’s Fair Expo ’62 so that visitors could get an amazing view from its top floor restaurant while eating delicious meals cooked by celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse.”

Spokane-Spokane Valley Washington

Spokane-Spokane Valley Washington

With tons of things to do and see, Spokane is a great city for retirees who want to be active. The city has plenty of activities from hiking at the Cougar Mountain Zoo to taking in some live music at the Knitting Factory. There are also many shopping centers that offer unique designs from local artists. With so many options available, there’s no shortage of activities for seniors looking for things to do with their retirement time!

there are some great US cities to retire in

In general, there are some great US cities to retire in. In order to make the most of your retirement, you should consider looking for a place that offers:

• A good health care system
• A strong economy (and not only for financial reasons)
• An efficient transportation network
• A good community
• The right climate and weather conditions (not too hot or cold) The perfect housing market

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many great US cities for an active retirement. Each one offers something unique and special, but we hope this list has given you some ideas to start your own search.