10 top places to retire in the us searches spike every year, yet most lists recycle the same sunbelt towns without checking the math. Here is the surprise: the biggest factor in retirement happiness is rarely weather. It is housing cost as a share of income. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau's American Community Survey, cost-burdened households — those spending more than 30% of income on housing — are far more common among renters than owners, and retirees on fixed incomes feel that squeeze fastest. The problem is that most "best places" articles ignore taxes, healthcare access, and walkability.
This guide ranks ten destinations by real cost of living, state tax treatment, and quality of life, and shows you how to verify each one before you pack.
How We Ranked These Retirement Destinations
Every place on this list earns its spot on measurable criteria, not marketing brochures. We weighed four factors: median home price relative to national averages, state income tax treatment of retirement income, healthcare availability, and climate or lifestyle fit.
The Tax Foundation's State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets report shows that nine states levy no individual income tax at all, which reshapes the math for anyone drawing from a 401(k) or IRA. That single fact explains why so many 10 top places to retire in the us roundups lean on Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.
- Affordability: median home value and property tax rate
- Taxes: treatment of Social Security, pensions, and withdrawals
- Healthcare: hospital density and Medicare Advantage availability
- Lifestyle: walkability, crime trends, and climate risk
How to apply this: Pull your last two years of tax returns and list every income source, then check how your top three candidate states tax each one before you visit.
1. Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Air and Moderate Costs
Asheville answers the question of whether you can get four seasons without brutal winters. Median home values hover near the national midpoint, and North Carolina exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax.
The city's healthcare footprint is unusually strong for its size, anchored by Mission Hospital and a dense primary-care network. Walkability in the River Arts District and downtown makes car-free days realistic, which matters as driving confidence declines.
One caveat: property values in desirable neighborhoods have climbed sharply since 2020. Verify current listings rather than trusting older 10 top places to retire in the us articles.
- Best for: active retirees who want culture and trails
- Watch out for: rising home prices near downtown
- Tax note: Social Security exempt; pension income partially deductible
How to apply this: Use a cost-of-living calculator to compare your current housing costs against a specific Asheville ZIP code, not the metro average.
2. Boise, Idaho: Lower Taxes With Real Seasons
Boise pairs a no-surprise tax picture with genuine outdoor access. Idaho taxes income but offers a retirement benefits deduction, and the city's greenbelt and foothills trails keep residents active year-round.
Healthcare capacity has expanded alongside population growth, though specialists can book out weeks ahead. That wait time is the trade-off for lower housing costs than coastal metros.
Housing has cooled from its 2021 peak, which gives buyers more negotiating room than in many Sunbelt markets. If you are comparing 10 top places to retire in the us on pure value, Boise deserves a look.
How to apply this: Call two primary-care clinics in your target neighborhood and ask their current new-patient wait time before committing.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Big-City Amenities, Small-City Prices
Pittsburgh delivers world-class medicine at a fraction of coastal prices. UPMC and Allegheny Health Network give the region unusual hospital density, and median home values sit well below the national figure.
Pennsylvania exempts Social Security and most pension income for retirees past a threshold, which softens the state's flat income tax. Neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Shadyside offer walkable retail without downtown noise.
Winters are gray, and that is the honest cost. Retirees who need sunshine should weigh this carefully when scanning 10 top places to retire in the us lists.
How to apply this: Check whether your specific pension qualifies for Pennsylvania's retirement income exclusion using the state revenue department's guidance.
4. Tucson, Arizona: Dry Heat and Low Property Taxes
Tucson undercuts Phoenix on housing while keeping the same desert climate. Arizona's property tax rates rank among the lowest nationally, and the state phases in exemptions for military pensions.
The University of Arizona anchors research hospitals and lifelong-learning programs, a real draw for retirees who want intellectual engagement. Water policy is a legitimate long-term question, so check local utility projections rather than dismissing it.
- Best for: arthritis sufferers and budget-conscious buyers
- Watch out for: summer heat above 100°F for weeks
- Tax note: Social Security exempt; military pension exempt
How to apply this: Review your target water utility's published drought contingency plan before buying.
Tucson undercuts Phoenix on housing while keeping the same desert climate, making it one of the 10 top places to retire in the us.
5. Knoxville, Tennessee: No Income Tax, Low Cost of Living
Tennessee levies no income tax on wages or retirement distributions, which is the single strongest argument for Knoxville. Median home values remain among the lowest of any metro on this list.
The Smoky Mountains sit within a short drive, and the Tennessee River greenway gives the city a genuine outdoor identity. Healthcare access runs through the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
One trade-off: the state sales tax is high, so heavy spenders feel it. Budget both sides before deciding among 10 top places to retire in the us contenders.
How to apply this: Estimate your annual spending, then multiply by Tennessee's combined state and local sales tax rate to see the real cost.
6. Sarasota, Florida: Coastline Without State Income Tax
Sarasota combines Gulf beaches with Florida's no-income-tax status. The trade-off is insurance: homeowners' premiums have risen sharply statewide, and flood-zone designation changes your bill dramatically.
Cultural density is unusually high for a city its size, with professional theater, opera, and a strong arts calendar. Healthcare access is solid through Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Check elevation and flood maps before any offer. Coastal beauty and climate risk are the same coin in 10 top places to retire in the us discussions.
How to apply this: Request a flood-zone determination and two insurance quotes for any specific address before making an offer.
7. Madison, Wisconsin: Top Hospitals and Bikeable Streets
Madison offers some of the best healthcare per capita in the Midwest, anchored by UW Health and a nationally ranked university hospital system. Biking infrastructure is genuinely usable for errands, not just recreation.
Wisconsin exempts Social Security from state tax and offers a retirement income subtraction. Winters are cold and long, which filters out half the candidate pool and keeps housing comparatively affordable.
For retirees prioritizing medicine over sunshine, Madison earns its place among 10 top places to retire in the us options.
How to apply this: Compare specialist availability for your specific conditions at UW Health against your current provider network.
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico: High Desert Value
Albuquerque delivers low housing costs and a dry, sunny climate at elevations that moderate summer heat. New Mexico exempts Social Security from state income tax and offers a deduction for certain retirement income.
The city's healthcare footprint includes a university hospital and several regional systems, though rural specialist access thins quickly outside the metro. Crime varies block by block, so research neighborhoods directly.
How to apply this: Pull neighborhood-level crime data from your target city's open-data portal rather than relying on citywide averages.
Albuquerque delivers low housing costs and a dry, sunny climate, earning its spot among the 10 top places to retire in the us.
9. Greenville, South Carolina: Walkable Downtown, Warm Climate
Greenville has rebuilt its downtown into one of the most walkable in the Southeast, with a linear park and a compact restaurant district. South Carolina offers a generous retirement income deduction that phases out with age.
Housing costs remain moderate, though popular neighborhoods have tightened. Summers are humid and long, which suits some retirees and rules out others.
How to apply this: Check the state's retirement deduction age thresholds against your planned retirement date.
With a walkable downtown and warm climate, Greenville stands out as one of the 10 top places to retire in the us.
10. Spokane, Washington: No Income Tax, Four Seasons
Washington levies no income tax, and Spokane's housing costs sit far below Seattle's. The trade-off is a capital gains tax on large investment gains, so verify how your portfolio withdrawals are treated.
Four-season climate, nearby lakes, and a growing healthcare sector make it viable. Wildfire smoke in late summer is a real seasonal factor.
How to apply this: Model your first three years of withdrawals against Washington's capital gains rules before committing.
Washington levies no income tax, which helps Spokane rank among the 10 top places to retire in the us.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Retirement Factors
| Destination | Income tax on retirees | Housing cost | Action to take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | Social Security exempt | Moderate | Check neighborhood prices |
| Boise, ID | Deduction available | Moderate | Verify clinic wait times |
| Pittsburgh, PA | Pension exclusion | Low | Confirm pension eligibility |
| Tucson, AZ | Social Security exempt | Low | Review water plan |
| Knoxville, TN | None | Low | Budget sales tax |
| Sarasota, FL | None | High | Get flood-zone quote |
| Madison, WI | Social Security exempt | Moderate | Compare specialists |
How to apply this: Print this table and fill in your own numbers for housing, taxes, and healthcare before ranking your finalists.
This side-by-side comparison of the 10 top places to retire in the us highlights income tax rules, housing costs, and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About 10 top places to retire in the us
What is the cheapest state to retire in overall?
Mississippi and West Virginia consistently rank lowest on combined living costs, though healthcare access is thinner than in metro areas. If you need frequent specialist care, the cheapest option can cost more in travel and time. Weigh total expenses, not just housing, when comparing 10 top places to retire in the us candidates.
How do I verify a town's real cost of living before moving?
Use the Census Bureau's American Community Survey data for the specific ZIP code, then cross-check with a grocery basket comparison. Metro averages hide wide neighborhood gaps. A two-week stay with real errands tells you more than any ranking of 10 top places to retire in the us.
Does Social Security get taxed at the state level anywhere?
Most states exempt it, but a handful still tax benefits, and rules change with legislation. Check your candidate state's revenue department page each year rather than relying on older guides. This detail alone can reorder your 10 top places to retire in the us shortlist.
What should snowbirds check before splitting time between two states?
Residency rules matter. States like Florida and Tennessee have no income tax, but you must meet domicile tests to claim residency. Keep documentation of days spent and where you vote. Poorly handled dual residency is the most common mistake among 10 top places to retire in the us movers.
How do I compare healthcare quality across candidate cities?
Look at hospital rankings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Care Compare tool, which publishes real quality measures. Then call clinics about new-patient wait times. Data plus a phone call beats any list of 10 top places to retire in the us.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Where to Retire
The best destination is the one that fits your income, your health needs, and your daily habits — not the one topping a generic ranking.
- Taxes matter most: no-income-tax states can save thousands yearly, but sales and property taxes offset part of it
- Healthcare access is non-negotiable: verify specialists and wait times before you move
- Climate risk is a cost: flood zones and wildfire smoke translate into real insurance and health expenses
- Visit in the worst season: a February trip to a cold-weather finalist tells you more than a June visit
Start this week by pulling your last two tax returns and listing every income source. Then check how your top three states treat each one. That single exercise will narrow your 10 top places to retire in the us shortlist faster than any brochure.
