These Are the 10 Best Places To Retire in the U.S. in 2026

Planning for your retirement is an exciting endeavor, whether it’s right around the corner or years away. But when you think about where you want to spend your time when you’re no longer working, do you fantasize about a warm, desert climate with lazy afternoons spent golfing, or are you longing for crisp fall air and breathtaking mountain views? Do you want to stick pretty close to home, or are you ready for the adventure of a long-distance move? No matter your preference, you can probably find a spot that suits your needs in this list of the top 10 best places to retire in the U.S.

How We Chose the Best Places To Retire

How did we determine which cities are the best places to retire? We looked to the experts at SmartAsset. SmartAsset has curated a list of the top spots retirees are moving to in the U.S., based on U.S. Census data. They tracked the number of people aged 60 and older both moving into and out of cities. They then determined the top 10 locations with the highest net gain.

The following cities made their list of the best places to retire in the U.S.

To learn more about each city, read on.

• Mesa, AZ
• North Las Vegas, NV
• Paradise, NV
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Spring Valley, NV
• Henderson, NV
• Durham, NC
• Minneapolis, MN
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Scottsdale, AZ

10 Best Places To Retire in the U.S. in 2026

All of these places have good access to first-rate healthcare facilities and are close enough to major airports to be attractive to retirees who enjoy travel and want to be in a convenient location for family visits. Also, a majority of the top 10 spots have no state income tax and warm weather for most of the year.

But when choosing your preferred spot from this list of the best cities to retire, it’s important to think about what matters most. What size city is appealing to you? Which types of outdoor activities do you want to participate in? What about the cost of living? Are you comfortable moving long-distance and hiring cross-country movers? 

1. Mesa, Arizona

• Average rent: $1,300
• Average home value: $427,800
• State income tax: 2.5% (all Social Security income is exempt)
• Weather: Average highs: 65°F–104°F
• Nearest airport: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Of the best places to retire in the U.S., which city earned the top spot? According to SmartAsset, that honor goes to Mesa, Arizona — a suburb of Phoenix that welcomed nearly 5,000 seniors in 2023 alone.

Located in the Sonoran Desert just west of the Superstition Mountains, this dry city is considered one of the best warm places to retire, as it boasts pleasant temperatures in the winter and scorching highs during the summer.

If your ideal retirement includes playing endless rounds of golf in warm weather, Mesa is the place for you. The city is home to several championship golf courses, including the Mesa Country Club, founded in the 1940s.

Is exploring nature more your thing? Head out for a stroll in the Usery Mountain Regional Park, and enjoy beautiful displays of Saguaro and Barrel Cacti. Or explore the Tonto National Forest, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, and the Salt River. There are also plenty of places to ride your bike, hike, fish, and camp near Mesa.

Art and sports are also popular in the area. Here, you’ll find institutions such as the Mesa Arts Center (the largest arts campus in the Southwest) and pro-baseball spring training facilities.

2. North Las Vegas, Nevada

• Average rent: $1,375
• Average home value: $402,200
• State income tax: 0%
• Weather: Average highs: 58°F–105°F
• Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport

While North Las Vegas has a relatively small senior population compared to some of the other best places to retire, it may be an emerging hotspot for retirees. In 2023, a total of 2,443 people moved to North Las Vegas, while only 1,023 moved out. Plus, the climate is pretty great most of the year, except during the blazing summer months, making it one of the best places to retire in the U.S.

North Las Vegas is a short drive away from The Strip but offers the peace and quiet of a traditional suburban town. Many people choose to call this city home because of its affordable housing opportunities and expansive desert views.

Retirees who choose North Las Vegas are close to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The nearby Lake Mead and the Colorado River also provide opportunities for boating and lounging on the beach.

3. Paradise, Nevada

• Average rent: $1,175
• Average home value: $388,600
• State income tax: 0%
• Weather: Average highs: 58°F–104°F
• Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport

Nevada is known as The Silver State, and that must be a nod to its retiree appeal, too, because here’s another Las Vegas-adjacent spot topping the list of the best places to retire in the U.S. Paradise may be minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, but don’t think that the community is as glitzy and over-the-top as its nearest attraction. The town offers retirees a vibrant, convenience-driven lifestyle with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect for poolside relaxation (though the summer heat is notoriously intense).

Paradise puts you in the heart of the action, with world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping right outside your door, yet it's also a short drive from the tranquil beauty of the nearby Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon.

Retirees in Paradise enjoy unparalleled access to premier healthcare facilities, major international airports, and a calendar full of shows and events. The nearby University of Nevada, Las Vegas, also offers enriching lifelong learning opportunities, making Paradise a dynamic and stimulating place for retirees to call home.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Average rent: $925
• Average home value: $201,900
• State income tax: 0.25%–$4.75% (all Social Security income is exempt)
• Weather: Average highs: 50°F–93°F
• Nearest airport: Will Rogers International Airport

Retirees are increasingly choosing Oklahoma City for its low cost of living — Oklahoma is regularly noted as one of the most affordable states for retirees, making it one of the best places to retire in the U.S. for people on a fixed income or budget. Housing prices are more than reasonable for a major metro area, and the great part is that you’re not sacrificing a vibrant lifestyle for a low cost — Oklahoma City is known for its friendly, communal atmosphere.

The city has transformed into a vibrant destination with surprising amenities. Retirees enjoy urban attractions like the scenic Bricktown Canal, the sprawling Scissortail Park, and a renowned arts and dining scene. Easy access to nature is also a key draw, with activities at Lake Hefner, the adventurous RIVERSPORT, and an extensive network of trails for hiking and biking.

5. Spring Valley, Nevada

• Average rent: $1,375
• Average home value: $415,600
• State income tax: 0%
• Weather: Average highs: 55°F–103°F
• Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport

Spring Valley offers the best of both worlds: A peaceful, unincorporated community just southwest of the Strip, with all the excitement of Las Vegas only minutes away. You can enjoy a relaxed neighborhood vibe without giving up easy access to fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

And here’s a big plus: Nevada has no state income tax, which means more financial breathing room. You’ll also find that housing here offers great value, often giving you more space for your budget compared to many classic retirement spots.

Life here is built for an active, convenient lifestyle. Spring Valley is full of parks, golf courses, and community events, making it easy to stay social and engaged without long drives. It’s also home to Las Vegas's Chinatown district and is filled with Asian markets, restaurants, shops, and more.

Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada, is the best place to retire in the Southwest if you want a suburban lifestyle but still be close to a faster-paced city.

6. Henderson, Nevada

• Average rent: $1,475
• Average home value: $481,400
• State income tax: 0%
• Weather: Average highs: 58°F–105°F
• Nearest airport: McCarran International Airport

Yes, there are quite a few Nevada spots on this list, but Henderson is a little farther from the infamous Las Vegas Strip than some other locales and is considered one of the best places to retire in the U.S. for those who want a more suburban lifestyle. Henderson is around 20 minutes from Las Vegas, but this sunshine-filled city of around 300,000 feels like a distant world from the hustle and bustle of the casinos. The city has a laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery, with several parks, golf courses, and other recreational facilities for retirees to take advantage of.

In fact, Henderson residents love the outdoors so much that they’ve built entire communities around the landscape. Lake Las Vegas, for example, is a private gated community built around a man-made lake and features two golf courses. And Del Webb Las Vegas is a resort-style community for seniors aged 55 and up, with many of its sites boasting a lake or mountain view. With this luscious landscape and bountiful entertainment options, it’s easy to see why Henderson is quickly becoming one of the best places to retire.

7. Durham, North Carolina

• Average rent: $1,400
• Average home value: $389,600
• State income tax: 4.25% (all Social Security income is exempt)
• Weather: Average highs: 51°F–88°F
• Nearest airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport

If beach towns are too hot and touristy and mountain hideaways too chilly and remote, consider a lovely middle ground that offers temperate weather, plenty of outdoor activities, dining and entertainment, and close access to some of the top academic minds in the nation — Durham, North Carolina.

Durham is one of the country's fastest-growing cities, celebrated for its vibrant energy and over 60 parks connected by a 30-mile multi-use greenway trail system. Retirees enjoy four distinct seasons with manageable winters (lows rarely dipping below 30°F) and warm summers that, while humid, lack the extreme heat of desert states.

As the home of Duke University and a core anchor of the Research Triangle, Durham is a booming hub for science and technology. This creates a dynamic, multi-generational community with a robust economy and a distinctly intellectual atmosphere.

The city offers a rich cultural scene of live music, acclaimed restaurants, and craft breweries. Its central North Carolina location provides easy weekend access to both the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, making it an ideal base for an active and engaged retirement.

8. Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Average rent: $1,500
• Average home value: $315,900
• State income tax: 5.35%–9.85%
• Weather: Average highs: 24°F–83°F
• Nearest airport: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Sure, some snowbirds migrate away from Minnesota in the winter, but don’t discount Minneapolis when it comes to planting your retirement roots. It’s considered one of the best places to retire in the U.S. for people who want to experience more of a “city lifestyle” because it offers the perks of an urban market with the price tag of a mid-sized one. And, while — yes, the winters are iconic — the city is expertly designed for four-season living, with an unparalleled network of enclosed skyways downtown, abundant indoor arts and entertainment, and a collective ethos that embraces the cold with festivals, skating, and cozy social hubs. And once that chilly winter weather subsides, Minneapolitans can take advantage of over 20 lakes and miles of parkways and trails, offering exceptional access to kayaking, biking, fishing, and walking.

Retirees enjoy world-class theater, renowned museums like the Walker Art Center, a celebrated food scene, and seven major league sports teams, all supported by a robust public park system. Minneapolis is also a healthcare epicenter, home to the globally recognized Mayo Clinic network and other leading hospitals, providing exceptional medical care and significant peace of mind for Minnesota residents.

9. St. Petersburg, Florida

• Average rent: $1,825
• Average home value: $339,400
• State income tax: 0%
• Weather: Average highs: 69°F–89°F
• Nearest airport: St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

Thanks to The Golden Girls, when you think of retiring in Florida, Miami is likely a top spot that comes to mind. However, there are plenty of other Florida towns to consider when planning for your retirement years. Take St. Petersburg, for example. This Gulf Coast town is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after for its unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant community. St. Pete offers an energetic, multi-generational environment, attracting a significant retiree population while also cultivating a creative, youthful energy fueled by a world-class arts scene, renowned museums like the Dalí, and a delightfully funky downtown area.

And we haven’t even touched on the weather! St. Pete is called the “Sunshine City” because it holds the world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, at 768 continuous days — now that’s something to smile about. Even if a rainy day does slip in every now and again, the weather is still ideal for retirees escaping colder climates and provides endless opportunities for outdoor living, from strolling St. Pete Pier to kayaking the tranquil Tampa Bay shores.

10. Scottsdale, Arizona

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $832,700
• State income tax: 2.5% (all Social Security income is exempt)
• Weather: Average highs: 66°F–105°F
• Nearest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

If your nest egg is of the golden variety and you want more of an “aspire-ment” than a retirement, then take a look at one of the best places to retire in the U.S. — Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale has long been a premier retirement destination, attracting seniors with its guarantee of near-perfect weather and an abundance of upscale amenities. The city offers over 330 days of sunshine annually, providing a reliable escape from cold winters and allowing for a truly outdoor-centric lifestyle. This idyllic climate is the foundation for a retirement filled with championship golf on world-renowned courses, rejuvenating days at luxury spas, and hiking through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape of nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Beyond the weather, retirees are drawn to Scottsdale for its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, which masterfully blends Southwestern charm with cosmopolitan comforts. The city boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, from the galleries of Old Town to the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture of Taliesin West, alongside an exceptional array of fine dining and high-end shopping.

Best Places To Retire in the U.S. — FAQs

Q: What state is best financially to retire in?
A: While there are several states with no income tax and that don’t tax retirement income, pensions, and Social Security, Florida still leads the way in the top 10 best states to retire. The cost of living is only one percent higher than the national average, healthcare is relatively affordable, and it’s very tax-friendly.

Q: Where is the cheapest and safest place to retire?
A: Of all the spots on this list, Oklahoma City has the lowest cost of living. According to Neighborhood Scout, it’s safer than six percent of U.S. cities, which sounds like an alarming statistic, but is actually lower than other mid-sized metro areas, like Sacramento and Tulsa, which are safer than five percent and three percent, respectively. If you’re looking for a safer locale but still want a lower cost of living, consider Mesa, Arizona, or Henderson, Nevada.

Q: Where can I retire on $2,000 a month in the United States?
A: It’s going to be tough to live in any of the best places to retire in the U.S. with a $2,000 per month budget. For example, Oklahoma City has the lowest cost of living on this list, but meeting basic needs requires around $37,000 per year, or around $3,100 per month.

Q: What is the $1,000-a-month rule for retirement?
A: The $1,000-a-month rule is a guideline that can help you figure out how much you need to save for retirement. Here’s how it works: for every $1,000 of monthly income you want in retirement, you should have approximately $240,000 saved. This is based on the inverse of the 4 percent rule (withdrawing $1,000 per month equals $12,000 per year, and $12,000 is 5 percent of $240,000). Therefore, to generate a $4,000 monthly income, you would aim for about $960,000 in retirement savings.

Q: What is the cheapest and happiest state for retirees?
A: Want a blend of low cost and high satisfaction? Of the states mentioned on this “best places to retire in the U.S.” list, the answer may be Florida. It’s a favorite for high retiree happiness due to its climate, amenities, and tax benefits. If cheapness outweighs happiness for you, check out Mississippi or Alabama.

Q: What is the best age to retire?
A: There's no magic number for the best age to retire. It really depends on your own savings, health, and what you want to do with this next chapter. A common sweet spot is around 65, since that’s when Medicare kicks in and covers your healthcare. Some folks aim for their full Social Security age between 66 and 67 to maximize benefits, while others retire as soon as they can afford it just to enjoy more free time. The key is to make sure your finances and plans are aligned, so you can relax and truly enjoy this next chapter.

Q: What is the best city to retire in North Carolina?
A: If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, fairly affordable housing, and access to top healthcare facilities, you can’t beat Durham, North Carolina. It’s the perfect college town for lifelong learners who enjoy expanding their horizons with each passing year.

PODS Can Help You Move to the Best Places To Retire

Ready to start your golden years in one of the best places to retire in the U.S.? Make your retirement move a flexible one with PODS portable moving containers. Not only is one month’s storage built into the cost of every move, but PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

LB Gabriel is a freelance writer who lives with her husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever in Memphis, TN. A frequent PODS Blog contributor, when she's not on a deadline, you can find her on a tennis court or golf course.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}