It is never too early to start planning your retirement if you want to enjoy the fruits of the labor you put in during your working years. One of the main concerns about retirement is the place of residence. In our list of best states to retire to, we take a deep dive into the criteria you might choose. However, picking a state just gets you in the ballpark, but then you have to decide where in that state you want to retire to. In most cases, it is a good idea to shift your base and enjoy your retirement in a new city. Discovering and exploring a new place will also help you recover your self-identity that can get lost during the initial stages of retirement.
If you want to live your dream, then you should start saving up from today. You should also try to decide what your destination city would be. To make a perfect choice, you need to consider the following factors:
- Cost of living
- Quality of life
- Housing costs
- Overall happiness
- Healthcare facilities
- Tax policies
The following list will help you narrow down your options. We have compiled the best cities that you can retire to in 2023.
1. McAllen, Texas
Located at the southernmost point of Texas, this city is not very well-known. However, you should not judge it by its lack of popularity because McAllen happens to be one of the best cities in the River Grande Valley. The city has a flourishing economy because there is a constant influx of people. Since it is located close to Mexico, the city offers sunshine all around the year. The Gulf of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley will give you the perfect recreational opportunities.
2. El Paso, Texas
If you want an inexpensive style of living, then you should head to El Paso which is situated in the far west corner of Texas. You will save a lot of money as the cost of living in El Paso is even below the national average. If you love spending time outdoors, then you will love El Paso because of its constant sunny weather. It is located close to the Rio Grande river which means that you can fish, canoe or raft in your spare time. El Paso is also famous for hosting a large number of festivals.
3. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a popular spot for retirees because of its inexpensive housing. Moreover, it has a flourishing healthcare industry which is a big advantage. You will enjoy cool weather in Grand Rapids because of its close proximity to water. Moreover, the city has a thriving outdoor life which will keep you occupied. You can visit the numerous breweries too.
4. Sarasota, Florida
Florida is one of the most sought-after places among retirees and with good reason. Sarasota is located in southwest Florida. You can easily take a drive to Tampa from there. If you love the beach, then the white sands and warm waters of Sarasota are perfect for you. Moreover, you can go fishing or boating any time you like. This isn’t the first time that Sarasota made one of our best places list.
5. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
If you want a countryside experience, then you should set your sights on Lancaster. You will find extensive farmlands, hiking trails, and corn mazes. The downtown area is a popular spot for festivals, and a large number of people gather to enjoy the show. You can also visit the Amish communities who live nearby.
6. Daytona Beach, Florida
You really cannot go wrong with Florida as your retirement spot. You must have heard of Daytona Beach in association with the Daytona International Speedway, but the city actually has a lot to offer. Retirees can spend time on the beach, or go fishing. There are performing art centers and museums to explore as well.
7. Austin, Texas
The live music shows hosted in Austin make it one of the best places to retire for music lovers. Groove to rock and blues whenever you want. There are a big 250 parks in the city which allow for a variety of outdoor activities. You can’t really have a best of list and not include Austin, mainly because there’s just so much to do an see in this city, and it makes all the lists.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you’re going to spend your retirement life outdoors in the sunshine, then you can head to Pittsburgh. Parks in the city are spread over almost 2,000 acres. Moreover, if you are a fan of the Steelers, the Pirates or the Penguins, then you can head to the Heinz Field, PNC Park or PPG Paints Arena to catch a match.
9. San Antonio, Texas
A popular city to retire to is San Antonio, Texas. Brimming with history and culture, San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in Texas. There are unlimited entertainment options, and you will never be bored. Whether you love trying new food, watching a match or getting immersed in a theatrical performance; there is something for everybody. In addition, there are plenty of suburban options in San Antonio real estate.
10. Washington, D.C.
Not a normal retirement option in many of the “best of” posts, and yet here it is. The capital has the widest assortment of museums and culturally significant places that you can explore in your free time. You can also head to different restaurants or catch a few games to make the days even more exciting.
What is your dream city to retire to?
