Introduction to Retirement Choices
Millions of Americans reach retirement age each year, and selecting a location for their later years represents a significant decision.
U.S. News & World Report announced on Monday that Naples, a seaside city in southwestern Florida, is the top city for retirement in 2025, outranking 149 other reviewed cities.
Ranking Methodology
The outlet determined the order using key factors such as happiness, affordability, health care quality, retiree taxes, desirability, and the job market.
Happiness received the most weight among the six categories, and for the 2025 edition, the rankings began using city-based data rather than Metro Statistical Area data.
Overview of Top Cities
Eight states appear in the top 10 cities this year, with Florida featuring three prime retirement spots.
The most retirement-friendly cities identified by U.S. News & World Report include the following.
Top 10 Retirement Cities for 2025
- Naples, Florida: Jumped to No. 1 thanks to strong performance in happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, and job market; ranked third for desirability and did not appear in 2024's top 10.
- Virginia Beach, Virginia: Home to over 460,000 people, with a housing affordability score of 7.1 and median home price of $577,796.
- New York, New York: Offers abundant restaurants, theaters, and top-notch health care with a score of 10; rose three places from last year to third.
- Sarasota, Florida: Located on the Gulf Coast south of Tampa, featuring a vibrant arts scene, beach atmosphere, and growing food culture.
- Boise, Idaho: Ranked No. 5, provides various outdoor recreational activities as the capital of the Gem State.
- Raleigh, North Carolina: Median home price of $382,677 and rent of $1,433, with a 4.59% unemployment rate.
- Jacksonville, Florida: Northeastern Florida city with over 977,000 residents; climbed to No. 7 from 35th last year.
- Huntsville, Alabama: Median household income of $83,856 and housing affordability score of 8.5; tied to U.S. space exploration efforts.
- Charlotte, North Carolina: Provides an Old South and city feel to over 826,600 residents, with a median age of 36.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana: Rose four positions to No. 10; hosts festivals like BuskerFest and Three Rivers Festival.
Insights on Retiree Preferences
The 2025 Best Places to Retire rankings highlight cities that best address retiree needs and desires.
Earlier this year, the Federal Reserve reported that 27% of American adults identified as retired in 2023.
What we found this year is retirees seek a destination that will not only stretch their dollar, but is also a place for enjoyment.
