Retirees Keep Flocking To These Cities

The migration patterns in 2025 and 2026 don't lie, as every year, millions of Americans are approaching or entering retirement and have to make a decision on where to live. Do they stay put and watch existing expenses eat into a fixed nest egg, or relocate somewhere that is both warmer and hopefully somewhere their money can work even harder?

Unsurprisingly, the data shows some want to stay put while others look to pick destinations that continue to appear at the top of relocation lists, year after year. Whether it's because they deliver on lower costs, quality healthcare, and an exciting lifestyle, they all bring something to the table that makes moving more than just wanderlust.

A retiree living on $40,000 annually in a high-cost metro area might be able to stretch that income to feel like $60,000 or more in a mid-sized city. Most importantly, after decades of brutal winters or suffocating summers, some retirees simply want a change in climate. Even so, these are not all beach towns and golf paradises, so let's take a look at where retirees are going and why.

While you might think that many Americans are choosing to pick up and move, the data, at least according to AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey, found that 75% of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age. Of course, this means the other half want to relocate, with housing costs being the biggest motivator as they seek out a lower mortgage or rent cost, as well as lower taxes

For retirees who do want to make a change, researchers have dug into what changes retirees are looking for, and it's a list that shouldn't surprise anyone. For the 65 and older population, crime rates play a big role, as does room for physical and cultural activities, while you can't ignore quality of life either, with weather and walkability. Most importantly, it all comes down to cost as food, rent, utilities, and even transportation costs all weigh into the decision.

With a little help from research at Storage Cafe, Boise City, Idaho, arrives on this list as the 10th best city for retirees to move to. With a life expectancy of around 78.8 and a strong cost of living, the average home price here can get high at around $490,000, but it's worth it. If you can afford the cost, you'll fall in love with the city's mix of outdoor living, mountain backgrounds, and have plenty of friends, as just under 15% of the city is 65 and over.

Living in Madison, Wisconsin, means that you and around 15% of the population are all 65 and over, with a life expectancy of 80.5 years. The cheese state offers something that other states cannot, with a mixed climate that offers all four seasons without many extremes. This means you can expect plenty to do outside during the warm months, all while Social Security benefits are not taxed, and property tax credits help seniors stretch their fixed budgets as much as possible.

If you live in the areas around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News in either Virginia or North Carolina, you're going to love living here. Just under 15% of the population is already retirement age, which means around 260,000 seniors are already living the good life. Homes hover around $365,000 on average, which isn't as astronomically high as you will find in larger cities, plus you get the ocean breeze year-round.

Over 15% of residents in the Durham and Chapel Hill areas of North Carolina already know this region is perfect for retirement. The average fixed income here is around $36,000, while home prices have a median price of $418,000, which is admittedly around 13% above the national average. Best of all, the area is home to roughly 6,000 health assistance providers for every 10,000 residents, as you have access to incredible hospital systems.

Interestingly, the cold winters of New York aren't stopping retirees from flocking to the region around Kiryas Joel, Poughkeepsie, and Newburgh. Right under 16% of residents are already 65 and over with fixed retirement income averaging around $37,000, all while life expectancy hits 79 years of age, again, on average.

Finally, a Florida city enters the chat as Port St. Lucie, one of the state's largest cities, lands at number 5. It shouldn't come as any surprise to learn that the city already enjoys a 26% population over 65, all while the cost of living is among the best in the state. There's plenty of sunshine, golfing, swimming, and beach fun to be had without spending a fortune.

Another Florida entry, the region around North Port, Sarasota, and Bradenton, is often a staple on "best of" retirement city lists. The Sarasota metro area has long enjoyed a reputation as a retirement destination thanks to an extended life expectancy of around 80, while 32% of the region's population is 65 and over. It's warm, friendly, and full of leisurely living.

Like its West Coast of Florida sister city, the area around Naples provides over 32% of residents age 65 and over with plenty of retirement fun. Best of all, Naples, Florida, offers the highest life expectancy in the country at 84 years of age. Plus, you have some of the highest retirement incomes in the country, at approximately $59,000, which is more than enough to enjoy all the activities in the area.

Coming in as the second "best" city for retirement, the area around New York, Newark, and Jersey City all remain hugely popular for residents 65 and over. While only 16% of the population is above this age, they are willing to trade the warmth of Florida for some of the best culture and things to do in the country. The warm weather tradeoff also extends to world-class healthcare, which cannot be ignored.

No surprise at all as another Florida destination arrives at the number one spot, with Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida, once again heralded as a great retirement destination. Approximately one-third of residents are 65 and over, while life expectancy is right around 81 years of age. Retirement income also hits around $42,000, so you have some disposable income to enjoy the golden years.