The best cities retirees may want to consider moving to

You’ve worked hard your entire career and likely established strong roots in your chosen community. Now, with retirement looming or recently occurring, you’re probably eager to spread your wings and soar beyond mere short-term travel plans. This could be an ideal window to consider relocating to an entirely new market — perhaps in a faraway state where a new exciting chapter of your life is waiting to unfold.

The problem is, with so many different cities and desirable areas for retirees to choose from, where should you look?

“Retirement is supposed to be the next best chapter of your life, so you want to get where you choose to live right. If where you currently reside doesn’t cater to how you want to live during retirement, especially when it comes to amenities, activities, and social connections, it’s time to ponder moving to a new city,” suggests Matiah Fischer, founder of RetireBetterNow.com and a Las Vegas Realtor.

Hardly a surprise, Fischer recommends taking a closer look at the desert hot spot.

“There’s so much to do in Vegas, much more than just The Strip. There are world-famous shows and professional sports, abundant outdoor activities, outstanding communities and housing options, a great climate, interesting people from all over the world, and no state income tax,” he notes.

Ask Shaun Martin, CEO of a full-service real estate investment company, and he’ll tell you that Portland, Oregon, is the ideal spot for enjoying your postworking years.

“If you want a change from your current locale or are just looking for something different, think about moving somewhere where there are plenty of opportunities for fun activities and entertainment explicitly tailored toward older adults — like casinos, golf courses, and spas. That’s why my first recommendation would be Portland, where a ton of outdoor activities await including hiking and biking along the Columbia River,” Martin says.

“There are also plenty of cultural activities and festivals as well as museums and galleries to check out, and the cost of living is low compared to other major U.S. cities.”

Don’t forget San Diego, suggests real estate investor Alex Capozzolo.

“It’s one of the most desirable year-round vacation spots in the nation for a reason. Unlike some other coastal locations, the weather in San Diego is tempered by the Pacific Ocean, which results in relatively cool summers and warm winters. And there is minimal rainfall,” he explains. “There are nearly 70 miles of ocean beaches for all types of activities and exploration. And there are more than 90 golf courses, too.”

Brian Burke, owner and managing broker of Kenna Real Estate in Littleton, Colorado, surprisingly doesn’t nominate a city in his home state. Instead, he strongly recommends Charleston, South Carolina.

“If you want to retire in a beautiful coastal city, Charleston can be a great option. It offers access to a safe and affordable neighborhood along with mesmerizing scenic beauty. The city is safer than 21% of U.S. cities, and you get access to amazing health care services,” Burke points out. “Plus, you won’t need to pay any tax on Social Security benefits, and Charleston offers one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.”

Tropical paradise is a strong pull for many retirees yearning for a new address, which is why Harold X Clarke, founder/CEO of Harold X Clarke Advisors, recommends Honolulu.

“There’s no better place to live than in Hawaii — more specifically, Honolulu, which offers the perfect balance of island life with city entertainment. We’ve got pristine golf courses, hiking trails, luxury shopping centers, breathtaking art galleries and much more,” Clarke says.

Florida may be less desirable to some due to hurricane activity, but that doesn’t stop David Tully, a Realtor for eXp Realty in Reno, from advocating for Palm Coast, Florida.

“The quality of life is good here, with a 19% population growth last year. The median cost of a mortgage is just under $1,300, with rental homes at roughly the same range,” he says.

Whatever cities make your shortlist, don’t choose a location based on price only.

“It could be cheaper to move to the middle of nowhere, but if you thrive on socialization, your decision could be a mistake. Make a list of lifestyle must-haves and factor those in when choosing a location,” Capozzolo suggests.

“Also, don’t relocate too far away from basic services and health care providers.”