10 Best Retirement Cities in America

By: K. R. Price

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Want to know the 10 best retirement cities in America? The following cities offer a variety of recreational activities, health care, and housing options that make them popular among the 55+ crowd as the 10 best retirement cities in America.

Port Charlotte, FL - With nearly 50% of its population over the age of 50, this Gulf Coast town is a quaint location that caters to retirees. In addition to living along the shoreline, having first-class medical facilities, like the award-winning Fawcett Memorial Hospital, makes this town one of the best retirement cities. Additionally, the fact that Florida does not tax income, including interest and dividend income, only adds to the reasons to settle in this town.
Beaufort, SC - This recession resistant town, thanks to its military bases, is a popular one with retirees. Tucked away in South Carolina’s Sea Island, Beaufort boasts local hospitals that are Duke University-affiliated and over a dozen golf courses. What more could a retiree need?
Paris, TN - Living in a small town of about 10,000 on the man-made Kentucky Lake makes this town one of the best retirement cities among baby boomers. With median home price considerably under $100,000 in addition to ample opportunities for fishing, boating and camping in the surrounding area, Paris’s retiree population is expected to drastically increase in the years to come.
Austin, TX - If living an active lifestyle and choosing from every kind of housing choice is what you desire, then Austin is a great choice. Perhaps the biggest draw to this city is the wide array of cultural and art-related activities that make this city quirky and fun for the 55+ crowd and one of the best retirement cities in the nation.
Roanoke, VA - Experiencing all four seasons, including a mild winter, makes this city a huge draw for retirees and one of the nation's 10 best cities to retire in. In addition to the Appalachian Trail that winds through the city, Roanoke has six green ways that connect the city’s mountains, rivers and scenic areas to safe and comfortable walkways to provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy boating, biking, and horseback riding.
Fairhope, AL - This pedestrian-friendly city along the shores of Mobile Bay is a perfect city to retire for the artistic at heart. Fairhope has long drawn artists and musicians looking to display their talents and the town’s annual three-day Arts and Crafts Festival welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually.
Asheville, NC - Mild weather and a charming environment makes Asheville desirable among retirees and one of the best retirement cities. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville actually built 55+ communities around the lakes, golf courses and mountain settings. The region is so popular, developers far outside of the city put Asheville in community and development names.
San Luis Obispo, CA - You can enjoy spicy Pinot Noir wines quite possibly made in your back yard from the Edna Valley Vineyards if you settle in this central California city with an active retirement community. Many retirees find San Luis Obispo to be one of the best retirement cities in America on account of its rolling brown hills and long beaches along with the city's deep-rooted historic district dating back to the 18th century.
Green Valley, AZ - Located in Southern Arizona, Green Valley is a planned and age-restricted retirement city with a population around 20,000 residents with an average age of 72. Additionally, the over nine golf courses and twelve recreation centers dedicated to retirees make this remote community located close to Mexico one of the 10 best cities to retire in America.
Athens, GA - With fourteen of its neighborhoods listed on the National Register of Historic Places and at least two retirement communities built around golf courses, Athens is an excellent retirement location. With an average home price in the hundred thousand dollar range, retirement housing Athens is much less expensive than other retirement communities.