Best Cities For Retirement Outside Of Florida

Thinking about retiring in Florida? With its year-round warm weather, sandy beaches, and many attractions, the Sunshine State is a popular choice for retirement. But what if you’re already in Florida and considering retiring elsewhere?

WalletHub recently published its list of top retirement cities in the U.S., evaluating 182 cities across the country. Orlando came out on top as the best place for retirement, with Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami also making the top 10.

WalletHub's ranking methodology considered retiree-friendliness, including cost of living, tax laws, quality of life, available activities, and healthcare. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, emphasizes the importance of choosing wisely when planning retirement, especially for those on a fixed income. "The best cities for retirees are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as offer good opportunities for continued paid work if desired," Lupo said. "Top cities provide high-quality health care and plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees."

If you're set on staying within Florida, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale are your best bets. Orlando was noted for its numerous airports, lack of income tax, and no estate or inheritance taxes. It's also the 20th cheapest city for adult day health care, has the 11th best hospitals for geriatrics, and ranks No. 1 for home health care facilities per capita. For recreation, it’s the second-best city for fishing facilities, art galleries, and adult volunteer activities.

Miami ranks high for its recreation and senior centers, with the 11th most centers and the fifth most museums. It is also the fifth most walkable city, and many residents have access to public transportation. Like Orlando, Miami has no income, estate, or inheritance taxes and is among the cheapest cities for taxes.

I was a bit surprised to not see Sarasota in one of the top spots. I actually know two couples on my husband’s side who decided to move there from the Lakeland area. They went mainly to be around “people close to their age.”

According to a recent ranking from Niche, Sarasota is listed as one of the best cities for retirement. In 2022, the city was ranked as one of the best for retirement by U.S. & World Report News. “The cost of living is reasonable, which means even retirees on a budget can consider relocating to Sarasota. This Florida beach destination also has the amenities retirees need, including nearby hospitals and job opportunities for those looking to earn a little extra income in retirement,” they said about the city.

If you're considering retiring outside Florida, Minneapolis ranks third on the list with a strong "elderly-friendly labor market," meaning it offers many suitable jobs for seniors who want to continue working. The city also has the sixth-best hospital system, a high number of nursing homes, and many gerontologists. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a gerontologist studies all aspects of the aging process and works to support the needs and wants of older adults.

Other top-ranked cities include Scottsdale, Arizona, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Take a look at the complete breakdown here.