Best Cities · Retirees
Best US cities for retirees (2026)
Mild weather, low cost of living, low crime, and walkable neighborhoods — for a comfortable retirement.
What matters for retirees
25% climate, 25% affordability, 20% safety, 20% walkability, 10% environment.
- Mild winters and summers — outdoor-friendly year round.
- Low cost of living — stretch retirement savings further.
- Safe neighborhoods — low crime rates.
- Walkable errands — less dependence on driving.
Top 25 cities for retirees
Ranked by UrbRank Score with weights tuned for retirees.
FAQ
What makes a city good for retirees?
Retirees typically prioritize mild climate (easy on the body, more outdoor time), affordability (fixed income goes further), safety, and walkability (less reliance on driving). UrbRank weights those four most heavily when ranking the best retirement cities.
Are taxes factored into the ranking?
Not directly. The affordability dimension reflects overall cost of living (housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, transportation) rather than state income tax. Most retirees should also factor in state tax treatment of Social Security and pensions separately.
See other rankings
- Best cities for families25% safety, 25% affordability, 20% education, 15% climate, 10% walkability, 5% environment.
- Best cities for remote workers35% affordability, 20% climate, 15% walkability, 15% environment, 15% safety.
- Best cities for young professionals30% jobs, 25% walkability, 20% affordability, 15% climate, 10% safety.