When it comes to selecting the right spot for your retirement, it’s important to pick a destination that meets your needs. A new U.S. News analysis compares the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the country to help you choose the right place for retirement. This analysis includes data on the job market, retiree taxes, desirability, availability of quality health care, affordability and happiness. New to the rankings this year are scores for weather temperateness; risk of and resilience to extreme weather; price parity, which is how the cost of goods and services compares across metro areas; and an establishments-to-population ratio. These attributes were weighted based on the factors people consider most important, determined by a survey of 3,500 people age 45 and older throughout the U.S., asking what matters most to them when choosing their retirement destination. Take a look at the 25 Best Places to Retire in 2024:
[Read: The 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023-2024]
25. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
Population: 2,034,246
Share of population 65+: 13.3%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,116
Median monthly rent: $1,179
Hospitals: Duke University Hospital and UNC Hospitals
Raleigh and Durham, along with Chapel Hill, make up the tri-city area in North Carolina known as the Triangle, which is a mecca for research and technology companies. Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, and Durham are known for excellent cuisine ranging from low-country favorites to fine dining. The area is also home to wineries and more than two dozen craft breweries. New residents are attracted to its comparatively affordable homes and dynamic job market. The strong presence of corporations and nearby universities helps the Raleigh and Durham metro area rank No. 25 for its job market.
24. Orlando, Florida
Population: 2,632,721
Share of population 65+: 14.8%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,105
Median monthly rent: $1,363
Hospitals:AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health-Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando continues to draw retirees with its pleasant weather and abundance of restaurants, excellent golf courses and entertainment. Orlando ranks No. 10 for desirability, which accounts for U.S. residents’ interest in retiring there, based on a SurveyMonkey survey of more than 3,500 people, as well as entertainment and attraction establishments relative to the population size. The area is home to many theme parks, including the most famous one of all: Walt Disney World. Locals enjoy discounted passes to Disney World and other area parks. Orlando ranks No. 38 for happiness, which represents how content residents are with important aspects of their daily lives, including crime rate, air quality, well-being, and risk of and resilience to extreme weather. Retirees in Orlando might be able to keep a little more money in their pockets, as the area ranks No. 6 for retiree taxes. Florida has no personal income tax and its state sales tax is 6%, slightly lower than the national average of 6.59%.
23. Melbourne, Florida
Population: 601,573
Share of population 65+: 23.5%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $992
Median monthly rent: $1,185
Surfing, kayaking, boating, fishing and watching manatees are popular pastimes in Melbourne, one of the Space Coast’s most populated metro areas. Melbourne ranks No. 16 for desirability, buoyed by its sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Melbourne ranks No. 23 for its temperate weather out of the 150 metro areas on the list, based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The unemployment rate is only 2.85% so there are ample job opportunities to pursue if you’re looking to ease into retirement. Since there is no state income tax in Florida — and the sales tax is just slightly lower than the national average — it’s a tax-friendly climate for retirees.
22. Lakeland, Florida
Population: 713,148
Share of population 65+: 19.9%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $916
Median monthly rent: $1,090
Lakeland, located between Orlando and Tampa, has a small-town atmosphere but easy access to larger cities for shopping and entertainment. Named for its 38 beautiful lakes, Lakeland offers a relaxed lifestyle for retirees and has numerous trails for hiking and walking. Even though Lakeland is inland, it’s only about a 75-minute drive to Clearwater Beach near Tampa. If you love history and architecture, check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum at Florida Southern College. Another reason to love Lakeland? It ranks No. 6 for retiree taxes, due to Florida not having a personal income tax and the state income tax of just 6%.
21. Rochester, New York
Population: 1,088,373
Share of population 65+: 17.9%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $798
Median monthly rent: $965
Hospital:Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester
Located in western New York, Rochester has beautiful century-old homes and buildings in the downtown area. Many residents choose to live in the suburbs, but new developments downtown are expected to bring in new people. The winters get cold, but with a scarf and gloves, you can enjoy skiing and other snow sports. Rochester’s location on Lake Ontario is a draw for retirees who enjoy fishing, sailing and boating during the warmer months. Rochester is ranked No. 35 for quality health care availability, with the nationally ranked Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester serving the region. The university’s Eastman School of Music offers residents the opportunity to hear world-class musicians perform. Rochester saw a double-digit increase on the U.S. News rankings this year, jumping 29 positions from No. 50 last year.
20. Trenton, New Jersey
Population: 384,951
Share of population 65+: 15.3%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,363
Median monthly rent: $1,361
Trenton, the state capital of New Jersey, is a diverse city with a rich history. Trenton’s western border is along the Delaware River, which offers residents easy access to water sports and boating. Retirees can find excellent trails for walking, jogging and cycling. Residents may enjoy being close to New York City, Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore. Trenton ranks No. 8 for its job market, so there are ample opportunities for retirees to find part-time or seasonal work. It ranks No. 2 for availability of top-quality health care.
19. Toledo, Ohio
Population: 646,330
Share of population 65+: 16.8%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $795
Median monthly rent: $809
Residents of Toledo love the city for its affordable homes, culture and outdoor activities. With low rent and mortgage costs, Toledo ranks No. 9 for housing affordability, which makes it a great spot for retirees. Toledo is known as the “Glass City” for its ties to the glass-making industry. The cultural scene is vibrant with museums, including the Toledo Museum of Art, which hosts one of the best collections in the U.S. Many retirees will find that Toledo’s slogan, “You Will Do Better In Toledo,” is right on target.
18. Sarasota, Florida
Population: 824,160
Share of population 65+: 32.2%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,050
Median monthly rent: $1,359
Hospital:Sarasota Memorial Hospital
While Sarasota isn’t known for inexpensive housing, this community south of Tampa is a popular destination for retirees. Sarasota ranks No. 6 for desirability, and it’s easy to see why. Residents have access to beautiful white-sand beaches, including nearby Siesta Key Beach. This offers opportunities for water sports, boating and fishing. With an average of 251 sunny days per year, the warm climate supports outdoor activities year-round. Sarasota offers fabulous cuisine and a thriving culture with an opera house, live music and a performing arts hall. Sarasota also ranks No. 6 for retiree taxes due to Florida’s tax-friendly climate.
17. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Population: 672,914
Share of population 65+: 17.3%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $841
Median monthly rent: $834
Winston-Salem, called Winston by locals, ranks No. 8 for affordability, based on housing costs and price parity, the cost of everyday goods and services. It’s one of many reasons retirees flock to this culturally diverse community. It’s home to six universities and colleges, including Wake Forest University. Winston-Salem offers live performances hosted by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. For museum lovers, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art won’t disappoint. The city also attracts outdoor lovers who enjoy the hiking trails, state parks and the Quarry at Grant Park, which has an overlook with great views.
16. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Population: 326,590
Share of population 65+: 16%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $865
Median monthly rent: $851
Green Bay is home to one of the most beloved football franchises, the Green Bay Packers. The team is owned by its fans and the football energy is palpable. Area trails offer outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging, skiing and snowshoeing. During the warmer months, the Fox River provides opportunities for sunset cruises and water skiing. These things contribute to Green Bay’s No. 16 ranking on the happiness index, which represents how content residents are with important aspects of their daily lives, from crime rates to air quality, well-being, and risk of and resilience to extreme weather. Green Bay gets high marks for its affordability, factoring in both the cost of living and price parity for goods and services.
15. Manchester, New Hampshire
Population: 420,504
Share of population 65+: 15.8%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,250
Median monthly rent: $1,305
Located alongside the Merrimack River, Manchester experiences all the seasons. The fall foliage display is gorgeous, and there are top-notch skiing opportunities in the winter. New Hampshire doesn’t have a state sales tax or an earned income tax, contributing to Manchester’s No. 1 ranking for retiree taxes. It’s easy to get around the city on bike or by foot. There’s a strong cycling community with bike lanes and paths. The Manchester Farmers Market gives residents the chance to buy local produce and the city-owned McIntyre Ski Area provides significantly discounted season passes to people age 65 and older. Manchester is ranked No. 11 for happiness and No. 12 for its job market, so retirees who want to bring in a paycheck will find ample opportunity to do so.
14. Fort Wayne, Indiana
Population: 415,887
Share of population 65+: 14.8%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $706
Median monthly rent: $839
Retirees who live on a tight budget may find a lot to like about Fort Wayne. The northeastern Indiana city is ranked No. 7 for affordability, which considers housing affordability and price parity, the cost of everyday goods and services. Another reason retirees may consider moving to Fort Wayne is because the city ranks No. 34 for availability of quality health care. Fort Wayne is home to an internationally diverse community and the city embraces its German heritage with festivals in the summer. Health-conscious locals enjoy cycling and running in city events. For residents who love baseball, Fort Wayne has three competitive minor-league teams.
13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Population: 6,215,222
Share of population 65+: 16%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,227
Median monthly rent: $1,230
Hospitals:Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center
Philadelphia blends big city amenities and unique charm with its history as the birthplace of democracy. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall played host to the Continental Congress, and the Declaration of Independence was signed there. The City of Brotherly Love is also rich in arts and culture, as well as outdoor experiences, and its dining scene extends beyond cheesesteaks and hoagies. Throughout the year, Philadelphians pack stadiums, arenas and sports bars to cheer on the Eagles, the Phillies, the Flyers and the 76ers. Philadelphia’s No. 3 ranking for availability of quality health care rides on its exceptional medical facilities. Locals also have access to great shopping and world-class museums.
[See: 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Quality of Life.]
12. Tampa, Florida
Population: 3,146,074
Share of population 65+: 19.6%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,071
Median monthly rent: $1,230
Hospital:Tampa General Hospital
Like the other Florida metro areas on this list, Tampa is ranked No. 6 for retiree taxes, but this is only one of the reasons it attracts retirees. With beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and an average of 252 sunny days per year, Tampa is also No. 9 for desirability. Tampa seamlessly combines a relaxed beach lifestyle with a thriving downtown, which gives residents the best of both worlds. It’s a culturally diverse city that offers water sports, professional sports teams, fine dining and unique museums. Residents also enjoy a variety of parks, including a zoo and an aquarium. Many of these attractions offer senior discounts.
11. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Population: 372,428
Share of population 65+: 14.1%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,123
Median monthly rent: $1,218
Hospital:University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and this gives the city an energetic college-town atmosphere. University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor is on the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll, which helps Ann Arbor rank No. 17 for health care access. Ann Arbor also ranks No. 5 in the happiness index, which represents how content residents are with important aspects of their daily lives, from crime rates to well-being, air quality, and risk of and resilience to extreme weather. Art and history lovers will enjoy the University of Michigan’s museums. For outdoor lovers, activities range from kayaking on the Huron River in the warmer months to ice skating and snowshoeing during colder weather.
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Population: 2,366,544
Share of population 65+: 20%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $870
Median monthly rent: $892
Hospital:UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
Pittsburgh is a vibrant midsized city, dotted with lively and walkable neighborhoods. Steel City combines low housing costs with a high quality of life, contributing to its No. 29 rank on the happiness index. Retirees will find easy access to a highly regarded hospital system, contributing to Pittsburgh’s No. 21 ranking for health care. It’s home to several colleges, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The strong academic environment gives retirees the opportunity to attend classes, concerts and other events. Sports fans can cheer on the Steelers, Penguins and the Pirates. From parks nestled within the city limits, such as Frick Park and Schenley Park, to larger green spaces just outside downtown, there’s an outdoor activity for nearly everyone.
9. Youngstown, Ohio
Population: 542,459
Share of population 65+: 21.2%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $653
Median monthly rent: $706
Youngstown is a friendly community located in the northeastern part of Ohio near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. With its No. 2 ranking for affordability, a metric that combines housing costs and the price of goods and services, retirement dollars will stretch further in Youngstown. The city’s largest employer is Youngstown State University, which houses a large campus with more than 12,000 students and NCAA Division 1 sports teams. Retired residents will enjoy senior discounts on golf at Mill Creek MetroParks, which includes more than 5,000 acres of bike trails, hiking trails, golf courses and lakes. The revitalized downtown area includes lively restaurants and interesting galleries.
8. Daytona Beach, Florida
Population: 662,671
Share of population 65+: 25.4%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $886
Median monthly rent: $1,181
Home to beautiful beaches and a sun-drenched lifestyle, Daytona Beach ranks No. 7 for desirability. It’s a popular tourist destination, and with 23 miles of white-sand Atlantic Coast beaches, it’s straightforward to find a relaxing spot to read or go for a swim. Although retirees are drawn to the lively atmosphere in Daytona Beach, many stay because of its favorable tax climate. The upbeat city is famous for motor sports, as NASCAR fans show up in droves for the Daytona 500 and other races at the Daytona International Speedway.
7. York, Pennsylvania
Population: 454,605
Share of population 65+: 17.5%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $965
Median monthly rent: $1,025
A walk through downtown York unveils three centuries of American history. Retirees may choose the area for its No. 5 ranking in access to quality health care. It’s the home of York College of Pennsylvania, which opened in 1787. This city where Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1778 is steeped in history, and locals take pride in beautifully restored historic buildings. York hosts many seasonal events during the year, including the York Fair, which started in 1765.
6. New York City
Population: 20,968,258
Share of population 65+: 15.9%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,762
Median monthly rent: $1,574
Hospitals:NYU Langone Hospitals, New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital
There’s always something to do in New York City. It’s home to some of the world’s best theaters, restaurants and museums. It’s a fast-paced lifestyle, but residents enjoy the outdoors, walking pets and jogging at Central Park. New York City moved up to No. 6 from its No. 14 position in the overall rankings last year. It’s rated No. 1 for its world-class health care, and it’s home to three hospitals that are on the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll. Retirees with financial resources will find any kind of specialist needed in New York City. Its strong job market (No. 22) is a plus for seniors who want to earn a little income. Even though it’s expensive to live there, it still ranks No. 6 for happiness and No. 18 for desirability. If you can retire there, you can retire anywhere.
5. Allentown, Pennsylvania
Population: 857,997
Share of population 65+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,038
Median monthly rent: $1,141
Hospital:Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest
Located 90 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia, Allentown is an easy drive away but has lower housing costs than both larger cities. This proximity provides access to top-quality health care, leading to Allentown’s No. 4 ranking. Allentown is the third-largest metro area in Pennsylvania, but it retains the charm of a smaller town and has many historic homes. The area is cold in the winter, but it’s a haven for avid skiers. For those who prefer to walk or run, the city offers many hiking trails. Many families call the Allentown area home, as reflected by the number of family-centered activities at places like the Da Vinci Science Center and the America On Wheels Museum.
4. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Population: 566,743
Share of population 65+: 19.7%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $783
Median monthly rent: $834
Scranton is only two hours from New York City, and about the same distance from Philadelphia, so it appeals to retirees who want to be close to a major city but enjoy a small community feeling, more affordable housing prices and low crime rates. Scranton ranks No. 14 for access to quality health care. A must-see for history buffs is the Lackawanna County Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Retirees will be in good company, with nearly 20% of the population aged 65 or older. Those looking for outdoor adventures might go for a morning jog or stroll on the Lackawanna Heritage Trail, pack a picnic for Sturgis Park, or enjoy nature on the Davis Trail at Nay Aug Park.
[READ: 2024 Most Affordable Places to Retire]
3. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Population: 550,480
Share of population 65+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,000
Median monthly rent: $1,114
Hospital:Lancaster General Hospital
Last year’s No. 1 place to retire, Lancaster dropped two spots but is still highly ranked for retirees. Lancaster gets high marks for its health care for seniors, low taxes for retirees and the overall happiness of current residents. Lancaster is about 90 minutes from Philadelphia, which gives residents the benefit of being near a large city while enjoying the affordability of a smaller town. This diverse city has beautiful farmlands, a large Amish community and many farmers markets that locals enjoy. Lancaster has hiking trails and water sports for outdoor lovers. The city has a growing foodie scene with a diverse collection of cuisines, and old warehouses and buildings have been transformed into hip restaurants and bars.
2. Reading, Pennsylvania
Population: 426,967
Share of population 65+: 17.1%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $972
Median monthly rent: $985
Reading, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, shot up U.S. News’ list of Best Places to Retire from No. 10 to No. 2. Reading attracts retirees with its No. 6 ranking for the availability of top-quality health care. At about 90 minutes by car from Philadelphia, residents may also access nearby big-city health care and cultural attractions. It’s also a charming and affordable city with a diverse community. Retirees will find unique activities in the area, including visiting the Reading Pagoda, a unique landmark built in 1908.
1. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Population: 587,411
Share of population 65+: 17.7%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $945
Median monthly rent: $1,019
Hospital:Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania, moved up from No. 2 to capture the No. 1 spot this year. It gets high marks for the availability of quality health care for seniors — ranked No. 10 — and happiness of its residents — ranked No. 15. It’s also a tax-friendly spot, ranking No. 32 for retiree taxes. Located on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park offers a great venue for runners and bikers and a gorgeous place to take a walk. Nearby state forests will appeal to retirees interested in hiking or camping. Several large metro areas are within easy driving distance, including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
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The 25 Best Places to Retire in 2024 originally appeared on usnews.com
