UPDATE: WalletHub has just announced its rankings of the best and worst cities for retirees in 2025, revealing critical insights for those planning their golden years. The analysis evaluated 182 cities across the United States based on key factors including affordability, healthcare quality, activities, and overall quality of life.
This ranking is essential for retirees looking to maximize their quality of life while managing costs. With many older adults migrating south for warmer climates, WalletHub’s findings showcase a stark contrast between states, with Florida dominating the best cities list, while California struggles with high costs and inadequate healthcare.
The data highlights that cities like Naples and Fort Lauderdale are ideal for retirees, thanks to their vibrant lifestyles and affordable living conditions. Notably, the Midwest is also making a mark, providing a diverse range of favorable options.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub writer and analyst, stated, “Rounding out the top 10 are cities that balance affordability, access to quality care, and vibrant lifestyles.” Retirees can find not only sunny beaches but also welcoming communities and strong local economies in these top-ranked cities.
Here are the 10 best cities for retirees, according to WalletHub:
1. **Orlando, FL** – Affordability rank: 5, Healthcare rank: 14, Median home price: $385,000
2. **Scottsdale, AZ** – Affordability rank: 116, Healthcare rank: 40, Median home price: $1,100,000
3. **Minneapolis, MN** – Affordability rank: 96, Healthcare rank: 13, Median home price: $329,000
4. **Miami, FL** – Affordability rank: 76, Healthcare rank: 26, Median home price: $625,000
5. **Tampa, FL** – Affordability rank: 45, Healthcare rank: 106, Median home price: $469,900
6. **Atlanta, GA** – Affordability rank: 66, Healthcare rank: 56, Median home price: $370,000
7. **Fort Lauderdale, FL** – Affordability rank: 79, Healthcare rank: 47, Median home price: $599,000
8. **Cincinnati, OH** – Affordability rank: 104, Healthcare rank: 50, Median home price: $295,000
9. **Madison, WI** – Affordability rank: 107, Healthcare rank: 8, Median home price: $420,000
10. **Casper, WY** – Affordability rank: 1, Healthcare rank: 74, Median home price: $345,000
Conversely, the 10 worst cities for retirees reveal alarming trends, particularly in California. High living costs and poor healthcare access plague these locations:
1. **San Bernardino, CA** – Affordability rank: 157, Healthcare rank: 174, Median home price: $515,000
2. **Stockton, CA** – Affordability rank: 133, Healthcare rank: 157, Median home price: $454,900
3. **Rancho Cucamonga, CA** – Affordability rank: 163, Healthcare rank: 128, Median home price: $799,000
4. **Bakersfield, CA** – Affordability rank: 113, Healthcare rank: 169, Median home price: $420,000
5. **Newark, NJ** – Affordability rank: 156, Healthcare rank: 134, Median home price: $419,900
6. **Fresno, CA** – Affordability rank: 125, Healthcare rank: 144, Median home price: $410,000
7. **Fontana, CA** – Affordability rank: 172, Healthcare rank: 147, Median home price: $669,000
8. **Pearl City, HI** – Affordability rank: 180, Healthcare rank: 104, Median home price: $622,000
9. **Salem, OR** – Affordability rank: 127, Healthcare rank: 146, Median home price: $485,000
10. **Bridgeport, CT** – Affordability rank: 175, Healthcare rank: 11, Median home price: $360,000
As more retirees seek affordable and vibrant locations to settle down, these rankings will play a crucial role in shaping their decisions. The complete report by WalletHub highlights the urgent need for retirees to consider not just the weather, but also affordability and healthcare access in their retirement planning.
Next Steps: For those planning to retire soon, it’s time to take these rankings into account and start exploring your options! Stay tuned for more updates on retirement trends and city rankings.
