12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire
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12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire

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If you’re ready to start the next chapter, finding the best place to retire can significantly improve your quality of life. The following list includes towns with low crime rates, affordable living costs, and abundant things to keep you occupied. Whether outdoor activities, dining out, or local history appeal the most, here are some top spots for American retirees. 

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Dreaming of retiring in postcard-perfect bliss? Which of these top 5 spots from the ’12 Most Beautiful US Places to Retire’ wins your heart?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire © Dave1276 / Adobe Stock
Lakewood Ranch, Florida 1/5
12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire © Marco / Adobe Stock
Fredericksburg, Texas 2/5
Most beautiful places to retire in the US, Ann Arbor © Dark Vader / Shutterstock
Ann Arbor, Michigan 3/5
12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire © jonbilous / Adobe Stock
York, Pennsylvania 4/5
12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire © Jonathan / Adobe Stock
Astoria, Oregon 5/5

Results

12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire 1
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
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12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire 2
Fredericksburg, Texas
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Most beautiful places to retire in the US, Ann Arbor 3
Ann Arbor, Michigan
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12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire 4
York, Pennsylvania
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12 Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire 5
Astoria, Oregon
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Ann Arbor, Michigan

Most beautiful places to retire in the US, Ann Arbor
© Dark Vader / Shutterstock

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is the archetypal Midwestern college town – yet has so much more to offer besides. The city is packed with parkland, offering various outdoor opportunities beyond the boundaries. It’s very walkable, and the historic main street has lovely places to shop, eat and drink.

  • Experience the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Discover science through interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Admission is USD 16 for adults.
  • Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Visit Nichols Arboretum for diverse plants and scenic trails. Entry is free.

Read also: Awesome US Towns With European Vibes

Fredericksburg, Texas

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Fredericksburg, Texas
© Marco / Adobe Stock

If you’d like to spend your later years somewhere with a European feel, then Fredericksburg in Texas has to be worth considering. Marktplatz, the main square, even has a replica German church, and you can delve into German heritage at the Pioneer Museum. The climate is pleasant, and the local area offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and wineries.

  • Discover the Pioneer Museum: Learn about German heritage at the Pioneer Museum with its historical exhibits. Admission is USD 12 for adults.
  • Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Hike the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock, located nearby. Entry fees are USD 8 for adults.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US

York, Pennsylvania

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire York, Pennsylvania
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York in southern Pennsylvania is a historic city set among vineyards, and it also offers tip-top health care services for post-work residents. There are plenty of restaurants here, plus parks, walking trails, museums, and galleries. Affordable living costs and the nearby Mason-Dixon Wine Trail add to the city’s charms. 

  • Explore the Agricultural and Industrial Museum: Discover York’s rich history at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum with exhibits on local industry and farming. Admission is USD 15 for adults.
  • Stroll Through Heritage Rail Trail County Park: Enjoy walking or biking along the Heritage Rail Trail, which stretches from York to the Maryland border. Entry is free.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the US

Astoria, Oregon

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Astoria, Oregon
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The port city of Astoria in Oregon offers an appealing waterside setting, which is by the banks of the Columbia River and close to the ocean. Affordable Victorian housing, local breweries, fine museums, fishing, and other outdoor activities make this a lovely place to live. Oregon’s oldest city also has low rates of crime.

  • Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum: Explore maritime history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum with exhibits on fishing, shipping, and naval history. Admission is USD 18 for adults.
  • Tour the Astoria Column: Climb the Astoria Column for panoramic views of the city and river. Admission is free, but parking costs USD 5 per vehicle.

Read also: US Cities With Unique Architecture

Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Lakewood Ranch, Florida
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Florida’s sunny climate and the state’s personal income tax perk make it one of the most popular places for retired people. Crime rates and living costs are low, and there’s housing stock to suit everyone. Lakewood Ranch is ideal for shoppers, runners, foodies, golfers, and lovers of outdoor life.

  • Visit Myakka River State Park: Explore the natural beauty of Myakka River State Park with its hiking trails and wildlife. Entry fees are USD 6 per vehicle.
  • Visit the Ringling Museum: Discover art and history at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in nearby Sarasota. Admission is USD 30 for adults.

Read also: Historical Small Towns in the US

Naples, Florida

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire_Naples, Florida
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Like its Italian namesake, Naples in Florida is also blessed with sultry weather. And as with other Florida hotspots, the lack of personal income tax makes it attractive to retired people. Naples is abundant in golf courses, restaurants, and beaches. The city also has a low crime rate, plus a good choice of affordable housing.

  • Explore the Naples Botanical Garden: Discover diverse plant collections and themed gardens at the Naples Botanical Garden. Admission is USD 27 for adults.
  • Visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Walk the boardwalk at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to see unique wildlife and ancient cypress trees. Admission is USD 17 for adults.

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Read also: US Coastal Gems

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Youngstown, Ohio

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Youngstown, Ohio
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Perhaps it’s the irony of the name that appeals, or maybe it’s the low living costs and community atmosphere. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that Youngstown in the Mahoning Valley is a lovely place to live. Expect a thriving performing arts scene, many miles of hiking and biking trails, historic sites, top-class golf courses, and an ever-increasing number of breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Read also: Scenic Hiking Spots in the US

Lake Placid, New York

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Lake Placid, New York
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Another option for those who want to unwind by the water is Lake Placid, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. Once a Winter Olympics venue, the town is ideal for lively sorts seeking winter sports or outdoor activities. The lake and forest offer many outdoor opportunities, and the area is particularly stunning during fall.

  • Tour the Lake Placid Olympic Museum: Learn about the history of the Winter Olympics at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Admission is USD 15 for adults.
  • Explore the Wild Center: Discover the natural world of the Adirondacks at The Wild Center with interactive exhibits and a treetop walk. Admission is USD 23 for adults.

Read also: Relaxing Lake Destinations in the US

Charlottesville, Virginia

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Charlottesville, Virginia
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The local student population and surrounding infrastructure might help keep retirees living in Charlottesville young. As well as the city itself, you’ll also be based right by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Friendly locals, a low cost of living, plenty of history, and a vibrant food scene ensure the universal appeal of this Virginian city.

  • Explore Monticello: Visit Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, with guided tours and beautiful gardens. Admission is USD 42 for adults.
  • Hike in Shenandoah National Park: Discover scenic trails and breathtaking views in Shenandoah National Park, located along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Entry fees are USD 30 per vehicle.

Read also: Hidden US Towns for a Private Escape

Saratoga Springs, New York

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Saratoga Springs, New York
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Another town good for the young-at-heart is Saratoga Springs, which is as popular with families as retirees. It’s thus the perfect pick for anyone considering inter-generational living. Low crime rates are a local plus, and the town center has attractive cafes, boutiques, and galleries.

  • Explore the Tang Teaching Museum: Discover contemporary art and innovative exhibits at the Tang Teaching Museum on the Skidmore College campus. Admission is free.
  • Stroll Through Congress Park: Visit Congress Park to enjoy beautiful gardens, historic statues, and the famous Canfield Casino. Entry is free.

Read also: Art Destinations in the US

Cumberland, Maryland

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Cumberland, Maryland
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Historic Cumberland is an American retiree’s dream, with a lower-than-average cost of living. Despite the affordability, it offers plenty of appeal, with local wineries, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and canals, mountains, and trails to discover. Cumberland also offers George Washington’s old headquarters and original Victorian architecture. 

  • Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Take a scenic journey through the mountains on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Check their website for tour options.
  • Visit George Washington’s Headquarters: Explore the historic cabin that served as George Washington’s Headquarters during the French and Indian War. Admission is free.

Read also: Instagrammable Spots in the US

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Most Beautiful Places in the US To Retire Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Rivalling York in Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, the picturesque state capital by the Susquehanna River. Nearby Hersheypark practically guarantees visits from the grandchildren, while the adults may be happy to explore civil war history. Low living costs, big city attractions, and the position at the base of the Appalachians ensure all-round appeal.

  • Explore the Pennsylvania State Capitol: Tour the stunning Pennsylvania State Capitol building, known for its beautiful architecture and art. Free guided tours are available.
  • Visit the National Civil War Museum: Discover comprehensive exhibits on the Civil War at the National Civil War Museum. Admission is USD 16 for adults.

Read also: Hidden Gems in the US

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