Thinking Retirement? Top Seven Places to Move

It may be possible to improve your quality of life and save some money by relocating to a beautiful retirement spot in the U.S that perfectly suits both your budget and interests. 

Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cities to retire to, based on data collected as part of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

#1 - Sarasota, Florida

Population: 785,997

Percentage of population over 60: 39%

Median monthly rent: $1,152

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,481

Siesta Key Beach is located on the gulf coast of Sarasota, Florida.

The white sand beaches of Sarasota, including Siesta Key and Lido Key, are a sublime drawcard for retirees. Sarasota received a high well-being score in a Gallup survey, with residents reporting that the area was rich in community and supportive social relationships. The moderate cost of real estate in Sarasota enables those retiring on a budget to get in on the Florida beach retirement action. There’s also no state income tax in Florida, which considerably benefits anyone planning to continue working part-time into their retirement.

Health Care in Sarasota

There is plenty of health care available in Sarasota. The Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is one of the largest public hospitals in the United States. It offers inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation services. It is an 839-bed regional medical center with more than 900 physicians, 7,000 staff, and 750 volunteers.

In addition, Tampa is only 61 miles away and has many top medical facilities and specialists available.

There are several other hospitals and clinics available. Long-term health care costs are moderate, with many available assisted living facilities, in-home health care agencies, memory care, and nursing homes available.

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can help you determine the current and future cost of long-term care services and supports in Florida and nationwide.

#2 - Port St. Lucie, Florida

Population: 463,172

Percentage of population over 60: 33%

Median monthly rent: $1,126

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,436

Situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Port St. Lucie offers desirable living at a reasonably affordable cost. The area also scored well on the Gallup survey’s happiness metric, with residents reporting a lack of economic stress in their lives. As well as the beautiful ocean beaches, you can adventure around the Hillmoor Lake boardwalk trails, and the Savannas Preserve freshwater marshes. Sports fans can get their fix of the live-action at Clover Park while the New York Mets conduct their spring training.

There is plenty of available health care, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, and in-home health agencies available throughout the Port St. Lucie and Atlantic coast area.

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can help you determine the current and future cost of long-term care services and supports in Florida and nationwide. 

#3 - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Population: 538,347

Percentage of population over 60: 23%

Median monthly rent: $978

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,516

Located between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Lancaster is the former capital of Pennsylvania. According to Gallup, residents reported feeling safe in their community. The area is surrounded by farmland. Plus, there are plenty of local stores and the vibrant Lancaster Central Markets that offer an assortment of wonderful Amish baked goods and craft items. The city, in fact, boasts a diverse collection of delicious cuisines - creating quite the foodie scene, with old buildings and warehouses being converted into hip bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of medical services available in Lancaster with hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, in-home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and more.  

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can help you determine the current and future cost of long-term care services and supports in Pennsylvania and nationwide. 

#4 - Asheville, North Carolina

Population: 449,937

Percentage of population over 60: 29%

Median monthly rent: $874

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,286

Asheville, North Carolina skyline

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forests, and the Pisgah provide idyllic spots to enjoy some outdoor adventure. Just a relaxing drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is enough for an enjoyable day out. The mountain town of Asheville scored high Gallup survey marks for desirability and affordability of living. Residents expressed enjoying taking great pride in their community. The area attracts many writers, musicians, and artists and is growing increasingly popular with emerging and innovative chefs. It’s easy to enjoy delicious creations sourced from local ingredients and unique brewery offerings in beautiful Asheville.

Ashville has an abundance of available health care services, which is essential if you plan on relocating. They have state-of-the-art medical facilities, including Mission Health System that offers cancer, heart, and neurology services. There are specialists in every major area of medicine available. Ashville is also home to the region's only Level II Trauma Center.

In addition, Charlotte, North Carolina, is 131 miles away, and Knoxville, Tennessee is 116 miles away. Both metro areas also have state-of-the-art medical facilities available. 

There are many in-home health agencies, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes in the Ashville area. 

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can help you determine the current and future cost of long-term care services and supports in the Ashville area and throughout North Carolina and Tennessee.

#5 - Miami, Florida

Population: 6,070,944

Percentage of population over 60: 23%

Median monthly rent: $1,295

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,774

While it is the more expensive option within Florida, the amenities that Miami offers are well worth the cost to many residents looking to retire. At the southern tip of the state, Miami allows for beach retirement while staying close to the services that a big city offers. The University of Miami hosts the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which provides regular discussions and lectures for the over-fifties. Residents over the age of 65 are also eligible to use public transport for free.

Since Miami is a major metropolitan center, it is home to some of the top medical professionals in Florida. Many leading hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, medical specialists, doctors and urgent care centers, and more accessible in Miami.

In addition, there are numerous long-term health care choices in the Miami area. You can find plenty of in-home care providers, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. 

The cost of long-term health care is higher than the state average. You can use the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator to find the current and future cost of extended health care in Miami and throughout Florida.

#6 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Population: 447,775

Percentage of population over 60: 33%

Median monthly rent: $913

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,267

Myrtle Beach South Carolina aerial view at sunset.

Myrtle Beach is popular as a well-known vacation destination; however, the area’s reasonable cost of housing allows retirees to enjoy a permanent vacation lifestyle. There are a whopping 60 miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic shoreline. The area also boasts many golf courses designed by top architects, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Arnold Palmer. It’s easy to find a quiet place to indulge in some local seafood or join in with the tourists at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Skywheel.

Myrtle Beach has plenty of health care services available to provide peace of mind when you relocate. Three available hospital systems serve the Myrtle Beach region: Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Georgetown Hospital System, and McLeod Health. They all offer urgent care and specialty services as well. 

There are many doctors and clinics in Myrtle Beach that offer basic primary care and many specialties. 

There are also several long-term health care facilities in Myrtle Beach, including assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes. There are plenty of in-home health agencies and adult day care centers that can also provide long-term care services and supports.

You can use the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator to see both the current and future costs of long-term care service in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina.

#7 Pensacola, Florida

Population: 481,964

Percentage of population over 60: 22%

Median monthly rent: $992

Median monthly mortgage repayments: $1,287

Pensacola, Florida, offers up an affordable spot for beach retirement living on a budget. With famous white-sand beaches, including Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach, you can spot stunning wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and rays. Or you can head to the Gulf Islands National Seashore to explore the old military forts. Pensacola scored well for housing affordability and general desirability of lifestyle. It is also located in the northwestern corner of Florida, near the Alabama border, for convenient proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.

There are several hospitals and other medical facilities available in Pensacola. In addition, there are numerous long-term health care options for when you need them, including in-home health agencies, adult day care centers, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living, and memory care facilities, in addition to nursing homes. 

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will help you see both the current and future costs of long-term care services and supports in Pensacola and throughout Florida.

Timing Has Never Been Better to Move Elsewhere

The timing for relocation has never been better. Whether you are looking for better weather, scenery, lower cost of living, lower taxes, or just a change of pace, your life might be more rewarding elsewhere.

Mike Banner, the host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" and President of Professional Mortgage Alliance, LLC, says the shortage of homes for sale nationwide has created a "seller's market." 

Banner says you can get top dollar for your current home. He says combining the record-low interest rates available to secure your mortgage on a new home with the top dollars available selling your current home makes this the perfect time to relocate.

"Although the low-interest rates may be playing havoc with seniors' investments, CDs, and annuities, there has never been a better time to consider selling your house and relocating, Banner explained.