R
etirees are prioritizing happiness over affordability when looking for a new home. According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Places to Retire list, most Americans seeking a retirement destination want a place that brings them joy.
The report's rankings reflect the top cities across the country that best meet retiree needs and desires. To calculate each city's overall retirement score, U.S. News adjusted its scoring system to give the highest emphasis on happiness among six factors: happiness (27%), affordability (25%), health care quality (15%), retiree taxes (13%), desirability (12%), and job market (8%).
Naples, Florida, was named the best place to retire in the United States. The city's pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and year-round sunshine create an idyllic setting for enjoying retirement. Naples also boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
The top 20 best places to retire have median home prices exceeding the national average of $424,950, suggesting that happiness outweighs affordability in these areas. The cities on this list offer a range of amenities, including beaches, golf courses, fine dining, shopping, and cultural activities.
Here are the top 20 best places to retire:
1. Naples, FL - Median list price: $749,000
* Happiness boosters: beaches, sunshine, golf courses, fine dining, shopping, and no state income tax
2. Virginia Beach, VA - Median list price: $425,000
* Happiness boosters: beaches, waterfront restaurants, museums, air shows, shopping, fishing, and horseback riding
3. New York, NY - Median list price: $1,599,000
* Happiness boosters: theaters, restaurants, bars, museums, parks, and cultural activities
4. Sarasota, FL - Median list price: $557,500
* Happiness boosters: arts community, food scene, beaches, live music, and no state income tax
5. Boise, ID - Median list price: $571,950
* Happiness boosters: mountain views, skiing, kayaking, hiking, cultural attractions, and college football games
