These Are the Best Suburbs for Retirees in 2024

Transitioning into retirement often involves calling a moving company. According to the annual United Van Lines National Movers Study, retirement was the top moving motivation for 14% of Americans in 2023 and 20% in 2022.

Retirees choose to relocate for reasons such as more affordable living, better amenities, and a tranquil lifestyle. If you don’t have a dream retirement destination in mind, you may be wondering where to retire.

The best place to retire varies depending on your personal preferences, but qualities such as affordability and number of amenities often determine an area’s suitability. To help you find the best place to retire, we analyzed more than 400 suburbs across the U.S. We ranked them based on affordability, quality of life, and popular retirement amenities.

Best Spots for Retirees To Enjoy Their Golden Years

Big cities don’t offer retirees the best bang for their buck. Many retirees move to the suburbs for greater affordability and a lower cost of living, as well as better community and amenities.

The top U.S. suburbs in which to retire are mostly located in the Southeast, the Midwest, and the Southwest. Tennessee, Arizona, and Ohio each had two places ranking among the 10 best suburbs for retirees, with Brentwood, Tennessee, taking the top spot.

Only one Florida suburb, Fruit Cove, made the list of top 10 suburbs for retirees. Numerous California suburbs are in the bottom 10. Both of these states have long been desirable retirement destinations for Americans thanks to their mild temperatures throughout the year.

California and Florida suburbs suffered in our ranking of best places to retire because of their vulnerability to climate disasters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Southern California and South Florida face the greatest climate risks.

Suburbs in California and Florida also took a hit due to their lack of affordability. It’s extremely expensive to live in most of California, and Florida has recently seen a spike in its cost of living. Many retirees who rely on retirement checks and savings can’t comfortably afford these states.

The Top 10 Suburbs for Retirees

The top-ranking suburbs scored highly across 13 metrics, ranking well in categories related to financial well-being and climate.

Brentwood, Tennessee, is the best suburb for retirees, according to our data. This suburb is followed by Winchester, Nevada, and Sun City, Arizona—Sun City is known as “the original retirement community.” The table below lists the 10 best suburbs for retirees. We also break down the key factors that were used to rank each suburb.

Financial Friendliness

The top 10 suburbs to retire offer financial havens for Americans looking to stretch their nest eggs. Retirees in these places can enjoy more of their incomes—these states have an average income tax rate of 2.3%. Our lowest-ranking suburbs instead had average state income tax rates of 12.8%.

All seven states featured in our top 10 list are among those that don’t tax Social Security benefits. Residents of Tennessee, Nevada, and Florida also enjoy no income tax on their 401(k), IRA, or pension checks.

Living in a tax-friendly state makes a big difference, especially since 28% of nonretired Americans have no money saved up for retirement and because Social Security payments only replace 37% of working wages. The top 10 suburbs to retire have relatively low percentages of residents over the age of 65 living below the poverty line.

Low Risk of Climate Disaster

States such as Ohio and Pennsylvania lack year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, but they rank well for climate safety. The average climate risk score among the top 10 suburbs was 79 out of 100 compared to almost 100 out of 100 for the bottom 10. Zionsville, Indiana, had the lowest climate risk of all 412 suburbs we analyzed.

Climate change tends to have a greater impact on older adults since they’re more prone to health conditions that can make them sensitive to climate conditions. Many older adults have limited mobility, which can make it challenging to evacuate in the event of a natural disaster.

Safe Haven

Nearly 30% of U.S. adults over the age of 60 live alone, which can cause safety concerns. Our top 10 suburbs had far lower crime rates than the bottom 10, with an average rate of 11.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. The bottom 10 had an average crime rate of nearly 27 crimes per 1,000 residents.

Why Brentwood, Tennessee, Topped the List

Of all 412 suburbs we considered, Brentwood, Tennessee, performed the best overall. This Nashville suburb ranked well in the following metrics:

• Financial well-being: With less than 6% of retirement income lost to taxes, Brentwood ranks as the third-most financially friendly suburb, behind Germantown and Collierville, Tennessee.
• High life expectancy: The average person lives to be 81.5 years old compared to the national average of 76.4 years old.
• Low climate risk: Williamson County, Tennessee, has a low climate risk ranking compared to the rest of the U.S.
• Low crime rate: Brentwood has a crime rate of nine per 1,000 residents.
• Low senior poverty rate: Only 3.7% of Brentwood’s residents older than the age of 65 live below the poverty line.

The Bottom 10 Suburbs for Retirees

According to our data, eight of the 10 worst places to retire are in California, where the cost of living and the risk of severe climate events are high. The only other state to make the bottom 10 was New Jersey, which has experienced the highest outflow of residents for the past six years. According to the United Van Lines National Movers Study, most people leaving New Jersey are doing so to retire elsewhere.

Review the bottom 10 list below and a breakdown of how they performed across key metrics.

Financial Unfriendliness

The bottom 10 suburbs are harder on retirees’ wallets. Residents in these suburbs lose an average of 10.4% of their incomes to home insurance and property taxes yearly, compared to 6.6% for those living in the top 10 suburbs. The average percentage of residents over the age of 65 living below the poverty line is nearly twice as high in the bottom 10 compared to the top 10.

Eighty percent of households with older adults are financially struggling or at risk of falling into economic insecurity. In 2021, a record 11.2 million older Americans were cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of their income on housing).

The average cost of living in California is almost 50% higher than the national average, according to Best Places. A 2023 poll found that nearly half of California residents said they were thinking of leaving the state due to its high cost of living. The cost of living in New Jersey is also high, at almost 20% above the national average.

Climate Risks

It’s hard to justify buying a retirement home in an area with a high risk of severe weather. California has seen the biggest wildfires in state history within the last decade, and much of the state has a very high or relatively high climate risk. New Jersey has a moderate climate risk due to its chances of winter weather, ice storms, and flooding.

Less Access to Health Care

People require medical attention more frequently as they age. The bottom 10 suburbs have less access to health care, with an average of 1,827 residents per primary care physician. The top 10 suburbs have 1,115 residents per physician.

Why Hollister, California, Fared Poorly

Based on our data, Hollister, California, ranks as the worst U.S. suburb for retirees. The Central California town performed poorly in the following categories:

• High climate risk: Hollister scored nearly 94 out of 100 for FEMA’s climate risk.
• Low access to health care: Hollister is located in San Benito County, which has one physician per 3,371 residents.
• Not financially friendly: The cost of living in Hollister is 56% higher than the national average and California’s state income tax reaches up to 13.3%.

Low-Cost Moving Tips for Retirees

Many retirees move in hopes of lowering their expenses, but the move itself can be expensive. The average cost of hiring a moving company is $8,100, according to our team’s 2022 study. Below are a few ways to make relocating more affordable:

• Consider moving to a retirement community: These communities offer amenities and services that may save you money over time. Many retirement communities include utilities, maintenance, and even meals in their monthly fees. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and budget more effectively.
• Downsize: Retirement is a great time to clean out all of your excess belongings and move into a smaller, more manageable space. Downsizing before your move is one of the best ways to save money since moving expenses are often calculated by the weight of your belongings.
• Do your own packing: Packing can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but hiring professional packers adds to your moving costs. Pack items yourself to save money and gain control over how your items are organized.
• Look for senior discounts or other promotions: Some moving companies offer discounts to older adults and veterans. Ask about savings opportunities as you request moving quotes.
• Shop around: Don’t pick the first moving company that pops up on Google. Research the best cheap moving companies and request multiple quotes to find the lowest possible price.

Expert Tips and Insights

We asked experts to share their insights on how seniors and their family members can ease the transition to a new home. Read their tips below.

Judy Eschmann

Vice President, Community and New Business Operations

Council on Aging and Help4Seniors.org

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What factors should seniors consider when choosing a suburb for retirement?

We tell people all the time: where you live matters as you age. Most people want to remain in their home as they age, but most people will also need some form of help to do so. Whether it’s the home you’ve lived in for decades or a new “empty nest,” if being able to stay in your home for as long as possible is a priority, then it is important to understand what resources are available in your community to help you remain independent. This includes in-home services such as housekeeping, personal care, transportation and help with meals. A good place to start is with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your AAA can offer unbiased advice to help you plan and is your connection to local services for older adults and caregivers. You can find your local Area Agency on Aging at https://eldercare.acl.gov.

What amenities and services are important for seniors in a new community?

The amenities and services you need when you retire and what you might need 10 or 20 years down the road can vary widely. It’s important to think about what you might need if you or a loved one experience a major change. For example, what would your life look like if you could no longer drive? Does your community have access to or offer safe, affordable, and appropriate transportation services? Do you have family nearby who could help you get to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments? Along these same lines, consider whether your home can adapt to your needs as you change. How many steps are in the home? Are the doorways wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair? Where is the laundry room located? Is the bathroom accessible? These are important questions many people don’t think about until the need arises, but planning ahead can provide peace of mind.

Judy Eschmann is the vice president of community and new business operations at the Council on Aging (COA), overseeing several key departments, including the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Technology and Innovation Service, and home52 Transportation Program. She joined COA in 2019 and has led significant initiatives, such as transitioning health and wellness programs online during the COVID-19 pandemic and developing a centralized transportation system for older adults and people with disabilities in southwestern Ohio.

Before COA, Judy retired from Clermont County Job and Family Services (JFS) after 33 years, having served as director for Clinton and Clermont County agencies. She is an executive board member of the Clermont County Safety Net Alliance, an advisory board member for the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s SAVE Project, and a member of the Regional United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Cincinnati.

Kate Granigan, MSW, LICSW, C-ASWCM

Board President of the Aging Life Care Association and CEO of LifeCare Advocates

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What factors should seniors consider when choosing a suburb for retirement?

When choosing a suburb for retirement, seniors should consider working with an Aging Life Care Manager or other professional who can do an assessment of needs and create a future plan of care. Some areas to consider might be to look at single-story floor plans or apartments, availability of community resources, recreational activities, and safety, all within a budget that fits their needs. It’s also important to be close to healthcare facilities for doctor visits, medical care, and emergencies. Additionally, consider how close you’ll be to family, the importance of nearby airports, and the climate or weather conditions of the area before making the move.

Before choosing a new home or suburb for retirement, it’s critical to evaluate if the floor plan is suitable for aging in place. Here are five key considerations:

1. Accessibility: Assess how easy it is to get in and out of your house or move between floors. Are there steps or steep inclines around the home? Is the bathroom easy to navigate or modify? If the home is not already adapted with accessibility features, what would be needed to make it accessible for future needs?

2. Proximity to medical services: Ensure that you have easy access to medical professionals and facilities. Living close by makes it much easier to get to appointments and deal with emergencies.

3. Availability of services: Check if there are services available for grocery and supply shopping. Many seniors benefit from grocery delivery services or nearby stores. Also consider the availability of public transportation, walkability, or ride shares and other means of transportation should you decide not to drive in the future.

4. Support networks: Evaluate the types of support networks you have nearby, such as family, friends, or community groups. A robust support system can significantly enhance your quality of life.

5. Outdoor safety: Determine if you can walk outside safely. Look for well-maintained sidewalks, walking paths, and areas where you can walk with friends. Check the climate and frequency of natural disasters.

What amenities and services are important for seniors in a new community?

The most important amenities and services seniors should look for when moving into a new community is access to healthcare facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that individuals aged 65 and older visit the doctor twice as frequently as those between 18 and 44. Other important amenities and services for seniors include access to grocery stores, senior centers, recreational activities, public transportation, and social options. Communities that offer services like housekeeping, meal delivery, laundry, and transportation can significantly enhance a senior’s quality of life. Additionally, the availability of support networks such as family, friends, or community groups is key for ensuring emotional well-being and a good quality of life. The Village movement started in 2002 in Beacon Hill, Boston Massachusetts, and is now across the country. These community-run organizations are a wonderful resource for people who are interested in aging in place. You can find out if there is a Village located in the area of interest by visiting www.vtvnetwork.org.

How can seniors make moving easier and less stressful?

Seniors can make moving easier and less stressful by focusing on emotional well-being throughout the process. Maintaining open communication with family and friends can provide valuable emotional support. Breaking the move into smaller, manageable tasks can also help reduce feelings of overwhelm. Lastly, keeping a positive mindset and viewing the move as a new adventure can make the transition smoother and less daunting.

Seniors can consider hiring professional moving services specializing in senior relocations, which often offer packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly assistance. Some companies offer senior discounts as well. Creating a detailed moving checklist, involving family or friends in the process, and seeking support from local senior organizations can further streamline the move and reduce anxiety.

Kate Granigan has 25 years of experience as a geriatric social worker. She lectures and writes on issues related to caregiving, dementia and related topics, healthy aging, and resources and options for aging well. She provides seminars for social workers, attorneys, and consumers.

Jan Mutchler, Ph.D.

Director of the Gerontology Institute

Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston

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Why is affordability a major factor retirees consider when making a move?

People may consider a move in retirement to be nearer to loved ones, to enjoy amenities available in a different location (like entertainment options or outdoor activities), or for many other reasons. But whatever the motivation for a move, affordability is an important factor to consider. Many people moving in retirement will be selling a home in which they hold equity or perhaps even own outright. They may be looking to purchase a more up-to-date or accessible home in a new destination, or they may be thinking about renting instead of owning a home. But whether a retiree plans to own or buy, the cost of housing and utilities in their new destination will be a critical factor in how far their retirement income and savings will go. Retirees will need to cover other essential expenses as well, including medical care, transportation, and food, if they are going to stay independent and have an adequate lifestyle. Costs of these necessary expenses can vary quite a lot across communities, so factoring in cost of living to retirement decisions is critical when considering a move. The Elder Index (http://elderindex.org) provides information on cost of living in retirement that can be helpful in this respect.

Why is financial planning for retirement so important?

Financial planning for retirement is critical to protect and promote an adequate lifestyle in our later years. Putting money away for retirement while we are working may be challenging, but doing so makes it more likely that we’ll be able to cover necessary expenses and stay independent after we leave the workforce. Many people have limited or no retirement savings as they enter retirement and may discover that their Social Security benefits fall short of what they need to get by financially. Having a good understanding of what we will need to put away, and what our necessary expenses are likely to be, can help us decide when to retire, can benefit our planning efforts, and ultimately supports our retirement security.

Can where you choose to retire affect retirement savings?

Where we retire can impact our chances of being able to cover necessary expenses for the duration of our retirement years. Our Social Security benefits will last as long as we live, and in most years, we see a small cost of living increase in that essential resource. Some of us are lucky enough to have a pension as well, but defined-benefit pensions are no longer common. Indeed, many types of retirement resources can be spent out entirely with time. As a result, we run the risk of falling short if we do not plan for our entire retirement period, which may last decades. The cost of living in our retirement setting impacts how quickly the funds we’ve saved need to be withdrawn, which ultimately may increase our risk of falling short in retirement. Considering our financial needs in the long term can help us make more sustainable decisions about retirement settings, including the community we live in, the housing we choose, and who we live with. Considering the balance of cost of housing and utilities, the availability of affordable downsizing options, the cost and availability of healthcare, and how resources are subject to tax at the state and local level can yield useful information in planning for the duration of our retirement period.

What financial tips do you have for retirees as they evaluate cities to retire in?

Considering the financial resources we have available relative to the cost of living is critical in evaluating retirement destinations. However, it is also helpful to consider features of a community that may help our retirement funds stretch further. For example, living in an area where we don’t need our own vehicle to get where we need to go can help us live on less, all else equal. Communities that actively promote and support lower-cost housing options, like shared housing or accessory dwelling units, may make it easier to locate housing that fits into a lower-cost budget. And communities that have really great senior centers offering an abundance of activities on a free or low-cost basis can help people find entertainment, physical and educational activities, services, and support that can help us live a better life on a lower budget.

Jan E. Mutchler, Ph.D., is a professor of gerontology and director of the Gerontology Institute in the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her team produces and distributes the Elder Index, a cost-of-living measure for older adults calculated for every county in the U.S. and available at ElderIndex.org.

Full Data

Review our full dataset in the table below.

Methodology

We ranked 412 suburbs of the 50 most populous metro areas in the U.S. based on factors that are important to retirees. We narrowed our list of suburbs by considering the top 10 largest of each metro area with a maximum of 50,000 households. Suburbs with incomplete or unreliable data were excluded.

We ranked these suburbs across 13 metrics to determine the best places for retirees. When place-specific data couldn’t be found, we used county- or state-level data. The metrics our team used fall into the three categories listed below:

• Quality of life: This category includes the percentage of the population that’s over the age of 65, life expectancy, county climate risk, retirement homes per 1,000 residents, crime rate per 1,000 residents, and the ratio of residents to physicians.
• Financial well-being: This category includes the amount of income spent on homeowners insurance and property taxes, the percentage of those 65+ living below the poverty line, metro area price parities, the top marginal state income tax rate, state capital gains tax rate, and whether the state taxes retirement or Social Security income.
• Amenities: We awarded a score based on the number of amenities per 1,000 residents, including golf courses, casinos, museums, art classes, festivals, and pickleball options.

Sources: U.S. Census American Community Survey, Health Resources and Services Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Tax Foundation, NeighborhoodScout, NAS Investment Solutions, Quadrant, and Yelp.

Questions about our study? Please contact the author here.

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