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The Best Places to Retire in 2023

January 17, 2023

Deciding on a place to retire is a crucial step after you decide to leave the workforce. You’ll want an affordable, comfortable place that provides access to quality healthcare. Because this may not be the easiest task, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in the United States for retirees to help you make your decision.

10 Best Places to Retire in the U.S.

The U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings for the best U.S. cities to live in 2023 are based on factors like healthcare quality, affordability, retiree tax rates and overall happiness. While many Florida cities fill the top spots, towns in Pennsylvania ultimately beat out beachfront properties, taking up half the locations on the list.

To increase your chances of a satisfying retirement, check out the top 10 best places to retire in the U.S.

1. Lancaster, PA

There’s something for everyone in Lancaster, PA, which takes the spot for the best place to retire in the U.S. A short drive through the area offers contrasting views, from sprawling farmland to manicured suburbs to a bustling city. With cultural events, hiking trails and easy driving to nearby big cities, you’re sure to enjoy your retirement in this unique and desirable city.

If you’re hoping to move here, look no further than Garden Spot Village for a welcoming, engaging space to live your best life. At our luxury independent retirement community near Lancaster, you’ll feel empowered to live an active lifestyle, with 85% of residents living independently without assistance. Enjoy boutique shopping for clothing and accessories, hiking or access to big-city weekend getaways.

2. Harrisburg, PA

The next best place for retirees to live in the U.S. is Harrisburg — Pennsylvania’s capital. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the natural beauty of this area, with runners and bikers taking in the scenery of the Susquehanna River on the trails of Riverfront Park. At the same time, hikers can access the famous Appalachian Trail or camp and mountain bike in the nearby state parks and forests.

People in Harrisburg enjoy weekend excursions to New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, which are just a few hours away by car. With its high healthcare rankings, affordability and outdoor recreation, Harrisburg takes the second top spot for the best city to retire in 2023.

3. Pensacola, FL

Next on the best affordable places to retire in the U.S. is Pensacola, Florida., known for its natural beauty and history. The beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico are well-known for their white sand and emerald waves, making Pensacola a welcome respite for retirement. The bays are famous for angler fishing, while offshore fishing boasts groupers and snappers in the deep Gulf waters.

One of the oldest metro areas in Florida, this city is full of many ways to experience local history and art, from touring sites like the Pensacola Museum of History and the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre.

4. Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, allows retirees to enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle with the amenities of a large metropolitan area, including museums, entertainment, dining options and more. The Tampa Bay metro area is a diverse, sprawling region encompassing three different cities — Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Located north of the bay, Tampa boasts an active social scene, while St. Petersburg provides dolphin-watching cruises and water sports. Lastly, Clearwater is known for its beaches, popular among spring breakers, with its pristine white sand and clear blue water.

5. York, PA

One of the best places to retire in the U.S., York, Pennsylvania, is packed with history, being the former home of the Continental Congress and, briefly, the capital of the United States. Retirees will discover remnants of this city’s rich history and industrial heritage in this urban landscape, with its Colonial-era buildings and public sculptures made from old York machinery.

The overall cost of living in York is lower than the national average. Surrounding townships within York County only increase the metro area’s appeal, offering county parks, shopping centers and sprawling farmland just minutes away from this historic city.

6. Naples, FL

Naples is a preferred retirement spot for many, offering clean beaches, golf courses, fine dining and shopping. At the same time, retirees can explore the area’s rural interior at Immokalee, a farming community an hour’s drive from Naples. While the city is geared toward an older demographic, this beachside community is only two hours from the bustling cities of Tampa and Miami.

Known for its sunshine and proximity to the beach, Naples is one of the best places to retire in the U.S.

7. Daytona Beach, FL

In the winter, Daytona Beach is flocked with tourists escaping the colder temperatures back home, while Daytona summers are quiet and emptier by comparison. Retirees enjoy this area for its well-rounded metro area, from its fishing and gold to its museums, antique markets, theaters, malls and restaurants.

Residents of this city have access to more than just Daytona Beach itself. Creating the metro area, nearby towns and communities like South Daytona, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and Holly Hill offer extensive living choices at different prices.

8. Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor is a city of contrasting personalities. The city is known for its Midwestern charm and history, boasting a main street lined with gift shops, bookstores, taverns and bountiful cultural destinations and events. At the same time, its proximity to Detroit can make it feel like a larger city with its high walkability and fast-growing startup scene.

With its diverse environments, robust public parks system and low crime rates, Ann Arbor, MI, makes one of the best places to retire in 2023. Retirees can enjoy kayaking and mountain biking in the summer and ice skating in the winter along the Huron River. Access to several cultural, dining and entertainment spots also makes this city attractive to a growing number of retirees.

9. Allentown, PA

With its historical charm, commitment to healthy living and celebration of the arts, Allentown, Pennsylvania, makes the ninth-best place for retirees to live in the U.S. Downtown, you’ll find local restaurants, neighborhood living and a thriving local art scene. At the same time, Allentown provides hikers and skiers access to scenic trails and plenty of snow, with the Blue Mountain range to the north.

10. Reading, PA

Reading, Pennsylvania, makes one of the many Pennsylvania cities on the list of best places for retirees. Residents enjoy the area for its diverse community, affordable living and low crime rates. Reading is also just a short drive to Philadelphia, making its convenient location highly desirable.

Active retirees will find a metro area with miles of trails ideal for jogging, walking and biking. In the warmer months, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. At the same time, cultural attractions like the Genesius Theatre and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts provide theater productions, exhibits and workshops for residents. 

Enjoy Retirement in Lancaster at Garden Spot Village

From Florida to Pennsylvania and Michigan, retirees have plenty of options for affordable, cultural and engaging cities to settle down in after leaving the workforce.

At Garden Spot Village, located near Lancaster, PA, we understand the importance of having options when you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy retirement. That’s why our retirement community offers many distinct home choices. Whether you’re hoping for a home in a close-knit community or your own private retreat, you’re sure to find something at Garden Spot Village.

Contact us today to learn how you can enjoy retirement in Lancaster, PA.

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