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If you’re contemplating retirement, whether you’re enjoying a moment of reflection at home or taking a break from your busy work schedule, it’s time to consider where you want to spend your golden years. After years of hard work, it’s only natural to want a peaceful and fulfilling place to retire.
In this article, we’ll explore the ten best cities in America for retirement in 2026. Whether you’re in your early twenties or nearing seventy, it’s never too late—or too early—to start planning your next chapter.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sterling Heights, Michigan
- Warren, Michigan
- Aurora, Illinois
- Carrollton, Texas
- Miramar, Florida
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Miami Gardens, Florida
- Norwalk, California
At Zippia, we believe in finding the perfect balance between work and leisure. This guide has been meticulously curated to ensure you have the most accurate information about the best places to retire in the U.S. Continue reading to learn how we compiled this list.
How We Determined the Best Cities to Retire to in America
To compile our list of the best retirement cities, we analyzed Census data to identify U.S. locations with a minimum population of 100,000 residents, excluding Census Designated Places (CDPs). This analysis resulted in 256 eligible cities.
For these 256 cities, we evaluated several key criteria sourced from the Census, the FBI’s Crime Report, and OpenFlights:
- Affordable cost of living
- Low crime rates
- Availability of recreational activities (measured by population density)
- Proximity to the nearest international airport
Each city was ranked across these factors, with lower rankings indicating better performance. We then calculated the average rank for each city, determining the best overall location for retirement. Spoiler alert: Pittsburgh took the top spot!
Keep reading to discover why each city performed so well—or skip to the end for a comprehensive ranking of more cities.
1. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of retirement hotspots, but it boasts excellent walkability due to its dense population and an affordable cost of living. Plus, with quick access to an international airport, traveling is easy.
2. Philadelphia
Philadelphia surpasses Pittsburgh in walkability, ranking as the 10th most densely populated city in the U.S. With a vibrant cultural scene and countless activities, it’s an ideal urban setting for retirees. You can also enjoy the convenience of an international airport just a short drive away.
3. Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights is a haven for retirees seeking amenities and safety, ranking 17th in safety among our selections. Its close proximity to the airport makes it a great choice for those who love to travel.
4. Warren, Michigan
Warren is conveniently located near Oakland County International Airport, making it easy for retirees to explore new destinations. Despite the cold winters, its low crime rate and affordable living make it an attractive option.
5. Aurora, Illinois
Just a short drive from Chicago O’Hare, Aurora offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban excitement. It features reasonably priced housing and is ranked 17th in safety, making it an appealing choice for retirees.
6. Carrollton, Texas
Carrollton is known for its warm climate and proximity to DFW Airport, just 10 minutes away. This city is not only safe but also provides easy access to various travel opportunities.
7. Miramar, Florida
Miramar, our first Florida city on the list, is just a 12-minute drive from Miami International Airport. With its warm climate and beautiful surroundings, it’s an excellent option for retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
8. Pembroke Pines, Florida
Pembroke Pines is conveniently located near Fort Lauderdale International Airport, providing easy access to travel. Its higher population density means a vibrant community and various amenities for retirees.
9. Miami Gardens, Florida
While Miami Gardens has a higher crime rate, it remains an affordable option with great accessibility to the airport. Plus, its walkability offers retirees convenience in their daily lives.
10. Norwalk, California
Norwalk provides the benefits of Southern California living, with its walkable streets and close-knit community. It’s a safe city with easy access to LAX, making travel a breeze. The fantastic weather adds to its appeal.
Our Work Here is Done
That wraps up our exhaustive research into the best cities for retirement. As you contemplate your future, keep these cities in mind. Pittsburgh is calling, and it might just be the perfect place for you to enjoy your retirement!
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
