When choosing a place to retire, many people have simple goals: understand the cost of living, avoid wasting money, and find a location they can truly enjoy. For those looking for a laid-back retirement, FinanceBuzz has crunched the numbers to identify the best cities for those who like to take it easy. Using a scoring system based on resident well-being, economic factors, livability, and the availability of leisurely activities, here are the top 10 most laid-back U.S. cities for retirees.
10. Denver, Colorado
Denver ranks 10th thanks to its strong resident well-being scores. Around 73% of residents report getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, contributing to overall health and wellness. Additionally, the city’s many cannabis dispensaries make it a top location for those seeking relaxation.
9. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is highly walkable and bikeable, which contributed to its high livability score. While it scored lower in access to leisure activities, D.C. still offers a variety of restaurants, art centers, and farmers markets, and most museums and monuments are free.
8. Orlando, Florida
Orlando may be known for its theme parks, but it also ranks high for access to leisure activities. Despite the crowds, the city offers numerous relaxing attractions, from spas to golf courses, making it a great choice for retirees.
7. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence scored well in livability and access to leisure activities, such as coffee shops, golf courses, and art centers. However, it ranked lower in resident well-being, considering factors like mental health, sleep, and stress relief.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta boasts pleasant weather and plenty to do, with numerous farmers markets and other activities. While it scored well in most categories, its livability score was slightly lower due to traffic and walkability issues.
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City excels in leisure activities, like yoga studios and spas, and economic factors. It also has a vibrant dining scene and is close to popular national parks, making it a great spot for retirees.
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh ranks high in leisure activities and economic factors, offering the highest number of golf courses per capita and many art and performing arts centers, making it ideal for retirees.
3. Portland, Oregon
Portland ranks in the top three due to high resident well-being and livability scores. It also has strong economic factors and one of the lowest poverty rates in the country, making it an attractive option for retirees.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a surprising second-place city, scoring high in resident well-being and economic factors. It boasts a thriving art, dining, and craft beer scene, offering plenty of leisure activities for retirees.
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle tops the list thanks to high scores in well-being, livability, and economic factors. The city’s parks, walkability, and bikeability make it an excellent choice for retirees looking to relax.
Bottom Line
Before choosing your retirement location, consider a few questions: Do you have enough savings to live in your favorite city? Can you retire early? What factors matter most to you, such as a thriving downtown, access to nature, or affordability? Excellent, laid-back retirement destinations can be found in every corner of the country. The best place for you depends on your personal definition of relaxation.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
