Where Are Seniors Retiring? A Look at the Most Welcoming Spots in the U.S.

Retirement isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. Today, more people are using this stage of life to explore new places, reconnect with nature, and finally live at a pace that feels right. But finding the right place to call home after decades of working isn’t just about sunshine or saving a few bucks on taxes. It’s about lifestyle. It’s about being around people you click with, having good healthcare nearby, and waking up somewhere that just feels… right.

Here’s a look at some of the places across the U.S. where retirees are putting down new roots—and why these spots feel like home.

East Tennessee: Easy Living in the Mountains

If you’ve ever driven through East Tennessee, you probably already get the appeal. The Smoky Mountains roll on forever, and the air has that mix of pine and clean quiet that slows your thoughts down in the best way. But it’s not just scenic—there’s real life here, and for retirees, it’s pretty ideal.

Places like Knoxville and Johnson City are big enough to have solid healthcare, good restaurants, and college-town energy, but small enough to still feel personal. Down the road from Knoxville is Tellico Lake if you’re wanting lakefront living. In East Tennessee, you’re not stuck in traffic, and people still hold doors open. Plus, there’s no state income tax, which doesn’t hurt when you’re budgeting out your retirement years.

Retiring here means living near hiking trails, peaceful lakes, and some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet. If you like the idea of sitting on a porch while the sun drops behind the hills—or hopping into town for live music on a Friday night—East Tennessee has that balance figured out.

Sarasota, Florida: Sunshine with a Side of Culture

Florida has always been a magnet for retirees, but Sarasota isn’t your average beach town. Sure, it has the Gulf Coast beaches you’d expect, but it also has opera, ballet, a botanical garden, and a community that actually shows up for all of it.

Sarasota tends to attract people who want to stay active and connected—whether that means volunteering, taking art classes, or just meeting up with friends for a weekly walk along the waterfront. There’s a large 65+ population, so the city is built with seniors in mind. That translates into everything from healthcare services to housing options to the types of events happening around town.

It’s warm, yes—but not sleepy. Sarasota has energy without chaos, which is why it continues to draw people looking for something more than just sunshine.

Northern Utah: Clean Air, Community, & Mountain Views

Northern Utah may not be on every retiree’s radar, but it should be. Towns like Logan and Ogden—and even quieter spots along the Wasatch Front—are turning heads among folks who want fresh air, four seasons, and a strong sense of community.

What sets this area apart is how easy it is to stay active without having to work too hard for it. There are rivers to fish in, trails to walk, ski slopes just a short drive away, and towns that feel safe, clean, and neighborly. You’re also close to top-rated healthcare centers, thanks to Salt Lake City’s expanding medical network.

Utah’s cost of living is lower than you’d think, especially when compared to West Coast cities. Retirees who move to a 55 and older community in Utah often say the same thing: they were looking for nature, but they found peace. And honestly, that’s what retirement should feel like.

Asheville, North Carolina: Artsy, Quirky, & Incredibly Welcoming

Asheville has long had a reputation for being a little different—and that’s exactly why so many retirees love it. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a place where creativity flows and community means something.

It’s not uncommon to meet retirees here who’ve reinvented themselves. Maybe they took up pottery, started performing in local theater, or just decided to live in yoga pants and never look back. The downtown is full of cozy cafés, art galleries, bookstores, and musicians playing on the corner like it’s just part of the soundtrack.

But it’s not all whimsy—Asheville has excellent hospitals and a huge support network for older adults. If you’re looking for a retirement that doesn’t feel like slowing down but instead feels like waking up to something new, this is the kind of place that can do that for you.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Warm, Dry & Stylishly Comfortable

There’s no denying Scottsdale knows how to do retirement in style. With golf courses as far as the eye can see, year-round sunshine, and an incredibly polished healthcare system (Mayo Clinic, anyone?), it’s a great match for seniors who want a certain level of ease.

Yes, it gets hot in the summer—but that’s what early morning tee times and air conditioning are for. The neighborhoods are quiet, clean, and often part of planned communities that come with pools, rec centers, and built-in social calendars.

What makes Scottsdale stand out is how well it’s built for active adults. You don’t have to search hard for pilates classes, hiking trails, art shows, or dinner spots with outdoor seating and a view of the mountains. It’s not the cheapest place to retire, but it’s one of the smoothest.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Slower Pace, Stronger Roots

Not every retiree wants the buzz of a city or the sand of a beach. Some people are drawn to simplicity, and that’s where Lancaster shines. Set among rolling farmlands and historic barns, Lancaster feels like a place where time slows down just enough for you to really enjoy it.

There’s a strong sense of tradition here—family-owned shops, local farmers markets, and generations living side by side. Healthcare is reliable, the cost of living is reasonable, and the crime rate is low. You’re close enough to bigger cities for day trips but far enough to feel removed from the rush.

Retiring here is less about entertainment and more about contentment. If you want to live somewhere that feels grounded and full of heart, Lancaster quietly delivers.

Bellingham, Washington: Small Town Feel with Big Views

Bellingham doesn’t scream retirement hotspot, but it should probably start whispering. This Pacific Northwest town sits right on the water, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and a sense of calm that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there.

For retirees who love the outdoors but hate crowds, it’s a gem. There are trails everywhere, plenty of places to sit with a good book and a coffee, and enough going on around town to stay busy—but never overwhelmed.

The local college brings in fresh energy, and there’s a noticeable appreciation for sustainability, wellness, and the arts. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down—but still nudges you out the door to go see what’s happening in the park that afternoon.

Boise, Idaho: Laid-Back Living with Room to Breathe

Boise is quietly becoming one of the top places to retire, and it’s easy to see why. It feels safe, easygoing, and clean—and there’s plenty to do without dealing with big-city chaos.

The Boise River runs right through town, lined with greenbelt paths that are perfect for walking, biking, or people-watching. There’s a charming downtown, a growing food scene, and friendly faces pretty much everywhere. Retirees here can stay independent and active, but also know that help and healthcare are close by if needed.

It’s not too hot, not too cold, and definitely not too crowded. Boise gives you room to breathe, which is a hard thing to put a price on.