Some have suggested that the American Dream is now an outdated concept, but if it’s your dream to retire to America, then you’ve come to the right place. And whilst the streets of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco may no longer be paved with gold, you can still see out your golden years in the States in style, comfort and luxury.
That’s if you choose your destination wisely, that is.
Though we’re sure it doesn’t need repeating, the USA is a sprawling country, where no state is the same, and from coast to coast and city to city, the vibe is eclectic and diverse. On a more practical level for retirees, some places offer a far more comfortable experience than others, in terms of house prices, climate, crime levels and culture. With that in mind, if you’re wondering where the best places to retire are in the USA, here are 6 of the best for 2022.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: IDEAL FOR AN ACTION-PACKED RETIREMENT
Last year, US News conducted a study into the 25 best places to retire in 2021-2022. Remarkably, a whopping 8 of the top ten cities were from Florida, and it’s easy to see why; the Sunshine State has so much to offer retirees besides its blissful weather. It’s also one of the most tax-friendly places to retire in the US, with no state income tax, meaning if you’re planning to work part-time in your retirement, you’ll find a very comfortable life here. There are also no inheritance or estate taxes.
That said, much of Florida can feel a little too much like a retirement village, which is why we’re including Orlando on our list. The City Beautiful, as Orlando is known, boasts a retiree population of 20%, which is actually a fair bit lower than some of the other cities in Florida popular with over 60s. For those still keen to live life to the full whilst enjoying the perks that retirement in Florida has to offer, Orlando is a great choice.
There’s a convivial buzz about central Orlando, owing in part to the fact that the University of Central Florida, the state’s largest, is housed here. Retirees are even encouraged to audit classes here, free of charge.
Of course, the presence of ten major theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, guarantees the grandchildren will always be excited to visit, too!
Read: 5 IDEAL places to visit in Florida
CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA: IDEAL FOR A RETIREMENT ON THE WATER
We couldn’t only include one Floridian city on our list. For something totally different to the action-packed buzz of Orlando, Cape Coral offers retirees a more laid back (though no less enjoyable) way to experience the Sunshine State.
Retirees here will enjoy those same tax benefits we mentioned earlier, which makes buying a waterfront house along the city’s more than 400 miles of canal (that’s more than Venice, incidentally) a feasible option. In fact, US News last year named Cape Coral as one of the 10 most affordable places to retire on the water.
Alternatively, retirees can choose to rent, with the median monthly rent in the city a reasonable $1093. That would free up a little extra pocket money to traverse the city’s idyllic waterways; boat rental in Cape Coral is affordable and abundant, too, and will take you to the city’s four nature reserves, which local manatees, alligators and gopher tortoises all call home.
True to the nickname of its state, Cape Coral enjoys a whopping 355 days of sunshine alongside 145 days of rain, meaning the parks here are verdant and lush, and the climate comfortable all year round. Sign us up!
NASHVILLE, TENNESSE: IDEAL FOR A RETIREMENT FILLED WITH COUNTRY MUSIC & CULTURE
Hey, we couldn’t stay in Florida forever, as much as we wanted to. We promised diversity, after all, so, it’s off to Tennessee we’re heading, and its capital Nashville.
Famous worldwide for being the Country Music Capital of the World, there are concerts both high profile and lowkey held here every night of the week, every week of the year. If you love live music, you’ll never get bored in Nashville.
The Ryman Auditorium should be the first stop for music enthusiasts, and is credited with being where it all began here. Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and many other legends have graced the stage and it continues to host both established stars and up and coming talent every night.
But the culture doesn’t stop there; Nashville is known as the Athens of the South because of its reputation for high art and amazing museums. If you’re keen to explore the musical history of your new home, then the Patsy Cline Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and the Museum of African American Music are all well worth a visit.
To take a deep dive into Classical Greek history, head to the Parthenon (cementing that Athens connection) and for scientific exploration and wonder, the Adventure Science Center has almost 200 exhibits.
Retirees will also be keen to learn about the Blakeford at Green Hills Retirement Community, an award-winning independent living residential destination in downtown Nashville. Because retirement shouldn’t mean you lose your passion for culture, right?
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY: IDEAL FOR RETIREES KEEN ON GENUINE PASTURES NEW
We forgot to mention that Nashville is also famous for its fried ‘hot chicken’, a local delicacy. But if you’re a fan of fried chicken, then there’s no better place to retire than Lexington, Kentucky (how’s that for a segue?).
Lexington is the ideal base to explore (and of course, taste!) the state’s glistening and golden fried chicken. If you’re looking for the original Kentucky fried chicken, then it’s worth making the 90 mile drive south of Lexington on the 1-75 to North Corbin to the Harland Sanders Café. Yep, this is where the most famous pensioner in the USA, Colonel Sanders, started his Kentucky Fried Chicken empire. Spending your retirement enjoying guilt-free fried chicken? Sounds ideal to us!
As an antidote to all those artery-clogging, cholesterol-bating dinners, retirees will be pleased to hear that Lexington has some of the best healthcare provisions in the country, with the Baptist Health Lexington qualifying as a 5* hospital.
What’s more, Kentucky is regularly named as one of personal finance magazine Kiplinger’s Top 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees, with exemptions on social security benefits and up to $31’100 per person in retirement income.
Most importantly, however, for retirees speaking metaphorical pastures new, is the genuine pastures here; Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State because of its abundant rollings hills and fields. This also means that it’s a magnet for horse enthusiasts, with Lexington itself declared the Horse Capital of the World, replete with 450 dedicated horse farms. For lovers of all things equestrian, there’s no better place to retire.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA: IDEAL FOR A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY
Last year, financial publication Bankrate named Georgia as the best state for retirement in 2021. They cited a light tax burden and low cost of living as key reasons why it was such an attractive place to spend your golden years, with median house prices particularly appealing. You’ll pay, on average, $279,300 for a property in Atlanta compared to $325,000 in metro Orlando. The study also highlighted Georgia’s clement, consistent weather and low threat of natural disasters.
But where should you decide to settle in the Peach State? Whilst the capital Atlanta is the state’s focal point and an appealing place to visit, it’s a city lived at a high octane, always-on pace. Instead, retirees might prefer to settle down in Savannah, which made Forbes’ list of the best places to retire in the US last year.
Sitting in a prime position close to the ocean and beaches, and boasting an international airport, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, dating back to 1733. The city’s historical district is replete with museums and cultural events, as well as plenty of parks. The largest is the 30 acre Forsyth Park, which is famous for its 160-year-old fountain and exuberant St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The cost of living here is also 10% below the national average, which for a place of such style, poise and culture, is a real boon for retirees looking to make their money go further.
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: IDEAL FOR URBAN LIVING IN THE DESERT
We’re ending up our retirement journey in Palm Springs, California. Just a two-hour drive east from Los Angeles but with average house prices significantly lower, retiring in Palm Springs gives you all the perks of urban Californian living, but at a fraction of the price.
The surrounding Coachella Valley has several world-class health facilities and hospitals, including one of the best in the US, the Eisenhower Medical Center. With 300 days of sunshine and the famous Joshua Tree National Park and San Jacinto State Park both on your doorstep, this is a place to enjoy the great outdoors, make no mistake.
You won’t get bored in Palm Springs, that’s for sure, but if you’re getting bored here with us, then might we redirect you to these 5 IDEAL things to do in Greater Palm Springs? Happy Retirement!