Top 10 Cities for Retirement: Florida, Minnesota, and Ohio Shine in 2024 Rankings
WalletHub’s recent list features four Florida cities in the top five, along with unexpected entries like Minneapolis, Casper (Wyoming), and Cincinnati (Ohio).
According to WalletHub’s 2024 rankings released on Tuesday, Florida, Minnesota, and Ohio are the prime states for retirement.
The study evaluated 182 cities throughout the United States, with Orlando being highlighted as the best place for retirees. Additionally, three other cities in Florida—Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami—secured spots within the top 10.
To compile the rankings, WalletHub assessed how friendly each city is to retirees while considering various factors, including:
- Living costs
- Tax regulations
- Quality of life
- Available activities
- Health care standards
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo emphasizes the importance of careful decision-making when selecting a retirement location, especially since many retirees have fixed income sources.
“The most suitable cities for retirees are those that lessen tax burdens and living expenses and offer job opportunities for those looking to earn extra income if desired,” stated Lupo. “The top cities also provide excellent health care and an abundance of activities tailored for retirees.”
Best Retirement Locations for 2024
Here are the leading three places for retirement:
1. Orlando
This city is known for its warm winters, beautiful beaches, and convenience of multiple airports.
Orlando shines as the number one location out of over 180 cities, earning a reputation as a “senior-friendly paradise.”
The advantages include no income tax, no estate or inheritance taxes, and being ranked as the 20th lowest in costs for adult day health care. Additionally, it boasts the 11th-best elder-focused hospitals and ranks first in home health care facilities per capita.
For recreation, it stands out as the second-best city for fishing, art galleries, and volunteer activities tailored for adults.
2. Miami
Following closely is Miami, ranking as the second-best city in the nation for retirees.
WalletHub attributes this to several factors:
- It has the 11th highest number of recreational and senior centers;
- It houses the fifth most museums;
- It’s the fifth most walkable city, with efficient public transport access;
- There are no income, estate, or inheritance taxes, making it one of the most tax-friendly locations.
3. Minneapolis
Minneapolis stands third thanks to having one of the most accommodating job markets for seniors, as noted by WalletHub. This means ample opportunities exist for retirees looking to work part-time for extra income or engagement.
The city also features the sixth strongest health care system, numerous nursing facilities, and a good number of gerontologists, earning it a place as the 29th most compassionate city overall.
Additional Top Retirement Locations
- 4. Tampa, Florida
- 5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- 6. Scottsdale, Arizona
- 7. Cincinnati, Ohio
- 8. St. Petersburg, Florida
- 9. Casper, Wyoming
- 10. Atlanta, Georgia
Cities Ranked Lower for Retirement
The bottom three cities on the retirement list of 182 are:
- Number 180: San Bernardino, California
- Number 181: Stockton, California
- Number 182: Rancho Cucamonga, California
Natalie Neysa Alund is a lead reporter for YSL News. You can contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.