Three cities in Florida, led by Naples at the forefront, have secured a spot in the esteemed U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the 10 Best Places to Retire in the United States for 2025. This report evaluates locations based on various criteria affecting retirees' lives, such as happiness, affordability, healthcare, retirement taxes, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Naples has claimed the top position for retirement in 2025 due to its exceptional levels of happiness, affordability, and quality of life—key factors for retirees eager to enjoy their golden years. The city is also praised for its low tax burden on retirees and a job market that remains favorable for those wishing to stay active.
Sarasota secured the fourth spot, while Jacksonville took the seventh, reinforcing Florida's reputation as a prime destination for those seeking a high quality of life and a delightful retirement experience.
Dawn Bradbury, an assistant real estate editor at U.S. News, remarked that this year's rankings reflect retirees' desires for a fulfilling lifestyle: "Retirees are looking for destinations that not only stretch their dollars but also offer satisfaction and enjoyment. Thus, the South and Midwest feature prominently in the top 25 this year."
This year, U.S. News adjusted its methodology, placing greater emphasis on residents' happiness index, which emerged as the most significant factor in choosing the best places to retire. Additionally, the rankings now consider city data instead of metropolitan areas, providing a more accurate assessment of local experiences for retirees.
Naples, a southern Florida city renowned for its beaches, luxury shopping, arts and culture, dining, family fun, and outdoor activities, was also recognized in a May publication as the best place to live in the U.S. for 2024-2025.
The top 10 places to retire in 2025 are:
- Naples, FL
- Virginia Beach, VA
- New York, NY
- Sarasota, FL
- Boise, ID
- Raleigh, NC
- Jacksonville, FL
- Huntsville, AL
- Charlotte, NC
- Fort Wayne, IN
Additionally, other Florida cities are listed among the top 150 retirement destinations, with Pensacola at 17th, Tampa at 18th, Port St. Lucie at 19th, and Melbourne at 20th. Other cities like Fort Myers, Lakeland, Orlando, and Miami also appear in the listings, solidifying Florida's standing as a leading choice for retirees.
Miami, which ranked among the top five U.S. retirement cities in 2020, has slipped to 127th. This decline is primarily due to the unaffordable housing market and rising living costs in the state's southernmost county.
The selection of top retirement spots is based on six principal factors: residents' happiness, cost of living, quality of healthcare, retirement taxes, desirability, and job market. Data sources include the U.S. Census, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FBI, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. News' best hospitals rankings.
Florida continues to prove itself as one of the most appealing states for retirees, thanks to its warm climate, quality of life, and an active, accessible community, making the state's cities perennial favorites for those seeking a new chapter in life post-retirement.
Key Retirement Insights for 2025
Why is Naples considered the best place to retire in 2025?
Naples is recognized for its high levels of happiness, affordability, and quality of life, along with a low tax burden for retirees and a supportive job market for those who wish to remain active.
What changes did U.S. News make to their ranking methodology this year?
U.S. News increased the importance of the happiness index and based the rankings on city data instead of metropolitan areas, allowing for a more precise evaluation of retirees' local experiences.
How did Miami's position change in the retirement rankings?
Miami dropped to 127th place, mainly due to the high cost of housing and increased living expenses in the region.