We all want to live where we’d like to retire, but many of us have yet to figure out where exactly that is. Should it have beaches or mountains, skiing or surfing, a dry or a humid climate? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Fortunately, with over 40 years’ experience exploring (and building in!) great places to retire from coast to coast, we’ve got a few suggestions you may not have considered before. We’ve capped this list at six amazing locations in states where we currently build, but we have plenty more favorites for you to check out in our Best Places to Live series. Read on to discover some of the best places to retire in the United States, in our humble opinion.
ARIZONA
Surprise: Located just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor International Airport, Surprise offers its residents a quaint, small-town atmosphere with easy access to big-city amenities. Bordered by the majestic White Tank Mountains and stunning Sonoran Desert, the city is teeming with recreational opportunities. In addition to attending community celebrations and festivals, retirees can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, swimming and, of course, year-round golfing (Surprise has eight courses and there are over 300 across the state!). Plus, the city is home to Surprise Stadium, where two professional baseball teams train each spring, as well as the largest tennis and racquet complex in the Southwest!
CALIFORNIA
Folsom: Those looking to soak up the sunshine during their golden years should add this scenic city to their list! Ranked among the best Sacramento suburbs by Niche.com, folks of all ages are drawn to Folsom’s wide assortment of parks, coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques. Retirees can spend their days boating and fishing on Folsom Lake or kayaking on Lake Natoma, and their evenings enjoying live music and theater performances.
COLORADO
Castle Rock: Boasting a convenient location halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, the town of Castle Rock is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. It features a beautiful mountain backdrop, over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and plenty of parks, which host an array of concerts, festivals, races and other community events. There is also a vibrant downtown, dotted with shops and restaurants, and the open-air Outlets at Castle Rock is a popular destination for savvy shoppers far and wide.
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FLORIDA
Palm Coast: If the beach is beckoning, consider spending your retirement years in picturesque Palm Coast! Among the newer cities in Florida, it was incorporated in 1999 and offers mild year-round temperatures—a bonus for many retirees! The serene seaside city is situated on the sparkling Intercoastal Waterway and approximately 70 miles of fresh- and saltwater canals. Plus, it’s minutes from the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Residents enjoy over 125 miles of hiking and biking trails, a dozen parks, boating, fishing and all manner of watersports, as well as world-class golf and tennis.
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NEVADA
Mesquite: With approximately 17,000 residents, Mesquite has a small-town feel that’s ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Las Vegas. It boasts several noteworthy restaurants and casinos of its own, and yet, the famed Strip is just over an hour away, so retirees can also head south to take in dinner and a show. Nestled in the Virgin River Valley, the city features a dramatic desert landscape with eye-catching red rock formations, and is located within 10 minutes of seven popular golf courses. If camping, hiking and biking are more your speed, not to worry! State and national parks are also nearby.
UTAH
Salem: Many retirees are drawn to the peace and tranquility of rural Salem, which is located approximately 30 minutes from Provo and Brigham Young University. Nearby Spanish Fork Canyon presents abundant opportunities to engage in popular pastimes like birdwatching, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation. Retirees can also enjoy the Nebo Loop, a scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountain Range, and tee up at one of several area golf courses.
