Americans approaching retirement age — and those already at that stage — are prioritizing happiness over affordability when looking for a new home.
Most are looking for a destination that is a “place of pleasure,” according to new research from US News & World Report on its 2025 Best Places to Retire list.
“The 2025 Best Places to Retire ranking reflects the top cities across the country that best meet the needs and wants of retirees,” said Dawn Bradbury, assistant managing editor for real estate at US News, in a statement.
As a result, US News adjusted its scores and placed the highest emphasis on happiness among the six factors used to calculate each city’s overall retirement score.
The criteria were: happiness, 27%; affordability, 25%; quality of health care, 15%; pensioner taxes, 13%; desirability, 12%; and the labor market, 8%.
Naples ranks first
The city of Naples, FL, was named the best place to retire in the United States.
“Private beaches, world-class golf courses and year-round sunshine create an idyllic setting to enjoy retirement,” says PJ Smith, owner of Naples Golf to Gulf Real Estate.
Additionally, Naples boasts top-notch healthcare facilities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a variety of dining and shopping options, all of which enhance the quality of life for retirees.
Smith moved to Naples from Minnesota over a decade ago and says it was one of the best decisions she ever made.
Naples’ real estate market attracts buyers from across the country and internationally, many of whom are looking for second homes or places to retire, according to Smith.
“Retirees today are focused on maximizing their quality of life, and Naples offers that in every way,” she says. “After decades of hard work, many people prioritize happiness, health and a fulfilling lifestyle over affordability alone. Naples offers a sense of luxury and tranquility that is well worth the investment.”
Although the US News poll was conducted before Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit Florida, Naples has been prone to hurricanes for years, and that hasn’t stopped retirees from migrating there.
In fact, 36% of Naples residents are 65 or older.
Many lifestylers are drawn to the area because of the 230 days of annual sunshine and the wide range of amenities, which, according to Smith, “make for a truly rich retirement experience.”
Naples — along with 12 other cities in U.S. News’ top 20 places to retire — have median home prices that exceed the national average of $424,950, suggesting happiness trumps affordability in those areas.
See the full list of the 20 best places to retire below.
1. Naples, FL
- Average List Price: $749,000 ($324,050 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, sunshine, golf courses, fine dining, shopping and no state income tax
2. Virginia Beach, VA
- Average List Price: $425,000 ($50 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, waterfront restaurants, museums, air shows, shopping, fishing and horseback riding
3. New York, NY
- Average List Price: $1,599,000 ($1,174,050 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: theatres, restaurants, bars, museums, parks and cultural activities
4. Sarasota, FL
- Average List Price: $557,500 ($132,550 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: arts community, food scene, beaches, live music and no state income tax
5. Boise, ID
- Average List Price: $571,950 ($147,000 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: mountain views, skiing, kayaking, hiking, cultural attractions and college football games
6. Raleigh, NC
- Average List Price: $503,748 ($78,798 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: craft breweries, locally owned restaurants, green spaces, art galleries, college athletics and low property taxes
7. Jacksonville, FL
- Average List Price: $299,945
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, fishing, cycling, hiking, river cruises, an arboretum and no state income tax
8. Huntsville, AL
- Average List Price: $354,950
- Happiness Boosters: shopping, dining, golf, nature trails, parks, museums, and a botanical garden
9. Charlotte, NC
- Average List Price: $432,223 ($7,273 above the national average)
- Happiness Boosters: Southern hospitality, shopping, museums, parks, NFL and NBA games and two nearby lakes
10. Fort Wayne, IN
- Average List Price: $287,450
- Happiness Boosters: bird watching, hiking, biking, river cruises, musical performances, and little league baseball games
- Average List Price: $449,900 ($24,050 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: botanical gardens, farmers markets, museums, nature trails, distilleries and NFL games
12. Washington, DC
- Average List Price: $617,000 ($192,050 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: historic sites, trendy restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks, professional sports, and the epicenter of government
13. Charleston, SC
- Average List Price: $698,100 ($273,150 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: food scene, famous cemeteries, art galleries, nearby beaches, water sports and southern beauty
14. San Francisco, CA
- Average List Price: $1,195,000 ($770,050 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: dining, walking, cycling, green spaces, museums, architecture, boutiques and street fairs
15. South Bend, IN
- Average List Price: $197,175
- Happiness Boosters: Notre Dame, the Mishawaka Riverwalk, museums, boat tours, symphony performances and wineries
16. Lexington, KY
- Average List Price: $388,747
- Happiness Boosters: Kentucky Horse Park, bourbon trails, Lexington Opera House, shopping, museums and thriving food scene
17. Pensacola, FL
- Average List Price: $329,150
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, sunset cruises, National Museum of Naval Aviation, botanical gardens, lighthouse tours, kayaking and no state income tax
18. Tampa, FL
- Average List Price: $459,450 ($34,500 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, dolphin watching, fishing, dog parks, museums, professional sports teams and no state income tax
19. Port St. Lucie, FL
- Average List Price: $436,200 ($11,250 above national average)
- Happiness Boosters: golf courses, boating, fishing, hiking, pickleball, Mets spring training, nearby beaches and no state income tax
20. Melbourne, FL
- Average List Price: $410,000
- Happiness Boosters: beaches, river cruises, botanical gardens, art galleries, street festivals, comedy shows and no state income tax
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