15 Best Cities to Retire to in 2022

If you're gearing up for retirement in the next few years, you might be considering a relocation for this new phase. Without a job and other such obligations tying you down to your current location, you may find yourself with significant optionality as to where to go next if you have a solid amount of retirement savings to work with.

Even if you have more measured intentions for your retirement, you might be surprised by just how many locales fit within your budget and preferences. Whether you prefer the beach, the mountains, or somewhere in between, this list of the 15 best cities to retire to in 2022 has something for everyone.

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Boulder is situated just below the Rocky Mountains and only about an hour from the famed Rocky Mountain National Park, and as of the most recent census, the city boasts a population of about 110,000. Whether you love to hike, enjoy the local art scene, or want a central location from which to take easy day trips to popular places like Denver, Breckenridge, or Fort Collins, you'll have no shortage of things to do and see if you make Boulder your home base.

Retiring in Boulder won't come cheap, though. The median sale price of homes in the city over the past year was around $950,000. However, Colorado is extremely favored by many retirees due to how it taxes Social Security income. Retirees aged 65 and older (thanks to changes to Colorado tax law going into effect for 2022) can fully deduct their Social Security income if it was taxed at the federal level.

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With a population of roughly 156,000, the charming city of Charleston gives residents ready access to beautiful downtown and waterfront areas and proximity to gorgeous beaches. Home prices are rising across the country, and Charleston is no exception. The current median home price in Charleston runs around $500,000, up nearly 20% from one year ago.

Among the benefits South Carolina offers retirees are numerous tax advantages, one of the most attractive being that Social Security income is tax-exempt in the state. Plus, if you have income sources in addition to Social Security, you may be able to claim further deductions if you are over 65, including a $10,000 deduction on certain forms of retirement income.

Retirees flock to Florida for many reasons, from its warm climate to the virtually endless list of things to do. And at the top of the list is Florida's tax code, which exempts not just Social Security benefits but all income from state taxes. The median sales price of a Florida home currently sits at around $400,000.

In Jacksonville, the average listing price sits just below that at around $325,000. With a population of approximately 975,000, Jacksonville is the largest city in the state by population. Given the city's robust coffee and jazz scene and area attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, and St. John's Town Center, there's no shortage of outdoor and indoor attractions to enjoy.

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While California might be one of the most expensive places to retire, it offers tax benefits that serve to financially incentivize some to relocate to the Golden State in their retirement years. California is one of numerous states that will not tax your Social Security income. However, you will be required to pay taxes on other types of income, such as pensions.

The cost of living in Santa Barbara will require a hefty retirement fund: The median home price currently hovers around $2 million! But the beautiful town-- with its shops, restaurants, art galleries, gorgeous year-round weather, enticing beaches, and proximity to other stunning locales, like Montecito and Carpinteria -- continues to draw retirees from around the world. And in only a few hours of driving, you can reach jewels on the Southern California coastal strip, like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.

Arizona does tax various forms of retirement income, but not Social Security. Located in Southern Arizona, Tucson has a population of around 550,000 and a dry, arid climate. The average home price in Tucson hovers around $340,000.

From golfing, shopping, and casinos to an abundance of national parks that provide prime spots for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, Tucson and the surrounding areas present wide opportunities for all types of interests.

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Previously named among the country's top 10 places to retire, Ann Arbor has a population of around 120,000, and the average home price skates around $480,000. Ann Arbor could be an incredibly beautiful place to spend your retirement years if a cooler climate and annual average of 43 inches of snowfall don't dissuade you.

There are plenty of things to see and do in and around Ann Arbor -- from world-class museums and great shopping to top-notch kayaking opportunities, courtesy of its proximity to the Huron River. And its location makes the city an ideal spot for day trips to towns like Manchester or Chelsea or the abundance of state parks nearby.

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If pristine white sand, endless blue waters, and a thriving arts and culture scene appeal to you, Naples could be one to add to your list of potential retirement spots. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico on the sunny shores of Southwest Florida, Naples boasts a population of roughly 20,000.

The median home sales price in Naples is $575,000 at the time of this writing. But for individuals seeking alternatives to buying -- and, potentially, to downsize -- the city and surrounding areas boast an abundance of thriving retirement communities.

Naples continues to be a highly popular retirement destination for a host of reasons -- in addition to Floridians' tax benefits -- including its impressive selection of world-class golf courses, fabulous year-round weather, and proximity to other popular destinations, like St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Marco Island.

Kansas City may not offer the warm sandy beaches or glistening blue waters some of the other retirement destinations on this list do. Still, being situated right in the middle of the country, residents can reach most destinations in the nation easily, typically within a few hours of driving or flying. The Sister City of Seville, Spain, offers retirees its own attractions, including a relatively low cost of living compared to the rest of the country and excellent healthcare systems ranked in the top 50 nationwide. And residents are required to pay state tax on their Social Security income only if their adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000.

The Kansas City metro boasts a population of around 2.2 million and encompasses areas in Kansas and Missouri. These range from leafy suburbs like Overland Park on the Kansas side to neighborhoods lined with a mixture of modern-era and 1920s-style homes near the heart of downtown on the famed Country Club Plaza on Missouri's side. Kansas City is known for its abundant jazz scene, art galleries and museums, and sports venues -- not to mention its barbecue.

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With residents 65 and up comprising more than 10% of the population as of the last U.S. Census, Charlotte continues to be a top destination for seniors searching for a favorable climate and relative proximity to the coast (only a few hours' drive from the shores of the Atlantic). Currently, the average home in Charlotte sells for approximately $350,000.

North Carolina is another state that doesn't tax Social Security benefits. The city of Charlotte draws retirees from around the country due to its top-rated healthcare systems, diverse restaurant scene, and beautiful neighborhoods ranging from gorgeous single-family residences to lush retirement communities.

If you've long dreamed of retiring on the shores of New England, few cities can compete with the beauty, location, and history that Portland offers. With a population of around 70,000, Portland is one of the smaller cities on this list, with a lot to offer for any range of interests.

From its famous Arts District and an array of prime fishing spots to its easy access to places like Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Brunswick, you certainly won't run out of things to see and do. Maine also excludes all Social Security income from taxation -- just icing on the cake for the Pine Tree State.

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Another honorable mention in the Sunshine State is Delray Beach, a charming city with a population hovering around 68,000. People retire to Delray Beach for many reasons, not the least of which include its affordable cost of living, beautiful beaches, charming eateries and boutiques, and easy access to destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach.

Despite its proximity to major cities along the state's southeast coast, Delray Beach offers a small-town feel and high-quality lifestyle seniors can enjoy. From its retirement communities to its diverse cultural scene, this lesser-known city is a must on anyone's list of potential retirement spots.

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Provo's incredible scenery, low crime rate, and proximity to both the mountains and the water are just a few reasons retirees move to the city of around 116,000.

Provo is another city where retirement won't come cheap. The median home price hovers around $450,000, and Social Security benefits are subject to state income tax. But the ability to easily maintain an active outdoor lifestyle -- with everything from hiking to skiing to fishing -- continues to draw seniors from around the nation.

South Dakota's natural beauty and incredible tax benefits -- zero state income tax and no tax on Social Security benefits -- definitely make it a stand-out option to consider. Sioux Falls is South Dakota's largest city, with a population of around 200,000.

The average home in Sioux Falls sells for around $300,000, and the city's cost of living is around 8% below the national average. The city also has a top-rated healthcare system and an abundance of attractions -- from hiking and biking trails to beautiful green parks.

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With a population of around 66,000, Idaho Falls is one of the largest cities in the Gem State. Those interested in relocating to Idaho will be glad to know the state assesses zero income tax on Social Security income. However, other types of retirement income are taxable to varying degrees.

Idaho Falls has an abundance to offer retirees, including proximity to Idaho’s famed wine country, beautiful vistas, great hiking opportunities (including at nearby Grand Teton National Park), and a charming downtown packed with a delightful selection of boutiques and restaurants.

The final pick to make it onto our list offers an extremely high standard of living with an array of pristine retirement communities, beautiful weather, access to top-notch healthcare, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and golfing.

Scottsdale is encompassed within the Phoenix metro area and gives residents easy access to places like Sedona, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and Canyon Lake. And if you're thinking of planning a long day or weekend trip, the Grand Canyon is only about a four-hour drive from Scottsdale.

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Gearing up for a financially healthy retirement is about so much more than deciding where you'll spend your senior years. Whatever your financial goals, building a robust retirement stash can give you peace of mind (not to mention choices) for your future.

In addition to building your nest egg and taking full advantage of your employer-sponsored retirement plan, consistently investing in the stock market can help you build a strong portfolio to fund and reach your personal retirement goals.

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