Life is a dynamic journey and retirement is a well-deserved season within the adventure that many look forward to reaching. Retirement is often viewed through a lens of incredible opportunity with good reason.

For many people, retirement is a phase where their focus can move away from work-life and instead, be put firmly on those hobbies, goals, and personal quests that have been on the back burner for years! It’s a chance to re-establish personal goals and passions and then set out to pursue them in a unique way.

Picking the right place to retire is a top priority for many retirees who are excited to embark on this new phase of life. When considering places to retire, it’s important to factor in the motivation behind the move you’re about to make. Potential places to retire should be exciting destinations for retirees who have worked hard to get to this point.

While some places to retire cater to those looking to relax in warmer locales, other destinations are well-suited to retirees hoping to integrate themselves into strong living communities. Some places to retire come with a focus on proximity to family, while other retirees will decide to look for locations more off-the-grid.

No matter where you eventually land, the places you consider retiring will need to balance quality of life standards with proximity to people you love, while still providing an affordable place to call your own. Whether retirement means relaxation or a new high-energy adventure to enjoy, the place you pick sets the stage for your success.

Fortunately, there is a long list of places in the US that cater to all of these important points and more. The following are 15 of the best places to retire in the US that are worth considering when it’s time to make the move.

Eloy, Arizona

Those looking for places to retire where warm weather takes center stage, but humidity levels remain comfortably low, will find that Eloy, Arizona checks every box on the list! Nestled within the scenic Casa Grande Mountains, Eloy is a destination where it’s easy to find yourself surrounded by natural beauty while simultaneously avoiding living costs generally associated with larger and similarly scenic destinations in this area.

Much to the delight of many retirees, Eloy is home to a population where more than 10% of residents are over the age of 65. This inviting destination is a place to enjoy good company among other retirees and features a nice balance of residential living options and private retirement communities to choose from.

Mesa, Arizona

When hunting for places to retire, many people look for welcoming suburbs that keep them close to large cities. This provides a way of allowing them proximity to the fun without having to deal with the hustle that’s associated with living in a central, urban location.

Mesa, Arizona fits this description perfectly and is an ideal retirement destination for those that value warm-weather climates year-round, options for outdoor fun, and the excitement of nearby Phoenix always within reach. In Mesa, crime rates are low, median home prices linger around $279,000, and you’ll be in good company as the suburb hosts around 509,000 year-round residents.

Sacramento, California

Looking at places to retire can seem overwhelming at first, but once you’ve settled on a region that meets your preferences, the process becomes easier. Those with a passion for West Coast living in retirement will find Sacramento, California to be an inviting place to call home.

Sacramento sits within proximity to San Francisco but enjoys a significantly lower cost of living. Retirees who value an active lifestyle will love that this destination sits within reach of exciting places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and California’s wine country which is sure to add a splash of flavor and adventure to the overall retirement experience!

Orlando, Florida

Florida has long been a prospective retiree’s dream come true. This is in large part thanks to its year-round warm weather patterns and a culture of leisure and fun that’s appealing at any point in life.

When you’re looking for places to retire in the Sunshine State, Orlando should be at the top of the list. Life-long theme park enthusiasts can pair their passion for Disney magic with affordable living costs in a city that has a reputation for great healthcare as well.

Pensacola, Florida

When Florida fits your retirement goals, but you prefer the panhandle to central destinations, Pensacola is a perfect match. Far from the hustle of larger southern cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola comes complete with idyllic white-sand beaches and vibrant living communities accessible at affordable rates.

The annual sunshine totals and proximity to the water are both pleasing to warm-weather enthusiasts. Pensacola’s downtown district is easily walkable when you’re looking to get out and socialize, shop, or make the most of savory area dining.

Sarasota, Florida