This Is the No. 1 Place to Retire in the U.S. for Affordability and Perfect Weather

While Florida remains the most popular retirement destination among Americans, the cost of living, which can exceed $60,000 per year, along with expensive real estate, may deter some seniors. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of living your golden years in a sunny and warm spot.

In 2024, finance website GoBankingRates identified 12 affordable cities with great weather for retirees, after analyzing U.S. cities across various factors, including cost of living, overall livability, average rent, and weather. And while many of the locations are in Florida, a significant number are outside the Sunshine State, including Cary, North Carolina, which has the highest livability score on the list.

“The Southern part of the United States is known for heat and humidity, and Cary is no exception with its extreme seasonal variations and a muggier period usually extending from late May to early October,” GoBankingRates explained. “Don’t worry, though, as the temperature stays in the range of 32°F to 89°F all year long.” It also noted that the town has a livability score of 90 out of 100, and estimates monthly expenses at $3,615. Additionally, 12 percent of its population is over 65, ensuring a healthy retiree community. 

Beyond the weather, AreaVibes also rated the city highly for its amenities, low crime rate, health, housing, schools, and employment, all of which received an A+ score. Those living in the area or from the region gave it a slightly lower, but still respectable B rating. The only category where the city performs poorly is the cost of living, which earned it a D on AreaVibes; however, it was still good enough to place Cary in the top 12 on GoBankingRates’ report. 

Other affordable cities with great weather to make the list outside of Florida include Metairie, Louisiana, with a livability score of 84 out of 100; Perry Hall, Maryland where residents enjoy cooler temperatures; Laughlin, Nevada, which has the lowest estimated monthly cost of living on the list; and Oro Valley, Arizona, where over a third of the popular is aged 65 or older.

See the full list and start plotting your retirement at gobankingrates.com.