Identifying The Best Place to Retire in the United States

Finding the best place to retire in the United States requires careful consideration of several different factors. Some of those factors include the types of retirement services and communities available at various popular retirement destinations, various geographic locations’ yearly climate statistics and averages, and the average annual costs of living.

Additional factors, depending upon who you are, where you come from, and the specific nature of your retirement conditions, may include the following: Issues of immigration and obtaining visas to facilitate permanent retirement or snow-birding; health insurance; and the availability of pensions from other countries. The following article will discuss some of the issues facing retirees seeking the best place to retire in the United States, and argue that Florida is, indeed, that place.


Retirement Services and Communities

Retirees have to consider their living environments differently than other age groups and demographics when looking for the best place to retire in the United States. Regardless of whether or not you wish to live in an environment with like-minded people, such as a retirement home, you will need to ensure that all your specific needs, as a retiree, will be met.

Consider transportation services, the easy accessibility of medical and health services, and easy access to basic living needs, such as the locations of grocery stores, pharmacies and financial institutions to be of utmost importance. In addition, opportunities for social engagement and outings will be important, both as a means of entertainment and of becoming a part of one’s community.

The state of Florida, and particularly popular retirement destinations such as West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and other beach-side communities, offers all of the above-listed factors.

Condominium communities are an ideal option for a retirement dwelling, since they are often secure areas, and it is easy to become acquainted with helpful and caring neighbors.

They may also facilitate transportation and ride sharing through carpooling or weekly community outings.



Retired individuals deserve the utmost in comfort and convenience. Climate has a lot to do with these factors. The best place to retire in the United States will feature a mild year-round climate and plenty of sunshine, facilitating opportunities for year-round outdoor activities and outings, offering the potential for daily doses of healing fresh air, and reducing the chances of cold weather-related injuries such as slipping on icy patches.

Florida is recognized around the world for having some of the most enjoyable winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere.

Because the weather can turn uncomfortably hot during summer months, most retirees choose to spend their summers either abroad or closer to family.


The above-mentioned factors apply to all retired individuals equally, however finding the best place to retire in the United States also requires identifying the factors relating to every personal situation.

Personal situations that will vary depending upon every retired individual or couple include considerations such as annual cost of living and annual pension or retirement savings available, health insurance considerations, and whether you are a US citizen, or someone of another nationality wishing to retire permanently or on a semi-annual basis to a location in the US.

When researching annual cost of living, don’t forget to factor in property taxes and insurance, as well as personal income tax. For instance, Florida, one of the top retirement destinations for both US and non-US citizens due to the fact that it answers to almost all of the above-listed factors for consideration, generally has higher property taxes, but does not have a state income tax or inheritance tax.

For issues such as visa and guidelines for snowbird retirees, consult with an immigration lawyer, or do your own research online at

Clearly, finding the best place to retire in the United States cannot be accomplished without some very pointed research. Nevertheless, the state of Florida has consistently come out on top in all of the above categories.

Considering the above-listed points, and making a detailed budget of your financial resources during the course of your retirement, will help you to make an informed decision, and ensure that your retirement will be long, happy and healthy.


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