Find the Best Places to Retire
Determining the best place to retire starts with you and your priorities. There are hundreds of noteworthy destinations in the United States and abroad, so getting started may seem daunting. But with a little help from ideal-LIVING magazine, you can figure out the best location for you.
What Are Your Personal Priorities?
The Necessities
Even if you already have a city or state in mind, it’s important to sit down and decide what it is you’re looking for in retirement. Most people of or near retirement age gravitate toward living in or near a city to take advantage of all its offerings. And that’s a smart move, especially for your health and wellness. Being close to top medical care makes it even easier to live your ideal life with peace of mind. Plus, you’ve got shopping, dining, and entertainment at your disposal—so when you want to venture away from your peaceful retreat and the goings-on of your community, you can.
From a financial perspective, cost of living should be at the top of your list. One of your reasons for moving may be to escape high rates, so consider areas where your dollar will go farther. Also, look into how retirement benefits are taxed, as well as sales tax and real estate costs.
The Wants
Once you’ve checked off financial and medical priorities, it’s time to look into the type of lifestyle you really want. This is where choosing a new home gets really exciting. As you pinpoint your priorities, you’ll be able to narrow your search and more easily select your destination. Think about things like access to water activities or proximity to family and loved ones. If you’re looking for beautiful championship golf courses, add the best retirement golf communities to your list. Maybe you’re looking for a place to settle with like-minded neighbors. Browse some of the best retirement communities for active adults. From resort living to waterfront retirement communities and everything in between, finding a place that can accommodate your new life is part of the journey, and you get to draw the map.
A Good Fit
The atmosphere of the city you choose needs to feel good, too. You can hunt for the best of anything: best tennis communities, best lake communities for retirement, best master planned communities—the list can go on. Different places are filled with an abundance of unique amenities, and you should look into them carefully, choosing areas that can fulfill your interests and hobbies. But location also matters; broaden your research beyond the retirement community’s amenities. Make sure that the surrounding areas will feel like home even when you venture out.
Research and Explore The Best Places to Retire
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Click to explore the following retirement communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Amelia National Golf and Country Club
A Place to Call Home. Amelia National Golf & Country Club, a new home community in Fernandina Beach, FL, provides residents with some of the most sought after amenities. Manned, gated security, 18 holes of immaculate golf from master designer, Tom Fazio, practice facilities, brand new lighted tennis courts, fitness center with spa, and a charming French provincial county club featuring a resort-style pool are just a few of the amenities we offer.
- Manned, Gated Security
- Private Tom Fazio Golf Course
- Low Initiation Fee
- Practice Facilities & Pro Shop
- On Staff Golf Pro
- Use Your Own Golf Cart
- Brand New Lighted Tennis Facility
- On Staff Tennis Pro
- Clubhouse with Full Bar and Dining
- Community Pool with Hot Tub
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center & Spa
- Homes with Golf & Preserve Views
Location, Location, Location
Amelia National’s close proximity to Amelia Island, the Jacksonville International Airport and the beach make it a highly desirable location for those looking for new homes in Fernandina Beach. Some of the finest restaurants, shopping and attractions are just a short drive from your front door. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, the heart of Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Georgia are easily accessible because of Amelia National’s convenient location just a few miles from interstate 95.
Homes that Meet Your Exact Needs
Luxury homes of grace, beauty and magnificent golf course views. ICI Homes has earned its reputation as Florida’s Custom Home Builder by offering in-house architectural services so you can design your new custom home from scratch or from a favorite plan you’ve found. Or if you’d prefer, you can select from our extensive portfolio of award-winning floors plans, all of which can be totally customized to suit.
Because ICI Homes has built thousands of homes, from affordable villas to breathtaking mansions, ICI Homes benefits from a volume purchasing advantage that ensures your home is built with the best quality materials at the greatest value for your money. Building a brand-new, one-of-a-kind home easy and surprisingly affordable, with home/lot packages starting from the $300’s.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay
Step into a lifestyle like no other at K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay, a new 55+ community in Summerville, South Carolina, offering exciting, amenity-rich Lowcountry living at its finest.
Enjoy the ease and relaxation of an active adult community while surrounded by a picturesque, 300-acre lake. Spend your days at the community’s 24,000-square-foot clubhouse with luxurious pools and lighted courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce. The on-site, full-time lifestyle director maintains a full schedule of activities including Zumba classes, yoga sessions, billiards, and more — you’ll never run out of fun things to do.
Our single-family homes offer exceptional comfort and style and feature spacious layouts perfect for entertaining and additional storage, well-appointed kitchens, private offices and covered patios on select floorplans. With up to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,345 sq. ft., you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is perfectly located near downtown Charleston, so a quick drive will take you right to its historic streets, excellent shopping, and thriving restaurant scene. Or, take a quick day trip to one of the area’s five distinct beaches for a relaxing getaway. The community is also located within the award-winning Cane Bay Plantation, which offers shopping, dining, and retail options just a few miles away.
The mild weather of coastal South Carolina, a slower pace of life, lakefront living, nearby soft sandy beaches, friendly people and endless activities at your fingertips make the Charleston area one of the hottest retirement destinations in the United States. Plan your visit to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay today and discover a diverse selection of beautiful brand-new homes, unbeatable community amenities and a vacation atmosphere that’s second to none.
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach
The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach, located in the southernmost area of Coastal North Carolina, is the epitome of beach living with the added convenience and low maintenance of a planned community. Located steps away from local shops and restaurants, you can enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle Sunset Beach is known for. The resort-inspired amenities will make a weekend at home feel like a vacation getaway. Amenities within the community will include a resort-style pool with tanning ledge and lap lanes, coastal clubhouse, fitness center, open air cabana, outdoor fireplace, grilling stations, outdoor lounge area, golf cart parking, and miles of sidewalks & walking paths. The Sanctuary is only minutes from the beach (1.5 miles) and the intracoastal waterway, in close proximity to a variety of restaurants, beach shops, boutiques, the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, bars & pubs, concerts at The Village Park COA Gazebo, golf courses, The Ingram Planetarium, local markets, and public parks. Well-appointed single family home and land package, both pre-designed and build to suit, are offered from the mid $400’s to $800’s. As one of the area’s premier new home communities with a color palette inspired by the sand, sun, salt, and sea, let The Sanctuary at Sunset Beach be your oasis at home!
Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms
Located in Middletown, Delaware, K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Baymont Farms is a resort-style 55+
active lifestyle community featuring low-maintenance single-family homes. With endless amenities just
outside your front door and an ideal location offering plenty of shopping and dining to explore nearby,
you won’t need to go far to find your next adventure.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Baymont Farms features a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse. It’s where you’ll
gather around the grand fireplace of the social lounge and bar area, or enjoy recreation of your choice in
the fitness center, game room, billiard room, card room or aerobics studio. The opportunities to relax,
socialize, and exercise continue outside, where you’ll find an outdoor pool and bar, pickleball courts and
walking trails.
K. Hovnanian Homes has decades of expertise curating exceptional active lifestyles for those 55 and
older. Their other active lifestyle communities in Delaware include K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at
Hatteras Hills in Magnolia, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Scenic Harbor in Lewes, K. Hovnanian’s Four
Seasons at Silver Maple—which was Delaware’s best-selling 55+ community from 2014 until its
completion in 2016.
Contact a Community Specialist to learn more about this amenity-filled community or schedule a tour of
one of the stunning model homes!
On Top of the World Communities
Renowned for its beautifully crafted homes and vibrant, amenity-rich lifestyle, On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida, continues to set the standard for active adult living.
At On Top of the World, every day offers new ways to relax, connect, and stay engaged—whether that means prioritizing wellness, exploring lifelong learning, or enjoying a full calendar of social and recreational opportunities designed to keep both body and mind active.
Spanning more than 13,000 acres, this award-winning, master-planned community has been consistently recognized as one of the best places in the country to live. It appeals to active adults seeking thoughtfully designed homes, resort-style amenities, and a true sense of community. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s renowned horse country and near crystal-clear natural springs, On Top of the World offers the perfect balance of convenience and escape—close to everything, yet refreshingly different.
A glimpse of life at On Top of the World includes:
• Energy-efficient, concrete-block homes built for comfort, durability, and peace of mind
• Multiple neighborhoods offering single-family, maintenance-free, and luxury estate homes, including golf-front and preserve homesites
• Three championship, par-72 golf courses with professional instruction available
• More than 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities dedicated to wellness, recreation, and social connection
• A lively community town square featuring entertainment, fitness, dining, and lifelong learning opportunities
• And so much more to explore, experience, and enjoy
On Top of the World isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
Retire NC
North Carolina has always been recognized for its natural diversity and gracious hospitality, which now has made it into an extremely popular retirement destination. Choices abound for a healthy, happy retirement setting, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors in our mountains or stay busy in a bustling city. The North Carolina Certified Retirement Community designation means a city has completed a comprehensive evaluation process with requirements outlined by the North Carolina General Assembly. These Certified Retirement Communities are recognized for providing the amenities, services and opportunities retirees need to enjoy active and productive lives.
![]() City of ReidsvilleLIVE SIMPLY, THINK BIG isn’t just our tagline, it’s our way of life. We aren’t limited by |
![]() Johnston CountyJohnston County (JoCo) offers you more than you expect in retirement! Discover a blend of history, entertainment, dining, lodging, and outlet shopping, along with a generous helping of true southern hospitality. With a growing culinary and craft beverage scene, as well as revitalized downtowns, you don’t have to travel far from home to find what you are looking for. The unique communities that make up JoCo have one thing in common–a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. |
![]() Rumbling Bald on Lake LureIf you are looking to build or purchase in an exceptional mountain golf community, it’s time to look closer at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. You will find a few choice, undeveloped properties within our community at pleasantly affordable prices along with several spectacular homes in a variety of settings. You can come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and choose the opportunity to live in a remarkable community. |
![]() Person CountyNestled in the northern piedmont of North Carolina, a short commute from the Triangle and southern Virgina, Person County is home to rolling hills, farmers markets, lakes, and trails. With two beautiful wineries, live music venues, historic general stores, and Uptown Roxboro, Person County values its history and community while embracing the new. No matter what you choose, life in Person County is homegrown, just for you. |
Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group
Welcome to Tundidor Wealth and Investment Group, an office of Cetera Financial Advisors. We are a full-service Independent Financial Planning practice focusing on Retirement, Investment Management, Income Spend-Down Strategies, Wealth Management, Tax Planning, and Estate Planning through our open architecture and unbiased approach. We give our clients the familiarity of a large national brand while providing the flexibility and intimacy of a local boutique firm. Our mission is to help clients grow and protect their wealth while having a one-on-one long-term relationship through retirement and the passing of any assets to future generations. We focus on pre-retirees/retirees, high net worth investors, and business owners.
Five Locations!
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630 Freedom Business Center Drive Suite 43 King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 215-375-5984 Fax: (267) 238-3801
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1100 N. Glebe Road Suite 1010 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 215-375-5984 Fax: (267) 238-3801
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61213 Culbreth Drive Suite 450 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: 215-375-5984 Fax: (267) 238-3801
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501 E. Las Olas Blvd Suite 200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: 215-375-5984 Fax: (267) 238-3801
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991 US Highway 22 Suite 200-210 Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Phone: 215-375-5984 Fax: (267) 238-3801 |
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Mirum Elounda Villas – Greece
Mirum Elounda Villas is an exclusive seafront complex of Mediterranean-style ultra-luxury villas set in a stunning boutique development facing the historical Spinalonga Island.
The villas feature open terraces, panoramic windows, landscaped gardens, and private heated swimming pools. Each villa is designed to take maximum advantage of panoramic sea views. The generously proportioned villas (5-6 bedrooms) sit on large plots of at least 4,000 sq m. All come with generous indoor-outdoor spaces that have a contemporary feel and inviting private pools. Each villa also has a gourmet kitchen, but you can request private chef dinners. Furthermore, the complex has direct access to a private beach and jetty.
Sample the Mediterranean lifestyle by renting one of Mirum Elonda Villas. With a seafront location, exclusive access to amenities and service from 5* Hotel, these rental villas provide you with the luxury vacation of a lifetime.
Port Ludlow
For retirees, active adults, and remote workers, Port Ludlow is an inviting resort-style community on the shores of Puget Sound in the state of Washington.
Westharbor Homes is building new Port Ludlow residences to the highest environmental standards with energy-saving appliances. In the Ludlow Cove Cottages and Olympic Terrace II neighborhoods, you’ll find a delightful variety of floor plans, including beachfront single-family homes, waterfront condominiums, and spacious villas with fairway views.
The amenities and activities at Port Ludlow start with play on the community’s 18-hole golf course, a scenic layout along the water and through the maritime forest. The 300-slip marina offers complete boating services and launches for kayaks and paddleboards. In addition, there are two community clubhouses with fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis/pickleball courts. You can also enjoy 30+ miles of walking trails, more than 100 community social clubs, and genuine farm-to-table dining with fresh seafood always on the menu at the Fireside Restaurant.
The nearby towns of Chimacum and Port Townsend feature cafes, bakeries, artisan shops, and grocery markets, plus convenient health care services that include specialty practices. And just a 30-minute ferry ride away is the dynamic city of Seattle, home to some of the nation’s leading hi-tech companies, a thriving cultural arts scene, and major professional sports teams.
When you request more information below, you’ll be on your way to discovering the waterfront lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest at Port Ludlow.
Check out our 360 degree view of Port Ludow by clicking here!
The Landings on Skidaway Island
Welcome to The Landings.
Our vibrant, island lifestyle is made even richer by our proximity to the culture and excitement of Savannah, GA. The best of both worlds? You bet!
All the natural beauty of an island and the modern amenities of a city blended to make one of the most amazing places to live in the entire United States. You’ll always feel connected to the exhilaration of Savannah, while enjoying the privacy and security of having a home inside a gated community – better yet, a gated community on an island!
World-class, resort-style amenities, the feel of a small town and a number of distinct neighborhoods… each detail has been considered in creating a community of incomparable standards. With 40 years of national awards for golf and community excellence, The Landings on Skidaway Island offers a range of real estate opportunities fit for any lifestyle.
Life at The Landings comes with many outdoor opportunities too, including fishing in one of our many lagoons, 30 miles of nature trails, playgrounds, dog parks, not to mention year-round watersports. Set off on an adventure from either of our two full-service, deep-water marinas: Landings Harbor and Delegal Creek Marina. Both offer easy access to the Atlantic, and the Intracoastal Waterway – two ideal locations for enjoying the best maritime experience that the Southeast has to offer.
Here you’ll also find The Landings Club, our private luxury golf club offering 6 Championship golf courses, 4 Clubhouses, 7 Dining options, 31 Har-Tru tennis courts, Pickleball, Bocce, 5 pools, a 50,000 sq ft Wellness Center and much, much more. While you don’t have to join The Landings Club to live in The Landings, becoming a member of The Landings Club takes life at The Landings to a whole new level.
Discover more about The Landings on Skidaway Island by taking advantage of one of our Island Discovery Packages today! Learn more at www.thelandings.com or contact The Landings Welcome Center at 912-598-0500.
Where to Go From Here
You’ve made your list, and now it’s time to find the perfect place to retire. Whether you’re looking for the best retirement communities in FL or elsewhere, we’ll get you pointed in the right direction. Take a look at some of the guides below to help make the decision easier.




















