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
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following retirement communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado
High above the desert floor, overlooking Phoenix, sits K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado. This luxury 55+ active adult community is fortuitously surrounded by the White Tank Mountains and Skyline Regional Park, allowing residents to be immersed in the raw splendor of the American southwest while living in comfort and style.
Each of the five floor plans offered by K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory have a natural flow from indoor to outdoor gathering areas, in addition to high-end finishes and materials used throughout. These spacious layouts include up to three bedrooms and approximately 1,924 to 2,288 square feet of living space.
The community amenities of Victory at Verrado are equally impressive as the homes found within. Luxe pools flanked by lounges and palm trees overlook craggy mountains. All your workout needs are seen to at the 7,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, and you can recover at the full-service spa. Two Championship golf courses designed by Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman will provide hours of enjoyment. And for those oenophiles, the Victory Vineyard hosts wine tastings, guest vintner dinners, wine making classes, and an annual Crush party.
With its stunning scenery and endless amenities, Victory at Verrado is the ultimate in refined, active adult living. K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons matches that standard with beautiful, thoughtfully designed houses, ready to become homes.
Sign up today to receive more information on the new offerings with K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Victory at Verrado, and begin your journey to a better way of life.
Rarity Bay
The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region.
At Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake, you’ll find a variety of real estate options, including homes, rentals, condos, and sites ready for development. The turnkey single-family homes are large, with sweeping views and plenty of space to spread out when guests inevitably come to visit. Pools, courtyards, patios and firepits make the outdoors an extension of your space. For those that make boating an everyday element of life, there are plenty of waterfront lots waiting for your custom-built dream home.
Water skiing, recreational boating, fishing and kayaking are all popular pastimes on Tellico Lake, and Rarity Bay offers over 10 miles of shoreline and a number of community docks for easy access. Golfers will delight in the par-72, 18-hole golf course, designed by DJ DeVictor and Peter Langham. The professionally maintained stables make it easy for equestrians to board their horses and offers lessons for the casual rider looking to take advantage of the 125 miles of riding (and hiking) trails.
Renovated in 2020, the 11,000 square foot Country Club is a social hub with a bistro and full-service bar. Just outside, you’ll find lighted tennis courts, pickleball facilities, and a swimming pool.
Tennessee’s low cost of living, 0.64% effective property tax, and lack of tax on salaries as well as income made on dividends are added bonuses to life in the Volunteer State. The real draw is what’s beyond your front door. So come to Rarity Bay and make the majestic Smoky Mountains and clear waters of Tellico Lake the backdrop for your vacation getaway, second residence or forever home.
Request more information about Rarity Bay.
Savannah Quarters
Savannah Quarters is just minutes from historic Savannah—where beautiful homes and outstanding amenities blend with a vibrant club experience to create a lifestyle unlike any other. Graceful, well-groomed landscaping in a stunning Lowcountry setting provides the perfect backdrop for residents to build their dream home. Choose from a thoughtfully curated selection of single-family homes and paired villas, designed to suit a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
The Savannah Quarters Country Club, managed by Heritage Golf Group, offers an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, fine dining, and warm Southern hospitality. Even more excitement is on the horizon, with upcoming renovations set to expand the racquet sports experience—including the addition of two new Har-Tru tennis courts for a total of six, and four brand-new pickleball courts.
The Village at Savannah Quarters adds even more convenience with upscale shopping, local dining, and a Publix right at your doorstep. Best of all, you’re just a short drive from the culture, history, and charm of downtown Savannah, plus the beaches of Tybee Island and Hilton Head. With easy access to a major airport, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and hotels, Savannah Quarters is a community thoughtfully designed for today’s modern, active lifestyle.
Crossings at Sweetbriar
Retirees and other active adults who want a relaxing lifestyle in a perfect location are discovering Pennsylvania’s Crossings at Sweetbriar.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in creating upscale age-55+ communities like The Crossings at Sweetbriar, residents have a choice of both one- and two-story designs with open floor plans. Customizable options and special features make each residence unique, and the area’s low cost of living and property taxes add to the value of every home.
The Crossings at Sweetbriar residents have their own private community clubhouse for meetings and special events, plus walking and biking trails through more than 20 acres of preserved open space. But Sweetbriar’s most desirable amenity maybe its tranquil location in the rolling farmlands of central Pennsylvania. Historic sites and seasonal farmer’s market make every day trip an adventure. The nearby town of Lebanon features fine and casual dining restaurants, retail stores, antique shops, and cultural centers like the Gretna Theatre. The Iron Valley Golf Course tops the list of local outdoor-recreation venues, while the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon VA Medical Center offer top-rated health care services. Just a short drive to the southwest is the state capital of Harrisburg, the regional center of commerce and culture.
Request more information below to get all the details. The active-adult lifestyle at a great location offered by The Crossings at Sweetbriar may be just what you’re looking for.
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!
Cresswind Charleston
Cresswind Charleston brings the award-winning Cresswind active adult lifestyle to the Charleston area. This gated community is integrated within the thriving community of The Ponds while maintaining its own privacy. Cresswind features a full list of resort-style amenities, all located within a natural, Lowcountry setting.
Residents can take a short walk to the 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, enjoy pickleball and tennis or participate in activities at the event lawn and amphitheater. Additionally, homeowners have the opportunity to enrich their lives with cooking and yoga classes or bocce ball. Residents also can nurture their talent in the art room, play pool, swim in the resort-style pool, fish or kayak – and stay fit and healthy at a well-equipped fitness center.
Cresswind Charleston offers spacious homes featuring a wide range of personalization opportunities, designer choices, uniquely designed with careful attention to details. Single-family, ranch-style homes will include designer features, energy efficiency and designs complementary to active living. Tour nine designer-decorated model homes, open daily.
Aldea Savia – Mexico
Aldea Savia is a thoughtfully designed residential development located in the booming area of Tulum, combining modern amenities with the natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. This community was created with a focus on sustainability, wellness, and a deep respect for Tulum’s natural environment. Positioned near Tulum’s beaches, vibrant downtown, and archaeological sites, Aldea Savia offers residents easy access to some of Tulum’s most sought-after destinations, appealing to both residents and vacation rental clients.
Investing in Aldea Savia means choosing a development that aligns with Tulum’s unique vibe and that benefits from a developer with a proven history of delivering quality projects. Aldea Savia is a solid, long-term investment opportunity for personal use or rental income.
Amenities:
- Residential pool
- Children’s pool
- Recreation area
- Pet park
- Panoramic infinity pool
- Pergola barbecue area
- Coworking space
- Visitor parking
- Bicycle parking
- Two air-conditioned gyms
- Hammock area
- Children’s play area
- Padel court
Via Montejo – Indico
Welcome to Indico Apartments, where modern living meets the charm of historic Merida. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, our apartments offer a perfect blend of contemporary design and convenience. Located in a prime area, Indico Apartments provide easy access to Merida’s cultural treasures, bustling markets, and trendy cafes.
Indulge in a lifestyle of comfort with our thoughtfully designed living spaces that feature sleek finishes and ample natural light. Whether you’re seeking a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two-bedroom residence, each apartment at Indico is crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Our residents enjoy a host of amenities that enhance daily life. Relax by the sparkling pool or unwind in the beautifully landscaped courtyard.
Convenience is key at Indico Apartments. With on-site parking, a dedicated management team, and 24/7 maintenance services, we ensure a hassle-free living experience. Embrace the urban lifestyle without compromising on tranquility.
Discover the allure of Merida from the comfort of Indico Apartments. Your new home awaits, where modern living and historical charm come together seamlessly. Welcome to a life of style and sophistication in the heart of Merida.
Tellico Village
Tellico Village is Eastern Tennessee’s premier active-adult community for retirees and remote workers of any age who want to enjoy the region’s finest collection of resort-style amenities.
Set on 4,800 acres around Tellico Lake in the Great Smoky Mountain foothills, Tellico Village is an outdoor recreation paradise. Three lakeside golf courses host a year-round schedule of league events, plus pro and amateur championships. The Tellico Village Yacht Club, one of three community marinas, offers complete boating services and lakefront dining. Fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and 50+ miles of local hiking trails give residents a choice of healthy activities every day of the week. The 200+ Tellico Village social clubs and volunteer organizations make it easy for neighbors to become friends. At the same time, the on-site Summit Medical Center offers convenient primary care and physical-therapy services.
More than 2,300 buildable lots and waterfront homesites are available at Tellico Village. An impressive roster of 15 local builders offers a fantastic variety of floor plans with customizable options to create the new home of your dreams. There are also a number of existing homes on the market at any given time, plus rentals available for a week to a year while you check out all of the choices.
Located just 31 miles from Knoxville, Tellico Village residents are just a short drive away from the region’s finest night-life venues, cultural events, shopping centers, and top-rated health care facilities.
Request more information below, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the good life at Tellico Village.
Keowee Key
Looking for the perfect lifestyle community for retirement or to raise your family? Keowee Key has more of what you love. Golf, tennis, fitness center, swimming, boating and pickleball are just a few of the amenities this active, gated, lakeside community offers.
Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Salem, SC, and surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Keowee, Keowee Key is a 1,600-acre community carved out of a forest of hardwood and pines. You’ll find a wide variety of home styles and price points available in a natural setting with mild seasons and an abundance of local adventure.
All homes in Keowee Key are custom-built, including lakefront, mountain or golf-course views. For a maintenance-free lifestyle, you’ll find ample condominiums, town homes and cottages. Choose a lakefront home with private dock or use one of 5 community docks with 324 boat slips, pontoon and kayak rentals, and a supply store.
The challenging 18-hole, par 72 George Cobb Golf Course, features four tee boxes to match all skill levels. A clubhouse with award-winning chef, lakeside leisure trail, three swimming pools, and a dog park, contribute to Keowee Key’s country club lifestyle.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head
**Turn the Key to Paradise, Make the Move Today! Why delay the fun? Limited time offers make it easy to start now!**
Your Latitude! You’ve earned a life where every day feels like an escape. Find your paradise at Latitude Margaritaville, the 55-and-better lifestyle where fun and relaxation meet.
Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, this is where life rolls easy, neighbors are friends and the party never ends. Awesome recreation, FINtastic dining and entertainment will make the town center the place to be and just a golf cart ride away. Masterfully crafted new Latitude homes let you hang your hat where your heart is.
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is located on Highway 278, 2.5 miles east of I-95 in the city of Hardeeville, South Carolina – the scenic gateway to world-famous Hilton Head Island. The area is steeped in natural beauty, with an abundance of golf courses, pristine beaches and waterways for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby are the historic cities of Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC filled with museums, cultural arts, shopping and dining.
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.






















