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.
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.
Riverlights
Nestled along the Cape Fear River in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, Riverlights is a vibrant, master-planned community full of small-town charm. The perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops. When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine.
There are plenty of opportunities to walk, run, or ride bikes along miles of trails, kayak in the 38-acre freshwater lake, or roam free in any one of the community’s many parks. Whether enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk and dock, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily. Our Lakehouse clubhouse includes a zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a firepit overlooking the lake. Our brand-new Riverhouse clubhouse features a resort style pool with lap lanes, four pickle ball courts, fitness center, plus gathering spaces with a scenic backdrop.
Riverlights has home options suited to any stage of life – from low-maintenance townhomes to luxury and single family homes – from six quality homebuilders The coastal North Carolina community offers 10+ beautifully decorated model homes open daily for walk-ins allowing home shoppers to get a feel for the lifestyle that awaits in Riverlights.
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.
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. |
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.
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.
Osprey Landing
Welcome to Osprey Landing, a new single-family home community in charming Southport, North Carolina. In one of the most desirable coastal areas, Osprey Landing offers residents a relaxed lifestyle with a blend of seaside living and everyday convenience. Named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, Southport is a historic city abundant with charming streetscapes and coastal beauty. The area offers stunning beaches, marinas, boating, fishing, shopping, exceptional dining, art galleries, golfing, and more! Within the community, Osprey Landing features an outdoor lap-size pool with a water slide, an open-air pool house Cabana, lawn maintenance, and more! Offering multiple home designs and types, single family land and home packages range from the mid $300’s to the high $600’s.
Visit www.billclarkhomes.com to explore your new home options today!
PGA Village Verano
PGA Village Verano by Kolter Homes is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. The central location is in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast and offers easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment in Tradition Village Square, PGA Golf Courses and nearby beaches like Hutchinson Island. From PGA Village Verano you are less than two hours to Orlando and Miami, with even quicker drives to the Palm Beaches and Space Coast.
This neighborhood features thirteen unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 4 Bedrooms and a wide range of personalization options. Kolter Homes’ Built Around You approach provides hundreds of structural and design personalization options to create your ideal home, including flex spaces, second-floor bonus rooms and more.
PGA Village Verano’s clubhouse, Club Talavera, is the centerpiece of the community. Residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities that include South Florida’s largest, private Pickleball Center, featuring 27 courts. The Talavera Fitness Center includes an indoor pool with lap lanes & spa; locker rooms with saunas; cardio studio; full strength training & cardio center; tennis, bocce and basketball courts; and a resort-style outdoor pool with cabanas and sundeck. As the only master-planned, new home community affiliated with the PGA Golf Club, our residents enjoy golf cart access and special privileges to our award-winning neighbor. The Talavera Social Club is the perfect place to gather, and features billiards & card rooms, lounge, library, demonstration kitchen, art studio and ballroom with catering kitchen. A full-time Lifestyle Director keeps the social calendar full of activities and events.
Verano’s new SmartFIT Training Center also offers PGA Village Verano residents a cutting-edge, easy-to-use circuit training system as part of Kolter’s exclusive partnership with global fitness leader EGYM.
Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the sunny Florida lifestyle offered by PGA Village Verano.
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.





















