Guide to the Best Places to Retire



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Guide to the Best Cities to Retire in 2025

Ideal-Living offers a free comprehensive service that begins with helping you find your ideal lifestyle. Until you know how you want to live, you can’t know where you want to live. We offer a wide array of tools to help you get answers to the questions that are keeping you from moving to your ideal destination. We can help you find the best cities to retire in the US in 2025.

 

There are lots of publications that put out annual lists of the best places to live. We have compiled a list of the cities and towns that are most often cited as the best places to retire. Ideal-LIVING has compiled the top cities frequently featured as the best places to retire in the USA in 2025:.

  • Naples, Florida
  • Asheville, North Carolina
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Milford, Delaware
  • Beaufort, South Carolina
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  • Fort Myers, Florida
  • Williamsburg, Virginia

Explore Communities in Our Top Retirement Locations

Ideal-LIVING provides insights into communities in these top retirement cities and beyond. Compare and contrast these locations based on your preferences and aspirations, making sure they align with your ideal lifestyle.

 

The best place to retire can be influenced by numerous factors - weather, taxes, cost of living, and recreational activities, to name a few. However, it's your dreams and tastes that will ultimately determine your best cities for retirement.

Access Free Resources for Selecting the Best Places to Retire

Take advantage of our free Retirement Guide, Digital Ideal-LIVING Magazine, and e-Newsletter for detailed insights on the best states, towns, and cities for retirees, vacationers, and second-home buyers.

 

Gain crucial information about retirement-friendly cities, states and communities, including:

The Most Tax Friendly States

Tax Benefits for Retirees in Specific States

Best Climates

States with the Lowest Cost of Living

Population & Demographics

How to Get the Most for Your Home

Proximity of Schools, Hospitals, Airports & Entertainment

We can help you answer these and any other questions you may have concerning YOUR best place to retire. Our FREE resources can give you the scoop on this and much, much more. It only takes a quick minute to fill out the short form and get the information you need to decide where you can find your ideal lifestyle.

Sample Communities to Discover

SayeBrook

Myrtle Beach, SC
Homes from the mid $400's

Located just minutes from the beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, SayeBrook offers a coastal lifestyle shaped by thoughtful design, walkable living, and a strong sense of community.

Every detail of SayeBrook has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the way people live, connect, and enjoy the coast. Located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just minutes from the beach, SayeBrook blends timeless Lowcountry architecture with welcoming front porches, tree-lined streets, sidewalks, inviting outdoor spaces, and resort-style amenities.

At the heart of the community is a walkable town center that brings shopping, dining, and wellness-focused destinations together. From everyday conveniences to casual meetups with friends, the town center adds energy and serves as a natural gathering place for the community.
SayeBrook’s amenities are designed to draw residents outdoors and bring people together. The SayeBrook Club features an expansive kitchen, spacious gathering areas, and a screened porch overlooking a resort-style pool and fire pit. Residents also enjoy a dog park, playground, pickleball courts, a half basketball court, and a dedicated space for outdoor community events.

Homes at SayeBrook reflect the same attention to detail found throughout the community. Built by respected regional and national builders, homes feature thoughtful layouts, welcoming front porches, and architectural character inspired by the Lowcountry. A range of floor plans offers flexibility for modern living, whether you’re relocating to the coast, looking for a place that fits your next chapter, or raising a family.

With renowned golf courses and miles of beach just minutes away, SayeBrook offers an elevated coastal lifestyle that feels both relaxed and dynamic. It’s a place where craftsmanship, attention to detail, character, and community come together—creating a neighborhood that feels deeply rooted, welcoming, and unmistakably home.

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Buenaventura

Riviera Pacífica, Panama
Lots starting at USD $242,550 - Homes starting at USD $970,000 - Condos starting at USD $360,000

Buenaventura represents the gold standard for luxury living in Panama, making it an unrivaled destination for both discerning retirees and strategic real estate investors. Located on the stunning Riviera Pacífica, this master-planned community offers a unique blend of coastal elegance, world-class amenities, and a secure, serene environment that caters perfectly to those looking for a high-quality lifestyle or a robust asset.

A Paradise for Retirement

For those planning their retirement, Buenaventura provides a seamless transition into a life of comfort and leisure. The community is designed to be self-sufficient, offering residents everything they need within reach. The architectural essence of the projects, focuses on integrating modern luxury with the natural beauty of the Pacific coast.

In every corner of our charming beach and golf community, an essence of purity shines through. Premier amenities include a state-of-the-art sports center, a prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design, with a second golf course by Robert Trent Jones Jr. currently under development, and a range of relaxing beach clubs for the entire family to enjoy. Cozy, elegant, and designed for comfort, Buenaventura is an invitation to experience refined coastal living from the heart.

World Class Amenities:

  • El Faro, Dunas and Puntarena Beach Club
  • Buenaventura Conservation Center
  • Marina
  • Golf Club
  • Sports Club
  • Las Cuadras Equestrian Club
  • Spa
  • Restaurants
  • 24/7 Medical Attention
  • International School

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Davis Reserve at Citrus Hills

Lecanto, FL
Homes from the $400K

Davis Reserve at Citrus Hills — Florida Living, Elevated
Tucked within the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Davis Reserve is a new boutique 55+ community by the Villages of Citrus Hills, where natural beauty meets modern design and connection comes effortlessly. Thoughtfully planned for those seeking both refinement and relaxation, Davis Reserve invites you to experience life that’s elevated, easy, and inspired.

A Boutique Neighborhood with Character
Davis Reserve was created with an intimate sense of place. Every detail—from the tree-lined streets to the open, light-filled homes—encourages connection, wellness, and comfort. Elegant single-family homes feature modern layouts, stylish finishes, and inviting outdoor living areas that blur the line between home and nature. It’s a setting designed for morning coffee, sunset gatherings, and effortless Florida living.

The Heart of Citrus County
Davis Reserve sits in the very center of Citrus County, just nine miles from the Gulf Coast and minutes from Crystal River and Inverness. Here, small-town charm meets everyday convenience. Explore waterfront restaurants, local shops, and scenic trails—or take a short drive to Tampa, Ocala, or Orlando for big-city access with a Nature Coast pace.

Surrounded by Outdoor Beauty
Citrus County is known for its unspoiled landscapes and endless recreation. Residents can kayak in the springs near Crystal River, bike the Withlacoochee State Trail, or fish the Tsala Apopka Lake Chain in nearby Inverness. The Gulf’s calm waters invite boating, scalloping, or simply soaking in the sunshine—where every day feels like a getaway.

Resort-Style Amenities and Community Spirit
As part of the Villages of Citrus Hills, homeowners enjoy full access to world-class amenities: championship golf, a luxurious spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, and vibrant social clubs. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool, joining a wellness class, or meeting friends for dinner, Davis Reserve offers a lifestyle centered on connection and well-being.

A Place Where Life Opens Up
At Davis Reserve, you’ll find more than a home—you’ll discover a community that celebrates neighbors, and new beginnings. Here, life moves at the perfect pace: bright, friendly, and full of possibility.

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Aria at Silverstone

Scottsdale, AZ
Homes from the $900s

Welcome to Aria at Silverstone, a gated community of new-construction homes in Scottsdale, AZ.

Choose from three luxurious, 2-story townhome floorplans of up to 2,637 sq. ft., 4 beds, 3.5 baths, and 2-car garages. Create a beautiful interior with Looks palettes assembled to evoke a specific atmosphere from three options: Loft, Farmhouse, or Classic.

Amenities include a dog park, shaded area, heated pool, and pool restrooms. Commute easily to shopping, dining, and recreation with Loop 101, State Route 51, and Scottsdale Airport.

Indulge in a new townhome at Aria at Silverstone!

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Get Started

Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top retirement communities, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.

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