The Southeast leads the nation when it comes to retirement destinations, claiming half of the top metro spots, including four in Florida, according to a recent StorageCafe report. Meanwhile, strong showings in the Northeast are fueled by longevity, safety, and access to high-quality healthcare.
StorageCafe notes that retiree priorities have shifted in recent years, with many Americans over 55 navigating aging without children, reshaping expectations around housing, healthcare and community support. Rising costs have also prompted some retirees to rethink traditional timelines, while a desire for independence drives many to age in place.
Cape Coral–Fort Myers, Florida, tops the list. Nearly one-third of the area’s residents are over 65, with life expectancy at 80.6 years and an average retirement income of $42,000 — well above the national benchmark. Retirees are drawn to the area’s year-round mild weather and more than 400 miles of waterways, offering boating, fishing and abundant outdoor recreation.
The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro ranks second. This region provides seniors with rich cultural amenities, age-friendly housing, and world-class healthcare. While the cost of living is high — with a retirement income averaging $37,000 and a cost-of-living index of 116 — the area remains attractive for retirees who prioritize access to services and urban amenities.
Florida claims the next three spots. Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island takes third, with seniors making up more than 32% of the population, life expectancy at 84 years, and the highest retirement income in the U.S. at $59,000. Fourth is North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton, where nearly one-third of residents are over 65. The market offers excellent air quality and a vibrant coastal lifestyle with beaches and walkable downtowns. Fifth is Port St. Lucie, where 26% of residents are over 65. Life expectancy is 78.9 years, and retirees enjoy sunshine, golf and coastal charm without the premium costs of other Florida hubs.
Sixth is Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh, New York. Here, 15% of residents are over 65, retirement income averages $37,000, and one of the nation’s lowest crime rates provides peace of mind. Exceptional healthcare access — more than 6,600 providers per 10,000 residents — makes this metro ideal for retirees prioritizing medical services.
Durham–Chapel Hill, North Carolina, ranks seventh. Also home to 15% seniors, the metro offers life expectancy of 79 years and a robust healthcare network anchored by Duke, UNC, Rex, WakeMed and a VA medical center.
Eighth is Virginia Beach–Norfolk–Newport News, Virginia–North Carolina, where 14.7% of residents are over 65. The area combines mild coastal weather, strong air quality, and untaxed Social Security benefits, along with a large veteran population.
Madison, Wisconsin, is ninth. Seniors make up 14% of residents, with life expectancy at 80 years. The city offers four distinct seasons, plentiful outdoor recreation, and tax-friendly policies for Social Security and property taxes.
Finally, Boise, Idaho, rounds out the top 10. The metro is the nation’s safest, life expectancy averages 78.8 years, and the mix of outdoor recreation and mountain scenery makes it appealing for retirees seeking a Western lifestyle, despite costs slightly above the national benchmark.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.