Top 10 Best Places to Retire and Buy a Home in 2027

1. The Villages, Florida

The Villages ranks first because it is the most complete active-adult retirement market in the country, with homes spanning $280,000 patio villas to $700,000+ designer homes. Roughly 150,000 residents access dozens of golf courses, recreation centers, and town squares by golf cart. Florida charges no state income tax, and on-site medical centers with hospital partnerships round out a self-contained package. Steady retiree in-migration keeps resale demand strong.

This suits retirees who want everything in one place and will pay for it, since high monthly amenity and bond fees raise total carrying costs. Against Knoxville below, it delivers far more amenities and a larger community but at a much higher price. It trades coastal access and cooler summers for a complete, warm-weather lifestyle with built-in social structure.

2. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville ranks second as the best-value pick, with comfortable homes starting near $300,000-$400,000 and Tennessee charging no state income tax on wages or retirement income. Property taxes rank among the nation's lowest. The city is a major medical hub anchored by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, with four mild seasons and quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Lower overall living costs stretch retirement savings further than coastal markets.

This fits retirees who prioritize low costs and taxes over a resort-style community, trading the extensive amenities of The Villages for a conventional city. It offers a major medical center and mountain recreation but fewer big-city cultural amenities than larger metros. Against The Villages, it provides a lower entry price and milder summers with less built-in social structure.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale ranks third for retirees seeking dry warmth, golf, and upscale amenities, with homes from $500,000 condos to multimillion-dollar estates. Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax favors retirement income, and the dry desert climate eases arthritis and respiratory issues. World-class golf and spas abound, and Mayo Clinic Arizona provides elite healthcare. Nearby Sun City and Surprise offer lower-cost active-adult alternatives starting near $350,000.

This suits retirees who want a premium Sun Belt lifestyle and can afford it, trading Knoxville's affordability for a drier climate and elite healthcare. Extreme summer heat limits outdoor activity, and Scottsdale proper costs more than other retirement spots. Against Knoxville, it offers a more luxurious environment and better weather for some conditions, but at substantially higher entry cost.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville ranks fourth for mountain scenery and four mild seasons, with homes running $400,000-$800,000. North Carolina's declining flat 4.25% income tax exempts Social Security, preserving retirement income. The Blue Ridge Mountain setting brings cooler summers, vivid fall foliage, and an active arts and brewery scene. Mission Hospital provides strong healthcare, making it a solid choice for active retirees.

This fits retirees who prefer mountains over beaches and a cooler climate than Florida, trading Scottsdale's dry heat for a lush, four-season environment. Home prices have risen faster than regional peers, and mountain terrain can challenge those with limited mobility. Against Scottsdale, it offers more culture and cooler summers but lacks elite healthcare and consistent sunshine.

5. Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota ranks fifth for retirees wanting Gulf beaches and a rich arts scene, with homes from $400,000 condos to multimillion-dollar waterfront properties. Florida's no income tax keeps retirement income intact, and the city offers Siesta Key's top-ranked beach plus opera, ballet, and theater. Sarasota Memorial Hospital anchors strong healthcare, adding to the refined atmosphere. It provides a coastal alternative to inland retirement communities.

This suits retirees who want beach access and culture rather than a master-planned bubble, trading The Villages' comprehensive amenities for independence. Hurricane exposure and rising insurance costs are significant cons, along with hot, humid summers and seasonal traffic. Against Asheville, it offers warmer winters and ocean access but higher storm risk and fewer mountain activities.

6. Boise, Idaho

Boise ranks sixth for safety, outdoor access, and quality of life, with homes running $450,000-$650,000. Idaho's flat 5.695% income tax exempts Social Security, and the city offers four distinct seasons, a walkable downtown, and the Boise River Greenbelt. Easy access to skiing and hiking, plus notably low crime rates for its metro size, are major draws. St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus provide strong healthcare.

This fits active retirees who prize safety and outdoor recreation, trading Sarasota's warm winters for a true four-season climate. Home prices have risen fast with in-migration, and cold, snowy winters may not suit everyone. Against Sarasota, it offers a lower cost of living and more outdoor activities but lacks coastal access and has harsher winters.

7. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville ranks seventh for exceptional Southern value with a vibrant, walkable downtown, where homes start near $350,000-$500,000. South Carolina exempts Social Security and offers a generous retirement-income deduction, boosting affordability. The revitalized Main Street, Falls Park, and dining scene draw retirees wanting walkability without big-city costs. Prisma Health anchors healthcare, with a mild climate near both mountains and beaches.

This suits retirees who want downtown energy and Southern affordability, trading Boise's outdoor recreation for an urban, walkable lifestyle. Summers are hot and humid, and the smaller airport limits direct flights. Against Boise, it offers a lower entry price and milder winters but a less dramatic landscape and fewer outdoor recreation opportunities.

8. Prescott, Arizona

Prescott ranks eighth as a milder alternative to Phoenix and Scottsdale, with homes running $400,000-$650,000. At roughly 5,400 feet elevation, it enjoys four distinct but mild seasons without desert extremes. Arizona's flat 2.5% income tax applies, and the historic downtown, pine forests, and lakes give it a unique character. Yavapai Regional Medical Center provides healthcare for retirees seeking sun without scorching summers.

This fits retirees who want warmth and low taxes without extreme heat, trading Greenville's big-metro amenities for a smaller, nature-focused setting. It offers fewer cultural options, and wildfire risk exists in surrounding forests. Against Greenville, it offers a drier climate and lower taxes but a less walkable downtown and fewer healthcare specialties.

9. Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington ranks ninth for coastal living at a relative bargain, with homes running $400,000-$700,000. Beach-adjacent options near Wrightsville and Carolina Beach are available, and North Carolina exempts Social Security from state tax. The mild coastal climate, historic riverfront downtown, and growing Novant Health presence make it attractive as a milder-priced alternative to Florida's coast while still offering ocean access.

This suits retirees who want the beach at East Coast value rather than Florida prices, trading Prescott's cooler mountain climate for a warmer, coastal setting. Hurricane and coastal-storm exposure are significant risks, along with summer humidity and seasonal crowds. Against Prescott, it offers ocean access and a milder winter but higher storm risk and more humidity.

10. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga ranks tenth with strong affordability and a scenic river-and-mountain setting, where homes start near $300,000-$450,000. Tennessee's no income tax on wages or retirement income, plus low property taxes, keeps costs down. The revitalized riverfront, outdoor recreation on the Tennessee River, and Lookout Mountain give it a distinctive character. Erlanger Health anchors regional care as a smaller, more affordable cousin to Knoxville.

This fits retirees who want affordability, outdoor access, and no income tax, trading Wilmington's coastal lifestyle for a river-and-mountain setting. It has fewer cultural amenities than larger metros, and summers run hot and humid. Against Wilmington, it offers a lower entry price and no hurricane risk but lacks ocean access and has a less temperate summer.

How we ranked these

Each location was scored across six weighted criteria: affordability and home value (25%), tax treatment (20%), healthcare access and quality (20%), climate and lifestyle (15%), community and amenities (10%), and safety and walkability (10%). Pricing and cost data came from Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, Niche, and state tax and cost-of-living sources, anchored to real 2026-2027 median home prices rather than list-price averages or outdated regional estimates.

Subjective preferences, such as proximity to family, personal hobbies, or specific cultural fit, were deliberately left out because they vary too widely across retirees to score objectively. Locations lacking reliable, current data across the six core metrics were also excluded rather than filled in with guesses. The result favors measurable, comparable performance over anecdotal appeal, magazine buzz, or a single glowing review.

Related questions

What are the best places to retire in Nevada?

Nevada has no state income tax, which fully protects pensions, Social Security, and retirement-account withdrawals from state taxation. Las Vegas draws retirees who want entertainment, dining, and year-round amenities, while Reno appeals to those seeking outdoor recreation and lower costs than nearby California. Henderson stands out for master-planned communities, strong safety records, and easy highway access to shopping and healthcare.

What are the best places to retire in Georgia?

Georgia pairs a mild climate with genuinely affordable living and exempts Social Security from state income tax. Savannah offers historic charm, walkable squares, and coastal access without Florida-level hurricane premiums. Athens brings a vibrant college-town energy with cultural events and lower housing costs. The Atlanta suburbs of Alpharetta and Roswell suit retirees who want top-tier hospital systems and shopping close by.

What are the best places to retire in Colorado?

Colorado suits retirees who want an active, outdoor-centered lifestyle despite state income tax on retirement income. Boulder offers a progressive, walkable community with strong healthcare but commands premium home prices. Colorado Springs delivers a noticeably lower cost of living with quick mountain access and a growing medical sector. Fort Collins rounds out the list with a walkable downtown, craft-brewery scene, and mild four-season climate.

What are the best places to retire in Arizona?

Arizona draws retirees with its dry climate, low flat 2.5% income tax, and strong healthcare systems. Scottsdale is the premium choice, pairing upscale amenities and golf with Mayo Clinic Arizona for elite care. Sun City and Surprise offer active-adult communities at a much lower price point, starting near $350,000. Prescott provides a higher-elevation, milder alternative to desert heat with four distinct but gentle seasons.

What are the best places to retire in California?

California offers striking variety, though its high cost of living and state income tax on retirement income are real trade-offs. Palm Springs remains popular for its warm, dry climate, golf courses, and active retiree community. The Central Coast, including San Luis Obispo, delivers scenic beauty and a relaxed pace at a slightly gentler price than the coast further south. Both demand a larger retirement budget than most inland states.

What are the best places to retire in Idaho?

Idaho has become a fast-rising retirement destination thanks to its safety, outdoor access, and overall quality of life. Boise is the main hub, offering a walkable downtown, the Boise River Greenbelt, and short drives to skiing and hiking. Coeur d'Alene draws retirees who want lake living and mountain scenery, while Idaho Falls appeals to those prioritizing a lower cost of living over big-city amenities.

FAQ

What is the best place to retire and buy a home overall?

The Villages, Florida ranks first for retirees who want everything in one location. It combines Florida's no state income tax with complete on-site healthcare, dozens of golf courses, and a golf-cart-accessible lifestyle spanning roughly 150,000 residents. Homes range from $280,000 patio villas to $700,000+ designer models, though high monthly amenity and bond fees add meaningfully to the real carrying cost.

What is the best-value place to retire?

Knoxville, Tennessee takes the top value spot because comfortable homes start near $300,000-$400,000 and Tennessee charges no state income tax on wages or retirement income. Property taxes rank among the lowest in the nation, and the city offers mild four-season weather, quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a major medical hub anchored by UT Medical Center—stretching retirement savings much further than coastal markets.

Which retirement spots have no state income tax?

Among this list, The Villages and Sarasota in Florida plus Knoxville and Chattanooga in Tennessee levy no state income tax at all, meaning pensions, Social Security, and retirement-account withdrawals stay untouched at the state level. That said, property taxes, insurance costs, and local fees still vary widely between them, so a no-income-tax label alone doesn't guarantee the lowest total cost of living.

Which places are best for retirees who dislike extreme heat?

Asheville and Boise both offer four genuinely mild seasons rather than punishing summer heat, with Asheville's Blue Ridge Mountain setting and Boise's river-valley climate keeping summers comfortable. Prescott, Arizona sits at roughly 5,400 feet elevation, giving it noticeably cooler summers than Phoenix or Scottsdale while still delivering Arizona's low flat income tax and abundant sunshine most of the year.

Do these places have good healthcare for retirees?

Yes, healthcare access was weighted at 20% of the ranking. Scottsdale has Mayo Clinic Arizona, Knoxville is anchored by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and The Villages, Sarasota, and Asheville all sit near strong regional hospital systems. Smaller entries like Prescott and Chattanooga still offer solid regional care, though with fewer specialty options than the larger metro-area picks higher on the list.

Are coastal retirement homes a good idea given storms?

Coastal picks like Sarasota, Florida and Wilmington, North Carolina carry real hurricane exposure and rising insurance premiums that should be budgeted carefully before buying. Inland or mountain alternatives such as Asheville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga avoid that storm risk entirely and typically carry lower insurance costs, though they trade away direct beach access—a decision that comes down to how much retirees value the ocean.

What should I look for when choosing a retirement location?

Focus on how your specific retirement-income sources are taxed, healthcare access and quality, and the true total cost of ownership including HOA fees, property taxes, and insurance. Climate fit and walkability matter too, but they're easy to overweight. Visit any finalist in the off-season, run the real tax and cost math for your situation, and confirm the healthcare network before signing anything.

How much does a home cost in The Villages, Florida?

Homes in The Villages span roughly $280,000 for entry-level patio villas up to $700,000 or more for premier designer models with upgraded finishes and larger lots. On top of the mortgage, buyers should budget for monthly amenity fees and bond payments that fund the community's golf courses, recreation centers, and infrastructure—costs that meaningfully raise the true monthly carrying cost beyond the purchase price.

Sources

• https://www.realtor.com/guides/
• https://www.zillow.com/home-values/
• https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/
• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-retire/
• https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire
• https://taxfoundation.org
• https://www.wsj.com/real-estate
• https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/

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