Top 10 Best Places to Retire and Buy a Home

Direct Answer

The Best Overall place to retire and buy a home in 2027 is The Villages, Florida, where homes run from about $280,000 to $700,000+, and where no state income tax, a master-planned active-adult lifestyle, on-site healthcare, and golf-cart-accessible everything make it the most complete retirement market in the country.

The Best Value pick is Knoxville, Tennessee, where comfortable homes start near $300,000–$400,000, with no state income tax on wages, low property taxes, four mild seasons, and easy Smoky Mountain access. This list is for retirees who want an affordable, tax-friendly, healthcare-accessible community, with budgets from a sub-$300,000 home to a $700,000+ resort-style residence.

Every place below uses real 2026–2027 median prices, tax treatment, and cost-of-living data.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each place on what retirees consistently say matters most: cost, taxes, healthcare, climate, and community. We drew on Realtor.com, Zillow, Redfin, Niche, and state tax and cost-of-living data. The weighting:

• Affordability and home value — 25%
• Tax treatment (income, retirement, property) — 20%
• Healthcare access and quality — 20%
• Climate and lifestyle — 15%
• Community and amenities — 10%
• Safety and walkability — 10%

A place that's cheap but lacks hospitals, or beautiful but taxes retirement income heavily, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. The Villages, Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Community | Entry price: $0.28M | Best for: Active retirees who want a complete master-planned lifestyle

The Villages is the largest and most complete active-adult community in the country, home to roughly 150,000 residents. Homes range from $280,000 patio villas to $700,000+ premier designer homes, and the community offers dozens of golf courses, recreation centers, and town squares with nightly entertainment, all reachable by golf cart.

Florida's no state income tax and the development's on-site medical centers and hospital partnerships make it ideal for retirees who want everything in one place. Resale demand is strong given constant retiree in-migration.

Pros:

• No state income tax in Florida
• Complete amenities: golf, recreation, healthcare, entertainment
• Golf-cart-accessible everything across the community
• Strong resale demand from steady retiree migration

Cons:

• High monthly amenity and bond fees add to carrying cost
• Hot, humid summers and hurricane-season exposure

Verdict: The Villages wins as the most complete retirement market — everything an active retiree needs in one tax-friendly community.

2. Knoxville, Tennessee 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.3M | Best for: Retirees who want low cost, low taxes, and mild seasons

Knoxville is the value champion for retirees. Comfortable homes start near $300,000–$400,000, and Tennessee charges no state income tax on wages or retirement income, with property taxes among the lowest in the nation. The city offers a major medical hub (University of Tennessee Medical Center), four mild seasons, and quick access to the Great Smoky Mountains for hiking and scenery.

A lower overall cost of living lets retirement savings stretch far further than in coastal markets.

Pros:

• No state income tax on wages or retirement income
• Homes from $300K with low property taxes
• Major medical center and quality healthcare
• Mild four-season climate and Smoky Mountain access

Cons:

• Fewer big-city cultural amenities than larger metros
• Summer humidity, though milder than Florida

Verdict: Knoxville is the value leader — the best place for retirees who want low taxes, low costs, and mild seasons.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.5M | Best for: Retirees who want dry warmth, golf, and upscale amenities

Scottsdale is a premier Sun Belt retirement spot. Homes range from $500,000 condos and patio homes to multimillion-dollar estates, and Arizona's low flat 2.5% income tax is friendly to retirees. The dry desert climate eases arthritis and respiratory issues, world-class golf and spas abound, and top hospital systems like Mayo Clinic Arizona provide elite healthcare.

Active-adult communities in nearby Sun City and Surprise offer lower-cost alternatives starting near $350,000.

Pros:

• Low flat 2.5% state income tax
• Dry climate easing many health conditions
• World-class golf, spas, and Mayo Clinic healthcare
• Lower-cost Sun City options nearby

Cons:

• Extreme summer heat limits outdoor activity
• Scottsdale proper is pricier than other retirement spots

Verdict: A premium Sun Belt pick — best for retirees who want dry warmth, golf, and top-tier healthcare.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.4M | Best for: Retirees who want mountain scenery and four mild seasons

Asheville draws retirees who want mountains over beaches. Homes run $400,000–$800,000, and North Carolina's declining flat 4.25% income tax exempts Social Security. The Blue Ridge Mountain setting delivers four mild seasons, vibrant arts and brewery culture, and strong healthcare through Mission Hospital.

Cooler summers and beautiful fall foliage make it a favorite for retirees escaping Florida heat while staying in a warm-Southern region overall.

Pros:

• Social Security exempt from state income tax
• Cooler mountain climate with four mild seasons
• Vibrant arts, dining, and brewery culture
• Strong regional healthcare at Mission Hospital

Cons:

• Home prices have risen faster than regional peers
• Mountain terrain can be challenging for limited mobility

Verdict: A top mountain pick — best for retirees who want scenery, culture, and four real seasons.

5. Sarasota, Florida

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.4M | Best for: Retirees who want Gulf beaches, arts, and no income tax

Sarasota pairs Gulf-coast beaches with one of Florida's richest arts scenes. Homes range from $400,000 condos to multimillion-dollar waterfront, and Florida's no income tax keeps retirement income intact. The city offers Siesta Key's top-ranked beach, opera, ballet, and theater, plus strong healthcare via Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

It's a refined alternative to The Villages for retirees who want beach access and culture rather than a master-planned bubble.

Pros:

• No state income tax with Gulf-beach access
• Exceptional arts and cultural scene
• Top-ranked Siesta Key beaches nearby
• Strong healthcare at Sarasota Memorial

Cons:

• Hurricane exposure and rising insurance costs
• Hot, humid summers and seasonal traffic

Verdict: A refined coastal pick — best for retirees who want beaches and culture without a master-planned community.

6. Boise, Idaho

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.45M | Best for: Retirees who want four seasons, safety, and outdoor recreation

Boise has become a top retirement destination for its safety, outdoor access, and quality of life. Homes run $450,000–$650,000, and Idaho's flat 5.695% income tax exempts Social Security. The city offers four distinct seasons, a walkable downtown, the Boise River Greenbelt, and easy access to skiing and hiking.

St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus provide strong healthcare, and crime rates are notably low for a metro of its size.

Pros:

• Four-season climate with abundant outdoor recreation
• Very low crime and high quality of life
• Social Security exempt from state tax
• Walkable downtown and river greenbelt

Cons:

• Home prices have risen fast with in-migration
• Cold, snowy winters may not suit all retirees

Verdict: A four-season pick — best for active retirees who prize safety and outdoor access.

7. Greenville, South Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.35M | Best for: Retirees who want a walkable downtown and Southern value

Greenville offers exceptional Southern value with a vibrant, walkable downtown. Homes start near $350,000–$500,000, and South Carolina exempts Social Security and offers a generous retirement-income deduction. The city's revitalized Main Street, Falls Park, and dining scene draw retirees who want walkability without big-city costs.

Prisma Health anchors healthcare, and the mild climate and proximity to both mountains and beaches add appeal.

Pros:

• Social Security exempt with retirement-income deductions
• Highly walkable, award-winning downtown
• Affordable homes from around $350K
• Mild climate near both mountains and coast

Cons:

• Summers are hot and humid
• Smaller airport limits direct flight options

Verdict: A walkable value pick — best for retirees who want downtown energy and Southern affordability.

8. Prescott, Arizona

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.4M | Best for: Retirees who want mild four-season Arizona without the heat

Prescott offers a milder alternative to Phoenix and Scottsdale. At roughly 5,400 feet elevation, it enjoys four distinct but mild seasons without the desert's extreme heat. Homes run $400,000–$650,000, and Arizona's low flat 2.5% income tax applies.

The historic downtown, pine forests, and lakes give it a different character from the Valley, and it draws retirees who want warmth and sun but cooler summers. Healthcare comes via Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

Pros:

• Mild four-season climate at higher elevation
• Low flat 2.5% state income tax
• Historic downtown and pine-forest setting
• Escapes the extreme Phoenix-area summer heat

Cons:

• Smaller city with fewer big-metro amenities
• Wildfire risk in surrounding forest areas

Verdict: A cooler Arizona pick — best for retirees who want sun and low taxes without scorching summers.

9. Wilmington, North Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.4M | Best for: Retirees who want coastal living at East Coast value

Wilmington delivers coastal living at a relative bargain. Homes run $400,000–$700,000, with beach-adjacent options near Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. North Carolina exempts Social Security, and the mild coastal climate, historic riverfront downtown, and growing Novant Health medical presence make it attractive.

It's a milder-priced alternative to Florida's coast while still offering ocean access and a warm Southern climate.

Pros:

• Coastal access at lower cost than Florida
• Social Security exempt from state tax
• Historic riverfront downtown and nearby beaches
• Mild coastal climate and growing healthcare

Cons:

• Hurricane and coastal-storm exposure
• Summer humidity and seasonal tourist crowds

Verdict: A coastal value pick — best for retirees who want the beach at East Coast value rather than Florida prices.

10. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Type: Market | Entry price: $0.3M | Best for: Retirees who want river-city affordability and no income tax

Chattanooga rounds out the list with strong affordability and a scenic river-and-mountain setting. Homes start near $300,000–$450,000, and Tennessee's no income tax on wages or retirement income plus low property taxes keep costs down. The revitalized riverfront, outdoor recreation on the Tennessee River, and Lookout Mountain give it a distinctive character, and Erlanger Health anchors regional care.

It's a smaller, more affordable cousin to Knoxville with similar tax advantages.

Pros:

• No state income tax on wages or retirement income
• Affordable homes from around $300K
• Scenic river-and-mountain outdoor recreation
• Revitalized, walkable downtown riverfront

Cons:

• Fewer cultural amenities than larger metros
• Hot, humid summers

Verdict: A river-city value pick — best for retirees who want affordability, outdoor access, and no income tax.

Which One Is Right for You?

What to Look For

• Retirement-income tax treatment — Tennessee and Florida have no income tax at all; many states like the Carolinas and Arizona exempt Social Security but tax other income, so confirm how your pension and withdrawals are treated.
• Healthcare access — Proximity to a major hospital or system matters more with age; The Villages, Scottsdale (Mayo), and Knoxville all offer strong care.
• Total cost of ownership — Factor HOA, amenity, and bond fees; The Villages' amenities are excellent but carry meaningful monthly costs.
• Climate fit — Match the climate to your health and preferences; dry Arizona eases some conditions, while four-season Boise or Asheville suits those who dislike constant heat.
• Walkability and mobility — A walkable downtown (Greenville, Chattanooga) or golf-cart access (The Villages) preserves independence as driving gets harder.
• Insurance reality — Coastal Florida and the Carolina coast carry rising premiums; budget the real number before assuming a coastal home is affordable.

What matters less than the hype: chasing a "best places to retire" magazine ranking alone. Visit in the off-season, test the summer heat or winter cold, and confirm the healthcare and tax math fit your situation before buying.

FAQ

What is the best place to retire and buy a home overall? The Villages, Florida ranks first for combining no state income tax, complete on-site amenities and healthcare, and a golf-cart-accessible active-adult lifestyle, with homes from $280,000 to $700,000+.

What is the best-value place to retire? Knoxville, Tennessee offers homes from about $300,000, no state income tax on wages or retirement income, low property taxes, and mild four seasons, making it the top value.

Which retirement spots have no state income tax? The Villages and Sarasota (Florida) and Knoxville and Chattanooga (Tennessee) levy no state income tax, fully protecting retirement income.

Which places are best for retirees who dislike extreme heat? Asheville and Boise offer four mild seasons, while Prescott, Arizona sits at higher elevation for cooler summers than Phoenix.

Do these places have good healthcare for retirees? Yes — Scottsdale has Mayo Clinic Arizona, Knoxville has UT Medical Center, and The Villages, Sarasota, and Asheville all have strong regional hospitals.

Are coastal retirement homes a good idea given storms? Coastal Florida (Sarasota) and the Carolina coast (Wilmington) carry hurricane exposure and rising insurance costs, so budget those carefully — inland or mountain options like Asheville and Knoxville avoid that risk.

Bottom Line

For 2027, The Villages is our Best Overall place to retire — no state income tax, complete amenities and healthcare, and a golf-cart lifestyle across a $280K–$700K+ range. Knoxville is our Best Value, with homes from about $300,000, no income tax, and mild four seasons.

If you want dry warmth, mountain scenery, coastal access, or a walkable downtown, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Scottsdale, Asheville, Sarasota, or Greenville. Buy on tax treatment, healthcare access, and total cost of ownership — not just a magazine ranking — and your retirement home will support the life you want.

Sources

• Realtor.com — retirement and relocation guides
• Zillow — metro home value data
• Redfin — market trends by metro
• Niche — best places to retire rankings
• U.S. News — Best Places to Retire
• Tax Foundation — state retirement-income tax data
• Wall Street Journal — real estate and retirement markets
• Mansion Global — active-adult and resort communities
• AARP — livability and retirement research

*Best places to retire review — retirement location reviews, rating, best places to retire 2027, and a review of where to retire and buy a home for retirees.*