The Best Retirement Communities in the U.S. [2024]

Are you thinking about moving when you retire and wondering what your options are? Consider moving to a community that’s specifically geared toward retirees. Retirement communities are a popular choice for many seniors because they offer residents a little bit of everything. Looking to downsize your space, want to be surrounded by individuals your own age, or need some personal care services? Lots of people choose retirement communities across the country for these reasons — not to mention they can enjoy low-maintenance living, have a busy social life, get delicious dining options, and stay active all in the same area. So if you’re wondering what the best retirement communities are in 2024, here are 10 for you to explore, based on our picks for the best states to retire.

What are those states, you ask? Here are our top choices:

• Florida is a tax-friendly, affordable state to retire in.
• Colorado is a great state to retire in if you want to stay active outdoors.
• Virginia has access to great hospitals with no social security income tax.
• Delaware offers low income taxes and no state or local sales tax.
• Wyoming has a low cost of living and no state income tax.
• Idaho is great for retirees who love the outdoors and no tax on social security income.
• New Hampshire has a low crime rate and a good part of the population is 65+.
• Minnesota offers access to great healthcare facilities and a below-average cost of living.
• Montana gives seniors a high quality of life and no sales tax.
• Pennsylvania has a lower cost of living and lots of outdoor places for you to stay active.

Best Retirement Communities — FAQs

Q: What is the number one retirement community in the U.S.?
A: We actually have a tie for first place: Florida and Pennsylvania are both on our top 10 list for best states to retire, and Willow Valley Communities in Pennsylvania and Freedom Pointe at The Villages in Florida are two of the best retirement communities in America.

Q: What is the best 55+ community?
A: A great option for a 55+ community is Florida’s The Villages. 

Q: Which part of Florida is best for retirement?
A: Which part isn’t excellent for retirees? If we had to choose, we’d say The Villages and the Naples area are some of the best in the state to retire.

Q: Where can I retire on $2,000 a month in the United States?
A: You could retire on $2,000 a month in Pennsylvania or Wyoming, due to their lower cost of living.

10 of the Best Retirement Communities in the U.S.

Retirement communities in the U.S. offer a lot to seniors, and depending on your needs, you can find apartments, townhouses, and condos that are sure to make you feel right at home. Lots of senior living communities have ways for residents to stay active, make friends, feel engaged, and be part of a bigger community. So whether you want to retire near the beach in Florida or Delaware, or you’d prefer the active lifestyle of places like Colorado or Montana, there’s a retirement community on this list for you.

If living right on the ocean has always been a dream of yours, why not retire to the Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay?
(Source: Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay)

2. Florida — Freedom Pointe at The Villages

• Cost of living: 97.9
• Average home value: $409,300
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Access to healthcare: Skilled nursing, memory care, rehab
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Florida
• Local amenities: Dining, golf, group fitness, billiards, arts & crafts, happy hours
• Lifestyle: Active, independent living, assisted living

Freedom Pointe at the Villages in Florida is one of the best retirement communities in America. If you’ve been dreaming of retiring to a warmer weather state, then Florida could be just what you’re looking for. There is no social security income tax and no tax on pension income, which means you’ll have more money to spend on fun and entertainment! And you won’t have to go far to find engaging activities in this active retirement community, as residents have lots of opportunities to keep their minds and bodies fit. Go for a swim in the pool, improve your golf game, spend time learning in the library, or get involved with volunteer work, for instance.

Freedom Pointe at the Villages is also close to museums, cafes, and local places to enjoy a sweet treat, like Mystic Ice Cream Cafe. And the community arranges outings (and takes care of the driving) to a variety of fun spots, like shopping at Towne Square or catching a performance at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.

If you’re looking to stay active in your retirement, then Mackenzie Place in Colorado Springs could be the place for you.
(Source: Mackenzie Place - Colorado Springs via Facebook)

3. Colorado — Mackenzie Place Colorado Springs

• Cost of living: 110.3
• Average home value: $459,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Access to healthcare: Medical centers close by, visiting physician, 24-hour awake staff, daily check-in system, memory care
• Social security tax: Social security tax is 4.4%
• Local amenities: Pool, fitness center, theater, dining options, library, game room
• Lifestyle: Independent living, assisted living

If you’re looking to stay active in your retirement, then Mackenzie Place in Colorado Springs could be the home that’s right for you. Retirees are flocking to Colorado because of all the ways they can get out and enjoy the outdoors. Mackenzie Place offers residents everything right at their fingertips, including a bistro and private dining room, a fitness center and pool, a theater, a library, arts and crafts studio, and a salon and barbershop. And you can choose to have a studio, one-, or two-bedroom living space.

Transportation services are also offered so residents can go out and about and enjoy exploring Colorado Springs by doing things like grabbing breakfast at the Omelette Parlour, walking or biking the Palmer Park Trail, or improving their golf games at the Colorado Springs Country Club. First-class healthcare providers are located close to Mackenzie Place as well, and the facility offers daily check-ins for residents’ safety.

4. Wyoming — Whispering Chase Skye Active Living

• Cost of living: 100.3
• Average home value: $369,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Access to healthcare: In-home caregivers, third-party assisted-living services upon request, nearby medical centers
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Wyoming
• Local amenities: Fitness area, upscale dining options, library
• Lifestyle: Active, independent living

Wyoming is a great state to retire in, and one of the best retirement communities for active adults is Whispering Chase Skye Active Living. Wyoming is full of stunning natural scenery, and when you’re living in Cheyenne, you're just a short drive away from mountains, forests, and parks. Residents of Whispering Chase can easily spend the day in the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens or explore the trails at the Wallis Recreation Area. This active retirement community keeps its residents engaged in all aspects of health and offers lots of opportunities for physical fitness, lifelong learning classes, and even instruction for new hobbies or crafts.

Residents also enjoy suite living, with plenty of common spaces to relax or chat with friends. You won’t have to worry about getting nutritious meals, either, as the facility offers full dining service daily. If you do want to get out and try the local options, though, you can always visit the Dog Haus Biergarten for a bite and a brew or grab some coffee with friends at Dutch Bros. Coffee.

Acts Country House offers country estate-style living surrounded by beautiful hills, woodlands, and waterways.
(Source: Country House - Acts Retirement via Facebook)

5. Delaware — Acts Country House

• Cost of living: 104.1
• Average home value: $310,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Access to healthcare: In-home caregivers, palliative care, dementia care, skilled care, rehabilitation
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Delaware
• Local amenities: Clubhouse, social areas, dining services
• Lifestyle: Assisted living

The Acts Country House in Wilmington, DE, would be a great place to spend your retirement years. This facility offers on-site healthcare access, which means that no matter what your needs are, there’s a nurse practitioner who will be able to assist you. This ensures not only the safety of patients, but it also gives residents peace of mind knowing they’re taken care of. 

The Country House has a lot of other things to offer residents, as well, including country estate-style living surrounded by beautiful hills, woodlands, and waterways. You can explore the gardens or take advantage of fitness classes in the clubhouse.

Residents love that this walkable community is close to both Philadelphia and Baltimore so they can explore big-city dining and entertainment options. But there’s plenty to do closer to home, as well. For instance, you’ll be able to visit the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science or head out on the green at the Wilmington Country Club.

6. Idaho — MorningStar Senior Living

• Cost of living: 93.1
• Average home value: $383,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $800
• Access to healthcare: Onsite therapists, rehab, in-home care, memory care, home healthcare from third-party agencies
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Idaho
• Local amenities: Fitness facilities, full-service dining, suite living, planned activities
• Lifestyle: Independent living, assisted living

Want an affordable place to retire? Then consider retiring to a community like MorningStar Senior Living in Idaho Falls! Here, you’ll find independent- and assisted-living options, as well as memory care. Residents love that the staff works extra hard to ensure that they feel seen and valued and are offered the appropriate care they need. Being a member of this community means you’ll always have something fun and engaging to look forward to, as well. Whether you want to stay active with fitness classes, learn a new skill, or enjoy healthy cuisine, MorningStar makes it easy for seniors to feel involved.

Conveniently located in central Idaho Falls, as a resident you’ll have plenty of local options when it comes to spending a day out. You could visit the Sandcreek Commons Shopping Mall, dine on American cuisine at Culver’s, or enjoy the natural beauty of Idaho at the North Bingham County Park or on the links at the Sand Creek Golf Course.

Friendship Village of Bloomington supports both assisted and active lifestyles.
(Source: Friendship Village of Bloomington via Facebook)

7. Minnesota — Friendship Village of Bloomington

• Cost of living: 107.2
• Average home value: $354,500
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Access to healthcare: Onsite health center, rehab, skilled nursing, memory care
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Minnesota if you make below $78,000 as a single or $100,000 for a couple
• Local amenities: Art studio, salon, putting green, pool, computer lab, auditorium
• Lifestyle: Independent living, assisted living

If you’ve always wanted to retire in a beautiful state that enjoys all four seasons, consider the Friendship Village of Bloomington. Residents can enjoy care here no matter what level they need, as they offer independent- and assisted-living options. And it seems like there’s always something to do or a new way to branch out and meet friends. 

You can pick up a new hobby by joining one of the facility’s social clubs or heading out on a group outing. And whether you want to grow your own plants in the community garden or check out one of the over 25 fitness classes held each week, you’ll be able to here. Want to improve your golf game? There’s even a 9-hole putting green and a golf simulator with access to 40 worldwide courses.

Residents of Friendship Village enjoy a variety of delicious dining options, as well, that includes four places to get meals, drinks, and even upscale cuisine. And seniors living here stay active in the Bloomington community, as the village offers transportation options for outings to places such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Eden Prairie Center.

8. New Hampshire — The Baldwin

• Cost of living: 118.9
• Average home value: $575,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Access to healthcare: Onsite healthcare, onsite hospice, memory care
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in New Hampshire
• Local amenities: Extensive social events, spa and salon, library, fitness center and pool, art studio
• Lifestyle: Active, independent living, assisted living

The Baldwin in Londonderry, a 62+ community, offers residents one- and two-bedroom apartment homes that range from 848 sq ft to over 1,500 sq ft. You’ll have all the modern amenities you’ll need, including full-size appliances, high-end finishes, large bedrooms, and roomy closet space. And residents especially love the tight-knit community that The Baldwin offers. A single monthly fee is all you’ll have to worry about as a resident, and you’ll get to enjoy fantastic dining options, cleaning services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, transportation to shopping or appointments, a library, raised garden beds, and so much more.

Located in the bustling urban center of Londonderry, residents also have plenty to engage in outside of the community. They can visit local spots with friends like the Moonlight Meadery, go shopping, or easily visit Boston or Concord for the weekend.

If retiring to a state where you’ll always have easy access to the outdoors sounds good, then consider looking into The Springs at Bozeman.
(Source: The Springs at Bozeman via Facebook)

9. Montana — The Springs at Bozeman

• Cost of living: 125.7
• Average home value: $755,300
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,275
• Access to healthcare: 24/7 onsite staff, individual care plans, memory care
• Social security tax: Up to 85% of social security income is taxable
• Local amenities: Fitness center and spa, onsite pub and restaurants, walking paths
• Lifestyle: Active, independent living, assisted living

If retiring to a state where you’ll always have easy access to the outdoors sounds good, then consider looking into The Springs at Bozeman. Enjoy lodge-like living in this modern community that offers residents fantastic views and lots of opportunities to enjoy physical exercise outdoors. You can choose from studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans that are pet friendly, have private decks, and feature premium finishes, as well as a full kitchen. And residents live a low-maintenance lifestyle that includes cleaning, dining services, and coin-free laundry.

You can also enjoy access to a number of centralized amenities like fitness classes, therapy services, a pool and day spa, and scheduled transportation to places in Bozeman. Consider getting outdoors and fishing at the Cherry River Fishing access point, get a game of golf in at Bridger Creek Golf Course, or enjoy the trails at the Snowfill Recreation Area, as well.

10. Pennsylvania — Willow Valley Communities

• Cost of living: 99.5
• Average home value: $343,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
• Access to healthcare: 24/7 onsite staff, skilled nursing, memory care
• Social security tax: No social security income tax in Pennsylvania
• Local amenities: 12 dining venues, library, swimming pool, pet friendly, bowling alley, gardening space
• Lifestyle: Active, independent living, assisted living

Consistently ranked as one of the best retirement communities in the U.S. are the Willow Valley Communities, located in Lancaster, PA. Here, you’ll get to decide what type of residence best suits your needs, whether it’s an apartment, one-story villa, two-story townhome, new construction at SouthPointe, or living in the heart of the city in Lancaster at Mosaic. And no matter what space speaks to you, you can rest assured you’re getting the wonderful, quality care that you’d expect from this highly rated retirement community. 

You’re covered with amenities at the onsite Willow Valley Cultural Center, as well. There’s a fitness center and aquatic center offering personalized training and classes to ensure you’re staying fit. And residents can relax in the day spa, catch a show in the theater, or learn to dance in the ballroom. 

More perks? Enjoy the lovely Pennsylvania natural scenery throughout the seasons, whether you want to dine outdoors, explore the trails, or fish in one of the stocked ponds. Have a meal or a snack at one of the 12 dining areas located throughout the campus, or visit nearby Willow Street Family Restaurant or Two Cousins Pizza for a bite to eat and to support local businesses.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Retirement Communities in America

If you’re ready to make the move to one of the best retirement communities in the U.S., consider letting PODS help get you there. They’ll deliver a portable storage container right to your driveway so you can fill it up with your belongings on your schedule. And if you need extra help, they can recommend local movers to help you pack and load the heavy stuff! Once you’re ready to go, a PODS driver will come and pick up the container and drive it to your new retirement home where you can unload it or store it in a secure facility. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.