America’s 5 Best Retirement Towns for Active Lifestyle

Shot of a senior couple high fiving each other while out for a run together.
gradyreese / Getty Images

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Retiring doesn’t mean you have to slow down. In fact, many retirees notice an increase in activity with more free time to explore and pursue outdoor hobbies.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery to accommodate your active lifestyle, check out these five best retirement towns. 

Boulder, Colorado  

Colorado is a great destination for active retirees due to the abundance of outdoor recreation options. From hiking and biking to skiing and trail walking, active retirees flock to Colorado.

Boulder in particular offers direct access to Rocky Mountain trails and all-season activities. Outside of recreational activities, Boulder has numerous theaters, festivals, volunteer opportunities and more to keep your days engaging and filled with activity. 

Venice, Florida

Florida offers year-round sun and sand. When you aren’t walking along the shoreline, you can hit the golf course, walk around the downtown area or kayak into the sunset. From trails and parks to sport complexes and beaches, it’s no surprise that Venice is a popular city for active retirees.

Whether you want to take a long stroll on a white-sandy beach or push yourself to accomplish a kayak trip around a bay, Venice has it all for active retirees. 

Mesa, Arizona

Arizona has mild winters and an abundance of sunshine, making it an ideal location for retirees looking for year-round outdoor activities, like golfing, hiking and other water sports. In fact, Mesa has over 300 sunny days each year, according to Redfin. With affordable retirement communities, excellent healthcare options and a short commute to big cities, like Phoenix, Mesa may be a contender on your list. 

Today's Top Offers

Boise, Idaho

If you’re looking for a small town feel with big city amenities, consider Boise. Boise has access to the Greenbelt, which contains miles of paved trails for walking and biking right next to the river.

During the winter months, the Bogus Basin is a short commute for skiing and snowboarding. Golf, pickleball, frisbee golf, outdoor concerts, fishing, and hiking are also popular in Boise. As you go through potential destinations for your active retirement lifestyle, don’t rule out Boise. 

San Diego, California

San Diego has a mild, sunny climate year-round, with temperatures around 70 degrees. This makes it the perfect destination for outdoor activities, like golfing, hiking and walking.

When you are looking to relax, San Diego has a variety of beaches for you to enjoy. Vibrant nightlife, rich cultures and endless social engagement are also advantages of setting roots in San Diego. If your ideal retirement includes endless activity options, consider San Diego.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page