These Picture-Perfect Towns Are What Retirement Dreams Are Made Of

Many people dream of retirement in a general kind of way, but haven’t necessarily mapped out where they want to be when their golden days actually arrive. Location plays a big role in everything from affordability to the kind of environment that bests support your retirement lifestyle.

Ultimately, most people want to retire where it’s safe, beautiful, and where there’s access to all the major kinds of amenities that make life meaningful, from outdoor access to good restaurants and much more. In a recent study, GOBankingRates found that The East Coast and the Midwest offer a lot of incredible retirement opportunities for rates you just can’t find as easily on the West Coast.

GoBankingRates drew on data from the Census Bureau, AreaVibes and Neighborhood Scout to identify 30 picture-perfect towns based on the percentage of residents 65 and older, livability, and safety, to help you find the retirement destination of your dreams.

• Percent of the population over 65: 26.19%
• Livability score: 78
• Crime Index: 64

Highland Park, Illinois, is a vibrant city in Lake County. While only a bit more than 26% of its residents are 65 and over, the city has a lot to offer people of all ages, including festivals, golf and a variety of shops and restaurants. The weather is typical for the Midwest — warm in the summer and cold in the winter.

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• Percent of the population over 65: 21.02%
• Livability score: 80  
• Crime Index: 65 

You might not think of suburbs when you think of New York, but that’s what East Meadow is, a suburban area with a population of  38,078, mostly homeowners. It’s full of places to eat and seek entertainment, including parks, bars, and coffee shops.

• Percent of the population over 65: 39.58%
• Livability score: 79  
• Crime Index: 52 

It’s no surprise that almost 40% of the population is over the age of 65, as Bonita Springs is a beautiful beach town for retirees, popular with outdoor lovers and dog lovers. With wonderful year-round weather and access to two nearby airports, it’s a great place to retire.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.85%
• Livability score: 77 
• Crime Index: 71 

Just 18 miles from Boston, the coastal community of Marblehead, population 20,397, has a quaint feel with its historic buildings and narrow streets. The town played a key role in both the American Revolution and Civil War and offers all the best of living near the ocean.

• Percent of the population over 65: 25.38%
• Livability score: 86 
• Crime Index: 52 

Retirees enjoy the great weather and beach access in Palm Valley, not far from the big city of Jacksonville. Residents enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and other activities in this chill town with an extremely high livability score and a population of 20,115.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.17%
• Livability score: 79 
• Crime Index: 70 

Lynbrook is an incorporated village with a population of 20,325 residents in southern Nassau County. Only a mile from Hewlett Bay, people who enjoy getting out on the water can take advantage of its access, as well as enjoy its thriving downtown, with over 150 restaurants, stores, and industrial buildings and its high livability score.

• Percent of the population over 65: 27.20% 
• Livability score: 86
• Crime Index: 52 

Located north of St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor is on the map due to its well-known golfing at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club. Its high livability is likely due to affordable homes and access to such natural beauty and amenities as warm mineral springs, resorts, parks and beaches. Its best weather months are May through July and September and October when temperatures range between 77 and 84 degrees

• Percent of the population over 65: 23.12%
• Livability score: 85 
• Crime Index: 58 

Saratoga, California, a city adjacent to Silicon Valley, may have the highest median home price on this list, but it makes up for that in amenities, such as access to grocery stores, coffee shops and lots of outdoor recreation. Its historic downtown boasts a thriving art scene, and California’s temperate weather makes this a town where retirees can spend much of the year outside.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.23%
• Livability score: 83 
• Crime Index: 64 

Just 15 miles from downtown Chicago, Park Ridge Illinois, population 39,562, has two downtown districts, outstanding public schools and a wide variety of houses for purchase. It’s only six miles from O’Hare airport, and full of recreation, parks, and amenities to make any retirement worthwhile. Situated along the Des Plaines River makes for a lovely setting.

• Percent of the population over 65: 21.98%
• Livability score: 50  
• Crime Index: 90 

This suburb of Cleveland claims to blend ” a bustling business community with small-town charm.” Its neighborhoods include excellent access to shopping, dining, lots of outdoor parks and green space, good schools, “active civic groups” and all the best that suburbs can offer.

• Percent of the population over 65: 26.23%
• Livability score: 87 
• Crime Index: 52 

Bainbridge Island, Washington, is known for its coastal beauty, with small harbors, rocky shoreline and densely forested hills. It also has a marine climate that is comparable to San Francisco, perfect for those who like to spend time outdoors gardening or hiking without getting heat stroke. While the home prices are on the higher end, its quaint views and friendly community make it highly coveted.

• Percent of the population over 65: 28.75%
• Livability score: 86 
• Crime Index: 53  

Palm City, Florida, appeals to seniors with its good weather and beautiful scenery at local beaches and parks, helping to support a healthy, active lifestyle. Retirees can take advantage of golfing, tennis and boating.

• Percent of the population over 65: 36.27%
• Livability score: 88 
• Crime Index: 44 

The coastal city of Dunedin has a surprising Scottish history, as not only is it one of the state’s oldest towns-established in 1852-but it was named by two Scottish merchants. It has a thriving downtown with a lot of historical attractions and references to its history as a citrus-growing region. With a very high livability score and a high population of people over the age of 65, it’s a great area for retirees.

• Percent of the population over 65: 22.43%
• Livability score: 89 
• Crime Index: 54 

You’ll find just about everything you could need in this suburban city, population 34,049: Great restaurants, recreation areas, parks and more. With a high livability score and a low crime index, life is good for retirees in Westlake.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.57%
• Livability score: 74 
• Crime Index: 84 

Glen Cove is a water-lover’s paradise, as it’s surrounded by water on three sides, with more than ten miles of waterfront area to enjoy. This includes three public beaches, two nature preserves, a public golf course and a public park.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.35%
• Livability score: 84 
• Crime Index: 67 

Baldwin is located in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, just seven miles away from downtown Pittsburgh. What attracts many new retirees, aside from its high livability score, is its 1.6 miles of things to do and see along the Monongahela River.

• Percent of the population over 65: 31.67%
• Livability score: 82 
• Crime Index: 62  

Bella Vista, Arkansas, is a family-friendly town in the Ozark Mountains that’s attracting a greater number of retirees. The town borders Missouri to the north and has easy access to the Interstate 49 corridor, where residents can take advantage of shopping, educational facilities, healthcare organizations, and recreational opportunities. According to its town website, the city “boasts a primarily temperate climate, and offers four distinct seasons, an array of wildlife, and beautiful scenery.”

• Percent of the population over 65: 22.95%
• Livability score: 80 
• Crime Index: 74 

Fairhope, Alabama, is full of Gulf Coast charm and scenery, perfect for those who are restored by nature. The town, population 21,825, overlooks Mobile Bay, for gorgeous views and fun activities.

• Percent of the population over 65: 29.33%
• Livability score: 93 
• Crime Index: 47 

The town of Centerville, Ohio, qualifies itself as “warm and cheerful” on its website, and offers retirees a variety of kinds of homes to choose from in tree-lined streets. Nearly 30% of its 24,281 residents are over the age of 65. With incredibly affordable home prices, great access to amenities, and great weather from June through September, there’s a lot to draw retirees to this historic town.

• Percent of the population over 65: 61.01%
• Livability score: 87 
• Crime Index: 36 

A combination of natural beauty and beautiful Italian architecture makes Venice, Florida, a coveted town for retirees. It’s one of the few towns on the list where more than half of its 24,876  residents are over the age of 65. Active seniors will want to take advantage of its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and boating. With affordable homes to boot, Venice is a no-brainer for retirees looking to move to Florida.

• Percent of the population over 65: 23.88%
• Livability score: 94 
• Crime Index: 55 

Located less than nine miles from Pittsburgh, Bethel Park is an affordable suburb with one of the highest livability scores on this list.  Out of its 33,356 residents, nearly 24% are people 65 and older. Retirees will have good access to amenities — ranging from grocery shopping to healthcare — and the average summer temperature in Bethel Park is around 83 degrees.

• Percent of the population over 65: 34.77%
• Livability score: 84   
• Crime Index: 66  

When it comes to good weather, Sebastian, Florida, is a top contender for retirees. Here, the temperature is rarely cold — with lows in the 50s and highs in the 90s. Along with an incredibly affordable median home price, the scenic beauty of the Atlantic Coast makes this one of the most scenic and coveted towns on the list.

• Percent of the population over 65: 21.95%
• Livability score: 86 
• Crime Index: 73 

Eagle, Idaho, in the foothills of Boise, has a decent livability score, offering access to amenities that retirees want and need. Out of the 29,665 total households, almost 22% are occupied by residents 65 and older. Amenities, such as public transit options and parks are plentiful, and the average temperature in the summer is 84 degrees.

• Percent of the population over 65: 67.98%
• Livability score: 77 
• Crime Index: 53 

Sun City Center has more people over age 65 than not-almost 68% of its 26,920 residents, in fact. Because it caters to an active older adult community, there are plenty of stores, restaurants, clubs, interest groups and homes for sale to cater to all retirees’ needs. It’s also relatively close to Tampa and the Gulf of Mexico for those who love coastal life.

• Percent of the population over 65: 50.75%
• Livability score: 85 
• Crime Index: 55  

Estero, Florida, situated along  Florida’s Gulf Coast between Naples and Fort Myers, also caters to retirees. A historically citrus-farming community, now it’s more of a destination town for vacationers, college students and retirees.

Its high livability means good access to most amenities and outdoor opportunities such as Estero’s Mound Key Archaeological State Park. With affordable home prices and temperate weather, Estero is an excellent choice for retirees.

• Percent of the population over 65: 20.89%
• Livability score: 85 
• Crime Index: 55 

Lexington, Massachusetts is just 11 miles northwest of Boston and bordered by eight other major cities, so a great destination for active retirees. It has great amenities like a library, community center, parks, a pool, and much more. With an excellent livability score of 85, more retirees will likely call Lexington home soon.

• Percent of the population over 65: 85.70%
• Livability score: 79 
• Crime Index: 44 

The Villages, Florida was actually designed with retirees in mind. It’s a Florida community where over 85% of its  76,415 residents are over the age of 65. The community caters to active, independent older people with clubhouses, golf courses, tennis and other sports, pools, fitness center, restaurants and so much more. You can see why so many retirees call it home.

• Percent of the population over 65: 33.63%
• Livability score: 83 
• Crime Index: 80 

Huntley, Illinois is a town gradually attracting more retirees. Currently, almost 34% of its  27,314 are over the age of 65. This Northeastern town is bisected by the Union Pacific Railroad northwest and southeast. With a livability score of 80, many retirees are calling it home.

• Percent of the population over 65: 27.15%
• Livability score: 88 
• Crime Index: 77 

Murrysville is a municipality in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles east of Pittsburgh with a population of 20,810. With a high livability score and more than 27% of the population over the age of 65, it’s a great place to retire.

• Percent of the population over 65: 24.22%
• Livability score: 92 
• Crime Index: 80 

Located 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland via I-90, Rocky River, Ohio, offers affordable home prices in a small community with a high livability score. Its proximity to Lake Erie offers opportunities to boat, fish and swim, as well as other recreational opportunities. More than 24% percent of its 21,515 residents are over the age of 65.

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Photo disclaimer: Some photos are for representational purposes only, and may not reflect the exact city or location.

Methodology: GOBankingRates began by using the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey data to identify all places in the U.S. with a total population between 20,000 and 100,000 and where 20% of residents or more are 65 years and older. GOBankingRates then found the crime index score in each place from NeighborhoodScout and eliminated from consideration all towns with a score below 30 (100 is best). For all remaining towns, GOBankingRates found the livability score from AreaVibes, which takes into account a variety of quality of life indicators including amenities, cost of living, school quality and more. All qualifying places were then scored against each other on (1) the percent of their total population 65 years and older, (2) their crime index score, and (3) their livability score. The places highlighted in the final ranking are those cities with the overall best score, taking into account all three criteria.  All data was collected on and is up-to-date as-of June 15th, 2023.